Dear friends & honored patrons,
Please join the geiko and maiko of Kyoto sim, Miyagawacho Hanamachi, Saturday, Jan 11th, at 9 am SLT, for our annual vows and awards ceremony recognizing the hard work of each of our members. This annual occasion opens up the New Year for the Flower & Willow world, and we would be honored to see you there.
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| Poster by Sakka Flow |
The Goshyuin Project is back, and we're thrilled to announce that Kyoto Kagai is once again participating in this amazing event, represented by Yasaka Jinja—the heart and soul of our beautiful sim! ๐ฏ๐
From December 31, 2024, 05:00 AM SLT to January 15, 2025, 05:00 AM SLT, you have the chance to collect Goshyuin (shrine stamps) and celebrate Hatsumode (the first shrine visit of the New Year) in Second Life
Here’s what you can experience:
๐ Learn about Hatsumode: Discover the beautiful Japanese tradition of visiting shrines at the start of the New Year for blessings and good fortune.
๐ฏ Collect Goshyuin: Visit the shrines of Kyoto Kagai and other breathtaking locations in Second Life to collect unique shrine stamps and explore the rich cultural significance behind each one.
๐ธ Explore Stunning Shrines: Take a virtual tour of the breathtaking shrines throughout Second Life. From Yasaka Jinja, the central shrine of Kyoto Kagai, to hidden gems scattered across the world, there’s so much beauty and tradition to discover.
First TP point: maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Warbunton/217/212/33This is a limited-time event you won’t want to miss, so come celebrate with us and immerse yourself in the timeless traditions of Japan in Second Life! ✨
We look forward to seeing you there and sharing the magic of the new year together! ๐
We’re thrilled to share that two amazing shikomi-san have begun their apprenticeship at Hanafusa Okiya! Plus, there's also a new shikomi-san at Komayaka Okiya!
If you've ever dreamed of becoming a Maiko (apprentice Geisha) and exploring the beauty of traditional Japanese culture in Second Life, now's your chance! ๐บ Come visit Kyoto Kagai Sim and start your own journey today!
Kyoto Kagai sim LM: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/147/160/31
Wishing you all a wonderful and prosperous start to the new year! ๐
As we enter 2025, we want to thank each and every one of you for your ongoing support. Your deep appreciation for Kyoto’s rich traditions and the culture of the Kagai means the world to us.
This new year, we’re excited to continue sharing our passion for Japanese culture with you. From the timeless beauty of the tea ceremony to the grace of the geisha world, we hope to bring you even closer to the heart of Kyoto and the spirit of the Kagai.
May 2025 be filled with peace, happiness, and the joy of discovering new wonders. Thank you for being a part of our community, and for sharing this journey with us.
Wishing you a year of harmony, growth, and inspiration.
With gratitude,
The Members of Hanafusa Okiya
Her Erikae ceremony, marking the transition from Maiko to Geiko, is a significant milestone in her journey. After years of dedication, Kikushino-san has mastered the fine art of dance, music, and etiquette that defines Kyoto’s traditional performing arts.
As a Maiko, Kikushino-san impressed us with her elegance, skill, and grace, always embodying the beauty of Kyoto’s culture. Now, stepping into her new role as a Geiko, she will continue to refine her craft, bringing even more depth and artistry to her performances.
This achievement is not only a personal triumph but a proud moment for Hanafusa Okiya, and the Kyoto arts community. We look forward to seeing all the wonderful things Kikushino-san will bring to the world of Geiko in the years to come.
Let’s all wish Kikushino-san continued success and joy as she begins this exciting new chapter. ๐ธ๐✨
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| Shikomi Amai |
My father, Hiroshi Yamamoto, owns a traditional onsen nestled in the peaceful mountains of Hakone. Growing up, I often watched him maintain the baths meticulously, ensuring every guest experienced relaxation and rejuvenation. My mother, Emiko Yamamoto, was a renowned geiko in Gion before dedicating herself to our family business. Her grace and elegance brought a unique charm to our onsen, and she often performed dances for our guests, captivating them with her skill.
Inspired by my parents' dedication, I pursued my dream of becoming a geiko apprentice. Leaving our small onsen behind, I traveled through Kyoto, visiting many okiya. When I arrived at Hanafusa Okiya, I knew this was where I belonged. Here, I found a place where I could devote my heart and soul, continuing the legacy of grace and beauty instilled in me by my parents.
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| Shikomi Shion of Hanafusa okiya |
︵‿︵‿︵‿︵（๐ชป）‿︵‿︵‿︵‿
Watashi no namae wa Shion desu.
My name is Shion.
︵‿︵‿︵‿︵（๐ชป）‿︵‿︵‿︵‿
Born in Kobe, Shion was involved in the performing arts from a young age - and she hated it.
Her mother was vicariously living her dreams of becoming a idol sensation through her daughter, signing Shion up as a children’s idol. She was a very shy girl at that age, and developed a habit of never listening to music unless she had to.
This habit was broken during a family holiday to Kyoto. Passing through a department store, she saw a crowd huddled around an empty stage. Something compelled her to wander away from her parents and take a look.
As the geimaiko arrived on stage and began, Shion found herself enraptured. This performance was not loud, boisterous and fake - each move was perfected down to the minutiae, and the music progression was simple yet played with talent and grace. The performer’s faรงade was focused on expressing a story to the audience, although it was too complicated for little Shion to fully understand.
She knew this was what she wanted to do.
The Gion Kouta Festival is a beloved event that honors the iconic Gion Kouta song, a symbol of Gion's rich cultural heritage. During the festival, Maiko and Geiko place flowers in front of the Gion Kouta monument to pay tribute to this song, which holds great significance for both the district and its performers.
This year, Maiko Kikuyae and Maiko Kikushino took part in the celebration, accompanied by two Shikomi-san from Hanafusa Okiya. Maiko Kikushino wore a formal 5-crest kuromontsuki kimono and had her hair styled in the sakkou fashion, signaling that she is nearing her Geiko debut—a milestone that will soon be celebrated.
Following the ceremony, an Ozashiki was held at Ichirikitei Tea House, where guests gathered to continue the celebration in a more intimate setting. The Gion Kouta Festival is a beautiful reminder of Gion's history, the traditions of Maiko and Geiko, and the legacy that continues to be passed down
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| Maiko Kikuyae, Maiko Kikushino and Okaasan Geiko Kikutsuru posing in front of the Gion Kouta monument |
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| Maiko Kikuyae and Maiko Kikushino performing Geion Kouta at Ichiriki tea house on Kyoto Kagai sim |
Congratulations to Maiko Kikushino, who is now wearing Sakkou hairstyle!
In the world of traditional Japanese culture, the maiko (apprentice geisha) undergoes several distinct phases, one of the most visually striking being the sakkou hairstyle. This elegant and elaborate style is worn by maiko before their erikae ceremony, which marks their transition into a full-fledged geisha.
The sakkou is a highly decorative hairstyle, characterized by an upright bun placed at the top of the head, often adorned with ornate hairpins known as kanzashi. The style is designed to reflect youth, beauty, and grace, representing the maiko’s early stage in her career. The voluminous bun gives the appearance of a young woman in training, full of potential and promise.
When a maiko reaches a certain level of skill and maturity, she undergoes the erikae ceremony, where her hairstyle changes to the more refined wig styled in elegant shimada style. The sakkou hairstyle is a brief but important part of a maiko's journey, symbolizing the beginning of her career and her dedication to the traditional arts
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| Maiko Kikushino peforming "Kurokami" - the final dance of a Maiko Okaasan Geiko Kikutsuru is playing the shamisen |
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| Maiko Kikushino peforming "Kurokami" - the final dance of a Maiko Okaasan Geiko Kikutsuru is playing the shamisen |
A huge thank you to everyone who supported Mizuekai! The event was a beautiful celebration of Kyoto’s tradition, with stunning performances that captivated all. We couldn’t have done it without your encouragement and presence.
We look forward to more memorable moments like this in the future! ๐✨
Dear guests and patrons,
Kyoto Kagai Sim is proud to present annual Autumn performance - Mizuekai. This popular six scenes odori, performed by members of Komayaka and Hanafusa okiyas, is not only display eloquent, authentic kyo mai dances but also proudly present poetical talents of geiko san, maiko san and minarai san of Kyoto Kagai sim.
For those who are visiting this blog for the first time, Mizuekai (ใฟใใๆ) is an annual event at which the Miyagawacho geiko and maiko display the traditional performance techniques of the Wakayagi style of Kyomai dance, to the study of which their daily lives are devoted.
We sincerely welcome You to come enjoy an elegant performance of Japanese classics, performed by maiko and geiko who have trained diligently all year for this recital
Date: Saturday, 19th of October
Time: 10 am slt
Taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/193/205/31
If you would like to display this years Mizuekai poster at your sim or shop, please contact Geiko Kikumaru (belliebeth) inworld.
The Yakko Shimada is typically worn by Maiko for about a month before they switch to the Sakkou hairstyle, serving as a beautiful prelude to their final Maiko appearance.
In addition to her new hairstyle, Kikushino is donning a stunning Hikizuri (the long trailing kimono). The gorgeous blue color features a traditional pine design, representing resilience and longevity. While the kimono is vibrant and colorful, it also incorporates the crest of Hanafusa Okiya, making it a formal and distinguished attire.
Let’s all wish Maiko Kikushino the best of luck on this incredible journey! Her transformation marks not only a personal milestone but also a celebration of the rich traditions of Kyoto's geisha culture. Stay tuned for more updates on her Erikae celebration and the beautiful artistry that comes with it!
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| What a stunning ensemble! |
This summer, the Hanafusa family—Geiko Kiktsuru, Geiko Kikumaru, Maiko Kikushino, and Maiko Kikuyae—took part in a special journey through Second Life, collecting Goshuin from the SL's most sacred shrines and temples.
For those unfamiliar, Goshuin are unique stamps, often with beautiful calligraphy, that are given at temples and shrines to commemorate a visit. Each stamp is a piece of art, representing the spiritual significance of the place. The journey through Second Life's sites was made even more meaningful with the presence of the Hanafusa family, who brought their deep understanding of Kyoto's traditions and culture.
Every stop brought a new experience—whether it was a calm mountain shrine or a bustling temple in the heart of the sim. Each Goshuin collected had its own distinct design and blessing, a reflection of the unique energy of the location.
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| from left to right: Geiko Kikumaru, Okaasan Geiko Kikutsuru, Maiko Kikushino and Maiko Kikuyae of Hanafusa okiya (SL) |
