Miyagawacho museum event: Febr.21, 10.20 - 11.20am slt

21st of February The Miyagawacho Art and Historical museum will be holding a dance event with geisha apprentices from Hanafusa Okiya. After the dance and poem recital you'll have a rare opportunity to ask them questions about their training. This event is a good time for those who would like to become a regular patron in the future or those who are interested in becoming geisha apprentice.
Here's Your riksha: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Nadine/109/134/28

February Kitsuke

Spring is slowly but firmly talking over Miyagawacho Hanamachi. Although there's still some snow the ground, first spring flowers are starting to peak through the icy white cloak. One by one, all of the Plum trees will soon take over the area with their beautiful flowers and magnificent sweet scent.
Geiko Kikuyu, Maiko Kikutsuru, Maiko Kikumaru and Maiko Kikuyumi of Hanafusa okiya are also preparing for new season(deciding who will wear what during this spring and writing new poems and dances for ozashiki). Shikomi Kokoro helps to take care of beautiful springtime Hikizuri and susohiki - she's really a hard worker. okiya is full of life and rush :) Who knows, maybe this spring will bring a new member in the okiya...

Geiko Kikuyu

Okaasan Kikuyu is wearing beautiful and very expensive pink susohiki, with flower motif on it. The flowers are hand painted by the artisan, who has created truly a piece of art!The pinkish color is to remind us that soon, when the Sakura will start to bloom Winter shall pass away finally. Kikuyu san is also wearing a golden obi to match, which is decorated with gently-painted cranes - symbol of longevity and good luck because it was thought to have a life span of a thousand years.
Everything in her, from her clothes to her character expresses freshness and beauty of Springtime

Sr Maiko Kikutsuru

Maiko Kikutsuru is not only the oldest maiko in Hanafusa Okiya and the atatori(heiress) but she's also a magnificent person and oneesan(older sister, mentor) a maiko can wish for.
For February she is wearing fabulous sweet pink hikizuri with hand-painted flower motif. Her obi different from Kikuyu san's - it is longer(over 7 meters!) and is called darari obi. It has gold an silver woven pattern on it. Her hair is decorated with special kanzashi for older maiko - flower of plum tree. Her obijime(small cord on the obi) is holding very expensive obidome(small brooches worn threaded onto the obijime, making a charming decoration on the front of the obi also its the most expensive object in maiko's outfit).

Sr Maiko Kikumaru

For Maiko Kikumaru this spring is first for her as Sr Maiko. Her Mizuge was on January 29th, right after her birthday. Omedetou Kikumaru san!
For February she decided to wear elaborate red silk hikizuri with waves hand-painter - this hikizuri is multi seasonal( it means it can we worn during whole year). Her amazing darari obi is decorated with woven wave pattern.
Her hairstyle is called Ofuku or ‘split peach’ style and is worn after mizuage In the back of the bun the color is changed to match her changing of age. For now she's wearing red meaning she's new sr Maiko. Her hair is decorated with triple plum blossom kanzashi, similar to onew worn by Kikutsuru san.
In her hand she's holding sakura brunches, which represent the coming of spring time.

Jr Maiko Kikuyumi

Jr Maiko Kikuyumi has debuted last year in November, so she still is "new" in the kagai. She has worked as a maiko less than a year so she is painting only her lower lip and is wearing plum blossom kanzashi with shidare(long chains of silk flowers). She looks so young and fresh, truly she's little spring flower.
Little Yumi chan is really lucky - for now she's the only jr Maiko in the okiya so she can choose from a big variety of hikizuri :)
Hikizuri worn by Maiko Kikuyumi has a soft pretty hikizuri with little colorful plum blossoms on it. She's the first maiko to wear this hikizuri, a great honor!
Her Obi is decorated with marvelous woven golden ornaments, that really suits the plum flowers on the hikizuri.

Setsubun 2016 coming soon!

Setsubun is the day preceding risshun that is the first day of spring according to the old Japanese calenda On the day of Setsubun, there is the custom of throwing roasted soybeans while chanting “In with Fortune! Out with Evil” in order to prevent evil ogres from entering one’s house. if you eat the same number of beans as your age you will have a year of good health! Itadakimasu!!

Date: February 5th
Hour: 4am-5amslt AND 9am-10.30am slt

Everyone is welcome, especially those interested in Japanese traditional culture ^^

January Kitsuke

Little snowflakes slowly dancing the sky, fall on maiko san, that are hurrying to their appointments. Although it is middle of winter, there is no time for them to sit in warm okiya - they are to dance, sing and entertain most important guests and patrons. They are to remind through their art that although it is cold and icy winter, soon shall spring come and the winter will become only a memory

Geiko Kikuyu

Geiko Kikuyu is wearing marvelous black susohiki with multi seasonal  motif on it. Her eri(collar) is white, and is the symbol of pureness, femininity and maturity.

Her obi fits well to her hikizuri as it has golden woven geometrical pattern on it.

Her katsura(wig) is decorated with a special hair pin, with un-husked rice ears and a little eyeless white dove. This is very special new year hairpin -  maiko or geiko fill in one eye and ask guest/very special person they like to draw the other for good luck in the coming year^_^

Sr Maiko Kikutsuru

Senior Maiko Kikutsuru's blue hikizuri is to show us that winter is in its peak - her hikizuri has hand painted peony flowers(a winter fower). Peony is the symbol wealth, high honour (nobility) and ageless beauty. They also embody romance and love, and are regarded as the omen of good fortune. Peony is known as the ‘King of the Flowers’.

Her eri is white with woven seasonal pattern BUT it has red gasp on the back. Her darari is woven, with geometrical golden motif on it.

Hairstyle of Maiko Kikutsuru is called Ofuku(special hairstyle that maiko start wearing after they become senior) and is decorated with special January kanzashi.

Sr Maiko Kikumaru

For January Kikumaru san is wearing black hikizuri, made in shibori style(shibori is a Japanese tie-dying technique, using a variety of techniques in different shapes to make different patterns. Shibori technique dates from the 8th century. Amazing!).

Her obi is green with golden sayagata motif. Sayagata is a kind of geometric design with a series of fylfot patterns. The fylfot pattern has taken root as a map symbol which stands for Buddhist temples in Japan. It is a classical pictogram which came from the shape of Hindu God of love Vishnu’s chest hair, and it stands for a good omen and virtue.

Jr Maiko Kikuyumi

Kikuyumi san, the third maiko in Hanafusa okiya, is wearing dark shibori hikizuri, that shows butterflies flying around. Created by a famous kimono artist, this amazing hikizuri looks like a true work of art.

It is hold by the green obi with golden bamboo on it.

As she is still Jr Maiko, her hairstyle is Wareshinobu (easily recognizable due to the two strips of red silk ribbon called kanoko, that has been woven through the mage ("bun"), and visible through the hair on the top and bottom section). 

Her hair is decorated with special January kanzashi that have auspicious Japanese New Year theme - a combination of pine, bamboo and plum blossoms. 

Hanahusa ochaya reopens this Friday!

On this Friday we will be welcoming you back to yet another year with Hanafusa and Festivals in Miyagawacho. Our humble ochaya will once again be reopened and filled with the sounds of the singing Geiko, the silence of the admiration of the Maikos dance and the laughter of everyone as a game is being enjoyed!

Time of arrival: 11.00 am slt
Duration : 60 minutes
Departure: 12.00 pm slt
dress code: Semiformal

Hanafusa okiya is once again reviewing applicants

Have you always dreamed of becoming a Geiko, or dancing as beautiful as a Maiko? Hanafusa Okiya act as a family, train as professionals and have a deep passion for the culture of the flower and willow world. We are now taking in applications we have limited open spaces.

Contact Okaasan ( Kikuyuu resident) for a meeting if you wish to pursue your dream.

Shigyoshiki 2016

Yesterday, a very special event took place in Miyagawacho Hanamachi Kaburenjo. It is Shigyoshiki and it is the most important event in new year. Better to say that its annual traditional opening ceremony in Kyoto Hanamachi, the ceremony that marks the start of another year. Geiko and Maiko gather at their hanamachi theatrers wearing formal black kimono called Kuromontsuki and renew their vows for the new year. This is one of the few occasions when all of them are gathered together and presents a rare photo opportunity!

The First part of the event was the first dance of the year. Maiko and Geiko of Hanafusa okiya danced a special dance with golden fan in their hands. This dance was dedicated to Karyukai and all people that are anyhow connected to Miyagawacho Hanamachi. The second part was vows and first speech of the year by Okaasan Kikuyu

Okaasan Geiko Kikuyu played the main role in Shigyoshiki. Her speech and vow was perfect. She spoke with great dignity of Miyagawacho Geiko and Okaasan. Truly, she's the best example for her daughters and other members of Second Life Karyukai.

Atatori Sr Maiko Kikutsuru entered the kaburenjo right after okaasan Kikuyu. Her kuromontsuki had hand-painted scenery on it and was eye-catching! She was also proud of the achievements of two of her imoutos and that has reflected on her vow.

It was also kind of first Shigyoshiki for 2nd maiko of Hanafusa okiya. Maiko Kikumaru entered the kaburenjo wearing beautiful peacock kuromontsuki, white collar that has red on the back and with her hair styled in Sr maiko hairstyle called Yakko Shimada!This means that Hanafusa okiya from now on has two Senior maiko: Maiko Kikutsuru and her imouto Maiko Kikumaru. Omedetou Kikumaru san!

Maiko Kikuyumi, who had her debut in November, looks so stunning in her kuromontsuki! It was her first Shigyoshiki. She was very nervous before it but when the time came for her to vow she spoke with confidence, like did her oneesan.

Little Kokoro chan, shikomi of Hanafusa okiya, also joined this event. She gracefully welcomed guests and patrons to this important event and showed the reserved seats. It was first time for her to join the event this important and she played her role really well.

After the ceremony, everyone was offered ceremonial sake to drink for new year, new possibilities, new ozashiki and of course prosperity of Miyagawacho Hanamachi and Hanafusa okiya.

Shigeyoshiki 2016 in Miyagawacho Hanamachi

Konnichiwa dear guests and patrons of Miyagawacho Hanamachi. Maiko and Geiko of Hanafusa okiya invite You to take part in one of the most important event in life of our Hanamachi - Shigeyoshiki.

Shigyoshiki is the annual (traditional) opening ceremony in Kyoto that marks the start of another year for Kyoto’s Geiko and Maiko. Geiko and Maiko gather in their local hanamachi wearing formal black kimono and renew their vows for the new year. Following the ceremony, the Maiko and Geiko visit the local tea houses and business establishments to wish the start of an auspicious and prosperous new year

This years participants in Shigyoshiki:

 Geiko Kikuyu, Sr Maiko Kikutsuru, Sr Maiko Kikumaru, Jr Maiko KIkuyumi, Minarai Kikushino and shikomi Kokoro

Here is your invitation:

Here's your taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Nadine/121/126/28

Happy Holidays from Hanafusa Okiya Members

Geiko Kikune

                                                              ╔════.❀.═══════.❀.════════.❀.═══╗ 

        Watashi no namae wa Kikune desu 

╚════.❀.═══════.❀.════════.❀.═══╝ 

     I am Retired Geiko at Hanafusa Okiya of Kyoto Kagai sim

Before I became Kikune, my name was Kokoro. I was born in the town of Kamakura and lived a short distance from the beach where my father sold soba, corn on a stick and cold drinks to tourists.  I often would walk up to the Daibutsu and enter into the great statue by way of descending stairs.  One day as I was looking out of the stomach peep hole of the Daibutsu I saw a geisha praying and leave an offering.  I suddenly realized the meaning of obasans story.  I had spend much of my life inside of a shell afraid and  looking out at the world.  I decided then that I waned to seek an okiya and train to be geisha.  I would embrace simplicity, put others first and desire little. I would become a rare flower floating on the river to be a pleasure to all that met me along my journey. 

I became full fledged Geiko on December 3rd, 2021, on Sunday, March 13th, 2022 I stepped down as an Active Geiko and on May 1st I retired due to health issues.

December Kitsuke

December... first month of winter but last month of the year. It has both sweet and bitter taste. Cold winds with snowflakes fly around the Miyagawacho hanamachi, making everyone hide in their houses or gather at ochaya. December... a finishing touch of year 2015...

Geiko Kikuyu

Geiko Kikuyu is wearing black susohiki with painted auspicious motif, that is worn mostly in the end of Autumn and the beginning of winter. We can also see cranes, that are symbols of long life and prosperity. Also cranes are symbolizing future Winter Celebrations.

Kikuyu-okaasan has decided that golden obi shall suit her magnificent hikizuri, and she was right! The obi decorated with multi-seasonal motifs. It is tied in taiko musubi knot("drum knot" as musubi means knot or tie).

Her katsura(wig) is decorates with small but very stylish hairpin, that is also the mon of Hanafusa okiya

Sr Maiko Kikutsuru

Maiko Kikutsuru, the atatori of Hanafusa okiya, this December is wearing rare and very beautiful hikizuri - it has maple leafs hand-painted on soft blue background. supposedly, it symbolizes that Autumn is now over and cold Winter has begun. 

Her obi is woven, with maioughi pattern. If we look closer, we can see that maioughi are decorated with pine trees(winter tree).

Kikutsuru onesan hairstyle is decorated with special December kanzashi, that feature bamboo leaves and special two maneki(tiny blank tags).

Jr Maiko Kikumaru

Kikumaru san, the second maiko in Hanafusa okiya, is wearing strong purple hikizuri with very winter motif - pine trees covered with snow. Pine tree can also be auspicious motif, due to fact that pine tree is an evergreen and lives for many years. Also this hikizuri is used mostly my Sr Maiko, meaning that Kikumaru san is soon to have her mizuage.

Her eri has auspicious crane motif.

Her obi is woven, decorated with golden threads. Stunning!

As she is still Jr Maiko, her hairstyle is called Wareshinobu and is decorated with special seasonal kanzashi. 

Jr Maiko Kikuyumi

For first month of winter, Maiko Kikuyumi has chosen soft blue hikizuri, that is embroided with many many white snowflakes. 

Her obi is woven and has crane origami pattern. Over time, cranes have also evolved as a favorite subject of the tradition of paper folding – origami. It is said that a thousand folded cranes, one for each year of its life, makes a wish come true.

Maiko Kikuyumi is Jr Maiko, just like her neesan Maiko Kikumaru, her hairstyle is Wareshinobu. Her hair is decorated with special December kazashi, that feature colorful assortment of lucky charms and two two maneki(tiny blank tags), which will be autographed by her 2 favorite Kabuki actors during Kaomise Soken.

* Kaomise soken - During the first week of December maiko visit the Minamiza theater and have the tags of the maneki kanzashi signed by their favourite kabuki actors.

November Kitsuke

Maiko and geiko greet last month of autumn in wonderful mood - new Maiko Kikuyumi, little Hanafusa flower, that has debuted and Maiko Kikumaru, passing her special tea ceremony exam have made the first half of the month. Second half of the month was packed with banquets and  ozashiki. Its a pity that cold wind makes you not want to leave the warm and cozy kotatsu :)

Geiko Kikuyu

Okaasan Kikuyu is wearing a magnificent susohiki with eye-catching design - maple leaves on soft pink background - a very traditional autumn motif. For its creation the best and most expensive silks were used.
Obi is decorated with golden chrysanthemums on orange background. In Japan, the chrysanthemum is a symbol of the Emperor and the Imperial family. In particular, a mon of chrysanthemum blossom design, indicates a link to the Emperor. The chrysanthemum is also considered to be the seasonal flower of October BUT can be used as a specific autumn motif.

Sr Maiko Kikutsuru

For November, Maiko Kikutsuru has chosen beautiful white hikizuri, with falling maple leafs, chrysanthemum flowers painted by famous kimono artist. Textile is exquisite silk and has soft and comfortable touch.

Please notice the eri(collar) - it is white with red part on the back and it shows us that she is senior Maiko.

Her Darari obi (very long sash, worn by maiko - can be 600 centimeters) and has black and yellow geometrical motif on it. The green background of the obi really suits the green maple leaves on the hikizuri and makes the whole ensemble look stunning.

Her hairstyle is Ofuku and is decorated with kanzashi, that represent ginko leaves.

Jr Maiko Kikumaru

Jr Maiko Kikumaru has decided to wear this stunning hikizuri  that has carefully painted chrysantemum flowers, maple leafs and small snow piles on deep red background. 

Her eri is richly embroided with white treads but still we can see the red cloth - it means that she's still Jr Maiko.

Textile is exquisite glossy silk. 

Her obi is green, with yellow clouds painted on it. Clouds represent elegance and high status. In Buddhism, clouds signify the ‘Western Paradise’ beyond earth; and in Shintoism, the spirits of the dead. 

Jr Maiko Kikuyumi

I introduce you, Maiko Kikuyumi of Hanafusa Okiya, who has debuted only some days ago.

Little Yumi chan is wearing soft green hikizuri with autumn flowers and leafs on it. It looks similar to her oneesan's hikizuri, symbolizing that they are sisters. 

Her eri(collar) has crane embroidery on it.

The Darari obi of Kikuyumi chan has crane pattern embroidered on it. Tsuru(crane) - is symbol of longevity and good luck and is always referred to as “the bird of happiness”. 

Her hairstyle is wareshinobu and is decorated with seasonal shidare kanzashi :) Let's all wish her luck on the hard path she has chosen !

First chanoyu(tea ceremony) of Maiko Kikumaru

Not only we had ozashiki yesterday. One very special event also took place on Friday 13th - Maiko Kikumaru performed her first tea ceremony for her okiya okaasan and sisters. This was exam which she passed. This means that soon she will be entering her saninmae rank or, in other words, soon we will have Mizuage celebrations and new Senior Maiko:)

But before let us remember the quote of Okakura Kakuzō: 

“Meanwhile, let us have a sip of tea. The afternoon glow is brightening the bamboos, the fountains are bubbling with delight, the soughing of the pines is heard in our kettle. Let us dream of evanescence and linger in the beautiful foolishness of things.” 

Ozashiki in Hanahusa ochaya

Yesterday, Hanahusa ochaya hold ozashiki in order to celebrate to the end of Autumn. Maiko of Hanafusa okiya skilfully entertained guests and patrons, while 2 little minarai watched and helped with offering refreshments. In the end of ozashiki Maiko Kikutsuru danced a beautiful seasonal dance while Maiko Kikumaru accompanied with Koto( traditional Japanese stringed musical instrument about 180 centimeters length, made from Paulownia wood with 13 strings that are strung over 13 movable bridges along the width of the instrument).  

(All photos were kindly made by our dear guest Isoldel-san)

Photos from Mizuekai 2015

On October 31st Miyagawacho kaburenjo has hosted 3rd annual Mizuekai during which guests could enjoy beautiful dances, poems and kabuki play created by Hanafusa okiya members.
 

Particpants:
Geiko Kikuyu in the role of narrating
Maiko Kikutsuru in the roles of Obaasan and Lead dancer
Maiko Kikumaru in the role of the Priest and Lead dancer
Minarai Kikuyumi in the role as Nobleman and Dancer

Act 1:  Odori no Aki

Act 2: Kabuki - The Fortune teller priest
Act 3: Kabuki - The Fortune teller priest

Act 4: Odori no Momiji - Dragon Boy tale

Act 5: Manzai odori