Open-air events are back!

Summer season has already started in Japan and this means that summer activities are now available at Kyoto Kagai sim - open-air ozashiki on the Kamo river, beer garden events, gatcha, excursions and many many more are awaiting for you. 

Let's enjoy this summer together!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/40/128/28

Maiko Kikutsuru (light blue), Maiko Kikune (green) and Maiko Kikushino (navy blue)

Applications - Hanafusa Okiya - Open

Hanafusa Okiya welcomes applications this May and June to their education program. You will be provided with realistic classes, expectations, and sisterhood. We value the traditions and art of the Geiko. If you are interested in applying, please ask Kikutsuru ( Miehina resident) for an application.

Hanafusa Okiya is family and traditions

For more information and if you need an application nc, please visit our sim http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/225/180/31

May Kitsuke

After the Kyo odori, that took place in the end of April and the Misedashi of Maiko Kikushino that took place last weekend, Hanafusa okiya is finally returning to its usual schedule. The tortoise shell antique kanzashi have been returned to their boxes and formal kimono have been hidden in the wardrobe until next celebration - what will it be, Misedashi or maybe Erikae?!

Okaasan Geiko Kikuyu

Okaasan of Hanafusa okiya in her May attire

For the last month of Spring, Kikuyu-okaasan decided on pale yellow, should i say, even cream semiformal kimono with hand-painted irises and willow. All this unique ensemble is held with obi, tied in taiko style knot. This obi is quite interesting - the background is made with black and white squares, and upon it there are flowers of asagao or morning glory. This small flower is considered summer time pattern and together with kimono gives a clear message "The spring is soon to end, prepare for summer heat".
The juban is pink and is worn by senior geiko (Kikuyu san has been geiko since 2012 so she is considered senior member of the SL Kagai). Red juban is worn by junior geiko and by any geiko during formal events.
On her feet Okaasan is wearing Senryoo geta.

Senior Maiko Kikutsuru

Atatori of Hanafusa okiya in her May attire

Now lets look at the may kitsuke worn by Atatori(heiress) and most senior maiko in Hanafusa okiya - Kikutsuru san. The background of her hikizuri is some between green and grey, with blue and white irises. This hikizuri reminds me of a pond with wild irises blooming near - this is refreshing effect that this kimono has on a viewer. It is tied with woven obi with butterflies.
Hairstyle - Ofuku - is worn only be senior maiko. It requires different from Junior Maiko kanzashi style - 1 or 3 big flowers, worn on the right side of the front bun. Also the seasonal flowers for Senior maiko may differ from the ones worn by Junior - for example in May Senior Maiko wear Iris or can wear wisteria, while Juniors are restricted to wisteria only. Maiko in Miyagawacho start to use kushi comb right after they become Senior.
In her hand, Kikutsuru san is holding pink kago that fits the hanao silk straps on her high okobo

Senior Maiko Kikumaru

Senior Maiko Kikumaru of Hanafusa okiya in her May kitsuke

After Kikutsuru san comes Senior Maiko Kikumaru, who is wearing yellow hikizuri with motif of irises and a flow. An iris by a running stream evokes the tenth century ‘Tale of Ise’: poet, who travels far, arrives at Yatsuhashi, sees irises in full bloom and is struck by such longing for his wife left in far Kyoto that he writes a verse for her beginning each line with a syllable from the flower’s name ‘ka-ki-tsu-ba-ta’(Japanese word for iris that grows on semi-wet land; ayame - iris that grows on the dry land). It is tied with greed obi that has yellow geometrical pattern. Obiage (cloth at the top of the obi) it tucked into the obi - in Miyagawacho hanamachi all maiko, who become senior do so while in other Hanamachi maiko tie obiage cloth upon their obi right till the time before erikae.

Junior Maiko Kikune

Junior Maiko Kikune wearing her May semiformal outfit

May is also month when kimono with peony motif are worn and you can see one unique piece worn by Maiko Kikune - on the light blue silk there are pink and white peonies and upon them are golden clouds that are usually seen on the byobu screens. Also known as the ‘King of Flowers’, the peony is a symbol of good fortune, bravery and honor.
While looking at her kanzashi you may ask - why is junior Maiko wearing senior flower? In Miyagawacho, when a junior Maiko is not far from becoming Senior, she is allowed to start wearing senior Kanzashi, but with one difference - she cannot use kushi comb but the flower bridge.
In her hand she is holding a custom made kago bag with her professional name embroidered on it.

Junior Maiko Kikushino

Junior Maiko Kikushino in her May attire

The youngest Maiko in Hanafusa okiya, Maiko Kikushino, this month will wear beautiful gradient hikizuri with hand-painted bamboo and wisteria motif. Japanese symbolism for the wisteria is:love, sensuality, support, sensitivity, bliss and tenderness. Wisteria blossom also expresses wish for good luck and even serious devotion - that is why we can see this motif on so many formal kimono.
Obi is worth a look as well - it is very colorful and fits the kimono perfectly.
Her hairstyle is called Wareshinobu, and the monthly kanzashi motif, worn by Maiko Kikushino, is wisteria or fuji.
Kikushino chan has debuted this month (11-13th of May) under the wing of Maiko Kikumaru, she is still very new, and are thankful for all the support that was given by you, dear readers and patrons.

Misedashi. Day 3 "Private Celebration"

Sneak-peak from behind the curtain

Last but not least, on day 3 we continued to receive congratulations and best wishes for the newly debuted Maiko Kikushino. Kikushino san and her oneesan are thankful for all the attention and support.
When evening came, it was time for one more event, one more ozashiki. As this event is private, we will not post pictures from it, just a small photo taken outside from behind the curtain on this special, yet final day of Kikushino chan's misedashi. Let's all together give our "Aspiring Chrysanthemum" a warm welcome into the profession and wish her luck on the artistic path she has chosen.
"Omedetou san dosu Kikushino san!

Your okaasan, oneesan and neesan's wish you prosperity and welcome you to the profession!"

Misedashi. Day 2 "Public celebrations"

Misedashi of Maiko Kikushino

Misedashi. Day 1: Sansan Kudo Ceremony

San san Kudo Ceremony where Maiko Kikumaru and Maiko Kikushino
Are bonded as oneesan(older sister, mentor) and imouto

Misedashi - is the most important events in any maiko's life. From now on, you are seen as official part of the Kagai, no matter if its RL or SL.
And one of the most important events in Misedashi is the ceremony called San san Kudo, which can be translated as "three times three". What is about this ceremony that makes it so special? Well, this is the ceremony or better to say a ritual, similar to the one used in weddings, that is performed to bound a new Maiko (imouto) and her Oneesan (maiko or geiko who will be her mentor, "older sister"). There is also highly respected and honorable person, who performs the ceremony - in Hanafusa okiya it is Okaasan. Like it is during the wedding, the Sake is poured into 3 different cups which represent different yet important aspects. When drinking, you bring the sake cup 2 times to your lips and only by the 3rd sip you can sip. That is how you get three times three! This ceremony is so important that participants wear most formal kuromontsuki (formal hikizuri with 5 crests of the okiya) and most expensive hair ornaments.
Though Sansan kudo ceremony is no public and can not be witnessed, we would like to welcome everyone to public celebrations on the Misedashi (debut) of Maiko Kikushino of Hanafusa okiya that will take place this Saturday 11 am slt at Hanahusa ochaya.

Misedashi of Maiko Kikushino of Hanafusa okiya

It is an honor and pleasure to announce the Misedashi (debut) of Maiko Kikushino of Hanafusa okiya, that will take place this weekend.
To celebrate this special day, on Saturday, May 12th, at 11 am slt Hanahusa ochaya will hold special Misedashi Ozashiki with high class Kyo Kaiseki, served by Hanafusa okiya members dressed in their Best attires. The highlight of the event will be beautiful dance and poem, performed by the newest flower of SL Kagai, who's name means "Your Aspiring Chrysanthemum"
❀ Date: Saturday 12th of May
❀ Time: 11 am slt
❀ Taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/225/180/31

New maiko to debut soon! + accepting orders for congratulation poster

Minarai Kikushino performing her exam before okaasan,
maiko Kikutsuru and maiko Kikumaru

Many months of hard studying and relentless work have finally given its fruit - Minarai Kikushino has passed her maiko exam and will be allowed to debut as Maiko of Hanafusa okiya under Maiko Kikumaru as her oneesan.
Her debut starts this Friday May 11th. and during that weekend you will be able to meet her wearing her special Misedashi costume.

In the event of her debut we are now taking orders for the congratulation posters. If you wish to have one assigned to Kikushino chan with your name I ask that you contact me with a nc including your name and kanji if you wish it to be in kanji.

* Misedashi - formal debut of Maiko, literary means "open for business". New maiko is presented to hanamachi and the society. She wears Kuromontsuki(formal, black, crested kimono) with with matching formal golden obi and with the okiya crest on the bottom. No obijime or obidome. During Misedashi maiko wears wareshinobu hairstyle with distinguishable kanzashi: special hair ornaments of tortoiseshell called chirikan, two ougi bira kanzashi( silver, fan-shaped kanzashi with silver flutters hanging by rings). She will also wear miokuri(bands of metal sticking out from the bottom of the bun).

Kyo Odori 2018

For those who do not know, every Hanamachi (geiko district) in Kyoto has several main annual dance performances - one takes place in spring and one in autumn. Most famous of all is possibly the Miyako odori and Onshukai, performed by Maiko and Geiko from Gion Kobu Hanamachi but I insist that every odori of any hanamachi is worth witnessing.

In SL, Miyagawacho Hanamachi of Kyoto Kagai sim continues the RL tradition by holding two annual public odori (apart from other smaller odori): Kyo odori in April and Mizuekai in October. The creators, writers and designers are members of Hanafusa okiya with Okaasan Kikuyu as director of the odori. To bring this 1.5 hour performance takes several months of preparations and rehearsals - all to provide the audience with the highest level of hospitality. Every move of the fan, every poem, every story - all this comes sincerely from the hearts of the performers and we hope that all our guest get to feel it.

Now, lets look closely at this years Kyo odori (every year the theme and acts change so previous odori and the odori that will come in future years will be different):
Peformers: Geiko Kikuyu (narrator), Atatori Maiko Kikutsuru (performer), Maiko Kikumaru (performer), Maiko Kikune (performer), Minarai Kikushino (performer).

Tea Ceremony, performed at Kyo Odori 2018

Tea ceremony: As part of the Kyo Odori, formal tea ceremony is performed for the guests and patrons. This year it is very special as Maiko Kikutsuru was otemae - the host who performs the tea ceremony. Usually this role is performed by geiko, so does this mean that soon we might have erikae SL Karyukai? Who knows, lets wait and see :) The role of ohikae, assistant at the tea ceremony who helps serve tea and sweets, was performed by Maiko Kikune and Minarai Kikushino, who is possibly soon to debut as Maiko.

Act 1 "Spring in Miyagawacho"

Act 1:

Spring has finally come to Miyagawacho and the maiko are gathering under the cherry blossoms. Their Cherry branches accentuate the ancient sakura. Senior Maiko wear blue hikizuri with peonies and younger maiko and minarai wear yellow hikizuri with irises

Act 2 : "Summer night dance"

Act 2:

Have you ever seen a maiko dance in the summer night? 

Her maiougi is switched to uchiwa, which shows the mon (crest) of her okiya, like a quiet soothing breeze she dances along the river bank, making summer memories

Act 3 and Act 4 "Kabuki"

Act 3 and Act 4: 

Two girls, one from Kyoto 

and the other from Osaka, 

have a dream to see the world, that neither of them has seen before. 

One day the decide, each on their own, to walk for days to see a city new to them...

Act 5 : "Formal"

Act 5 :

With fans of silver and red
our maiko enter the stage
in their most formal outfits
worth more than a house
in today's money
A masterpiece
before your eyes...

Act 6: "Winter"

Act 6: 

Many things in life slowly come and quickly go...

Like watching Sakura turn into winter snow, 

And just as quickly both beauties will fade,

Like Tama ball coral that becomes Tama ball jade...

Act 7: "Miyagawa Ondo"

Act 7 :

Miyagawa ondo, 

the traditional ending 

of the Kyo Odori. Maiko in their bright spring costumes 

welcome Spring in front of the Miyagawacho Kaburenjo 

(theater)

We hope that you have enjoyed our performance as much as we did and we hope to see you next year.

*Note: Due to health issues, Maiko Kikumaru could not take part in Kyo odori (although she was posing for the photoshots for the program). She is soon to return back to performing and is not planning to retire. 

Heian Jingu Reitaisai Hono Buyou

Dear guests and patrons of Kyoto Kagai sim,
On Sunday, 15th of April, Maiko and Minarai san of Hanafusa okiya will be performing on the stage of Yasaka Jinja. This special event is hold to honor Spring and the deities of the Shrine, to thank and ask for blessing.
Please come and enjoy this sacred dance performance at ancient Shrine accompanied with traditional Japanese music.
 ❀ Date:  Sunday 15th of April
 ❀ Time: 11 am slt
 ❀ Taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/126/215/33

Kyo Odori 2018 in Kyoto Kagai sim

Spring is now in full bloom so we would like to invite you and your friends to this years 6th annual Kyo odori. For those who have not been  to any odori but are interested, Kyo odori is a beautiful dance event in Miyagawacho Hanamachi of Kyoto Kagai sim. Every year, in end of April, Maiko and Geiko welcome Spring with their beautiful dances and poems at Miyagawa-chō Kaburen-jō Theatre.
This year, Maiko and Geiko of Hanafusa okiya will be honored to entertain you on Saturday April 28th at 11.30 am slt - 1 pm slt! So that to present our visitors with high quality performance, maiko san and geiko san have already started preparations and practice relentlessly every day.
We have now Bookings available - 2 rooms upstairs - 250 lindens
and reservations if you should wish downstairs(free) so that to be sure you have a place to sit during the odori. For booking please contact Maiko Kikutsuru(Miehina).
Let's welcome the Spring in Miyagawacho Hahamachi Kabuenjo! ( >click for taxi< )

Honoring sucessfull Women in SL

Today okaasan of Hanafusa Okiya - Geiko Kikuyu and Maiko Kikutsuru were choosen as 2 out of 11 Women to be honored in the event of March month and 8th of March being the womens day. Okaasan Kikuyu was honored for creating Hanafusa okiya -  training establishment and boarding house in which you can be educated to be a Geiko and Maiko Kikutsuru (owner of Tsuru's Afrtefacts) - for her building and kimono making skills.

During the ceremony

Our 2018 honorees are:
Bryn Oh
Nuala Marcus
Strawberry Singh
Caryl Meredith
Kikuyu and Kikutsuru
Marianne McCann
Rosie Gray
Sudane Erato
Robin Sojourner Wood
Treacle Darlandes



These women have contributed to various things in SL. from blogging, to charity events and creating and much more. Omedetou san dosu!

March Kitsuke

Geiko Kikuyu

For March okaasan Kikuyu has chosen beautiful light pink geiko hikizuri with white and red plum or ume blossoms hand painted on the silk. This is extremely springtime piece and gives us a feeling of early warm and yet that we still have to wait for spring to get in its fullest.
A nice woven obi with folded fans accompanies her outfit.
After the erikae (turn of the collar), when maiko becomes geiko, hairstyles change - from now on she will wear styled katsura (wig) which is said to be a great relief, as from now on she can sleep on a regular pillow and wash her hair more often than maiko san do. We can see a styled katsura worn by geiko Kikuyu on the picture. Her hair is decorated with small but very stylish accessory called maezashi.

Maiko Kikutsuru

Senior Maiko Kikutsuru is wearing beautiful and very expensive light blue hikizuri, with a very interesting motif on it. If you look closely you might notice that there are seashells that are painted from the inside. These are parts of a game that is called kai-awase or "hell-matching game". A full kai-awase set consists of 360 pairs of clam shells. All are about the same size (some two and a half to three inches across). Each pair of shells has the same image. The sources for these images are poetic, seasonal, literary, etc., and depict everything from flowers to noblemen peeking into a room to items of dance costume. Only the outside of the shell retains its natural look. All shells are placed face down, and players take turns flipping pairs, until they find a matching pair, which they can then claim. Unmatched pairs are turned back over. The winner is the person with the most matching shell pairs when the game is over.
A long darari obi, worn only by maiko, holds the kimono tight and features woven golden motif.
Her hairstyle is called ofuku. It is decorated with seasonal kanzashi piece.

Maiko Kikumaru

In march Kikumaru san will be wearing fabulous pink hikizuri with hand-painted colorful plum blossoms and string knots motifs. The plum flower is one of the first blossoms to open during the year and has always been closely associated with the coming of spring. Unlike the cherry blossom, the plum has a strong sweet fragrance. Since the Heian period, they have been a symbol of refinement and purity, along with a reminder of former lovers.
In march all kimonos that maiko san and geiko san wear are linned (can be worn before summer heat comes).
Her obi is create with golden threads that make a geometrical and flower pattern on lighter background. End of the obi has okiya mon or emblem(as every family in japan, all okiya and yakata in have their own emblems too) which means she comes from this family - Hanafusa okiya.
Her hairstyle is same as Kikuturu san's as they both are senior maikos and is decorated with seasonal daffodil flower kanzashi.

Maiko Kikune

Beautiful Kikune san is wearing extremely colorful green hikizuri with hand-painted flowers and butterflies making her look like a true springtime flower. The butterfly is often used as a symbol for young girls as they spread their wings and emerge into womanhood, and are also believed to symbolise joy and longevity. If a symbol contains two butterflies dancing around each other, it is a symbol of marital happiness.
Her lovely darari obi is golden and holds the kimono tight as well supports the back of the maiko san.
Maiko Kikune's hairstyle is called Wareshinobu and is decorated with colorful seasonal kanzashi. As you can see there is a difference between the senior and junior kanzashi motifs. This month kanzashi for junior maiko, worn by Maiko kikune in the photo, represent the rape blossoms that are in bloom now.

Minarai Kikushino

The youngest and newest member of Hanafusa okiya, Minarai Kikushino, is wearing light blue hikizuri, with green leafs and flower fan motif. Adopted from Chinese culture, the fan has come to signify a high social status and symbolize the journey of life. The small end essentially represents birth and the blades symbolizing the many paths possible in life’s journey. Historically, Japanese people of every age, gender and demographic have carried fans with many of them beautifully painted to tell stories or convey secret messages.
The Obi is green with geometrical motif on it.
As she is really young and "newbie", she does paint only the lower lip and decorates the front of her Wareshinobu hairstyle with "dangling" kanzashi. Every hanamachi has different looks of minarai, but they all do share the main idea - minarai san wear "childish" style of kimono, kanzashi and accessories.

Higashiyama Hanatoro 2018 in Kyoto Kagai

Dear guests and patrons of my blog,

As you may have noticed, Kyoto Kagai hosts many events on which Members of Hanafusa okiya perform before audience. This weekend, annual event took place on the grounds of Yasaka Jinja - Higashiyama Hanatoro. 

"Hanatoro" simply means "the road of flower and light" and is set of illumination events that take place in Higashiyama district of Kyoto in March every year. During this event, the streets of Higashiyama are illuminated with by more than 2400 lanterns that stretch. 

The climax of the event comes when maiko san and geiko san members of the Kyoto Kagai sim step up onto the stage. These performances are accompanied by music and songs of famous jikata geiko.  

This time, audience was given a rare opportunity to meet a new member of the Hanafusao kiya, who has had her minarai debut not so long ago - i am talking about minarai Kikushino. Although she is still a young trainee and "newbie" in the Kagai, her hard work during rehearsals was payed off during Higashiyama Hanatoro when she was allowed to perform near her seniors.

As Kyoto Kagai is now fully taken by the spring, we welcome everyone to take walks and enjoy the short-lasting blooming of the plum and springtime flowers. If you come for the first time, members of the Hanafusa okiya will be more that happy to show you around the sim :)

From left to right: Minarai Kikushino(light blue), Maiko Kikumaru(purple), Maiko Kikutsuru(blue), Maiko Kikune(green)

Hina Matsuri in Hanahusa ochaya

Dear patrons of Kyoto Kagai sim,

Thank you for celebrating Hina Matsuri with us. We look forward to seeing You later this month during annual Higashiyama hanatoro, that will take place on March 10th and let us not forget weekly events such as ozashiki, museum events and story nights.

For those who wanted but couldn't participate, i'll give a small report. The celebrations took place in Hanahusa ochaya in Miyagawacho hanamachi of Kyoto Kagai sim. Guests were welcomed by Maiko of Hanafusa okiya together with magnificent displays of Hina dolls, that belong to okiya. Yes, there were several types and special kokeshi Hina dolls display that are quite rare.

For Minarai Kikushino, it was first Hina Matsuri in their profession so this celebrations was very special.
After the sweets were served and tea was drunk, Maiko Kikumaru entertained the guests with stories and, as we had several guests who came for the first time, explaining the Hina Matsuri and when guests had questions Maiko Kikune helped to answer.
As part of Hina Matsuri celebrations, Maiko san accompanied guests towards the Yasaka Jinja shrine where everyone could take a photo with a favored Maiko san ^_^

After Hina Matsuri maiko san accompanied guests to Yasaka Jinja shrine to pray for good health of girls and women