Baikasai coming this weekend!

Dear guests and patrons,

Kyoto Kagai Sim warmly invites you this weekend to celebrate Baikasai, the first plum blossom festival, in Second Life.

This centuries-old festival is traditionally held at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, a shrine dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane. Michizane is remembered as a brilliant scholar and poet of the Heian period, later enshrined as Tenjin, the deity of learning. Plum blossoms are deeply connected to him — it is said he loved them dearly, and even today the shrine is famous for its early-blooming ume that signal the quiet arrival of spring.

In our Kyoto Kagai Sim, the festival will take place on the grounds of Kitano Tenmangu, beneath blooming plum trees that surround a special tent-like pavilion. Their soft colors and delicate branches create a peaceful atmosphere, echoing the beauty of early spring in Kyoto.

At the heart of Baikasai is the outdoor tea ceremony, known as nodate. In this open-air setting, guests are invited to slow down and appreciate the season through the simple yet refined art of tea. Skilled geiko and maiko from the Komayaka and Hanafusa okiyas of SL will perform the ceremony with grace and care, offering tea as a gesture of hospitality and seasonal celebration.

Baikasai is not only about blossoms — it is a moment to pause, to admire the ume in bloom, and to welcome the gentle shift from winter toward spring.

This year, the tea ceremony will be held twice — at 8 am SLT and 6 pm SLT — so that guests and patrons from different time zones may join and experience the first plum blossom festival together.

Date & Time: February 28th, 8 am SLT and 6 pm SLT

We look forward to welcoming you beneath the plum blossoms. 🌸

Memorial for Obaasan Kikuyu

A few days ago, a quiet and deeply moving memorial was held in Second Life for Obaasan Kikuyu.

Okaasan Geiko Kikutsuru attended together with the Maiko and Geiko of Hanafusa Okiya, all dressed in mofuku, the formal black kimono worn in mourning. The sight of everyone in black — dignified, composed, and united — created an atmosphere of deep respect.

In Japanese tradition, mofuku is not simply clothing. It is a statement of remembrance, gratitude, and humility before loss. Even in a virtual world, those details mattered. The careful coordination, the stillness, the bowed heads — everything reflected sincere hearts.

Many supporters and dear friends joined the memorial to show their continuous support. Some traveled across time zones to be present. Messages were shared, memories were spoken softly, and gratitude filled the space between words.

Obaasan Kikuyu’s presence may no longer be visible in Second Life, but what she nurtured remains. The community she helped shape continues to stand together. The bonds she strengthened are still alive.

What made this memorial special was not only the ceremony itself, but the unity. It reminded us that connection does not depend on physical distance. Even in a digital world, respect, tradition, and love carry weight.

May Obaasan Kikuyu be remembered not only for the position she held, but for the warmth and quiet strength that shaped those around her.

Her legacy continues — in every gathering, every performance, and every heart she touched

Photo by Maiko Kikuno

Setsubun at Yasaka Shrine

A few days ago, we celebrated Setsubun at Yasaka Jinja Shrine in the Kyoto Kagai sim of Second Life.

The shrine grounds were lively as guests gathered, greeting friends and finding their places near the stage set before the honden — the main sanctuary of the shrine, where the deity is enshrined. It felt festive, but still respectful.

Maiko and Geiko-san from the Komayaka and Hanafusa okiyas performed dedication dances on the stage. The movements were elegant and composed, sleeves swaying beautifully with each turn. Watching them against the backdrop of the shrine created such a special atmosphere — a lovely balance of tradition and community.

After the dances, the energy shifted in the best way.

It was time for mamemaki.

Beans were thrown across the grounds as everyone called out, “Fuku wa uchi, oni wa soto!” Laughter followed. Some tried to catch the beans, others just enjoyed the moment. It felt joyful and light — exactly how Setsubun should feel.

Even in a virtual world, the sense of togetherness was real. Events like this remind us why the Kyoto Kagai sim community is so special — tradition, friendship, and shared celebration all in one place.

Photos by Maiko Kikuno

SL Living Expo Performance

It was a very busy day in Second Life 😪

Right after the Setsubun performance at Amatsu Shinmei Shrine, the Maiko and Geiko-san from Hanafusa and Komayaka okiyas returned to the Kyoto kagai sim to change into different seasonal outfits. The shrine performance had been lively and festive, with auspicious dances and mamemaki to drive away bad luck and welcome good fortune. As soon as it ended, there was barely time to catch a breath before preparing for the next event.

Once changed, the Maiko and Geiko-san took taxis across the grid to their next destination. February is always an especially busy month, and this year was no exception. With Setsubun marking the shift toward spring, performance requests increase, and schedules quickly fill with back-to-back appearances.

The next stop was the SL Living Expo Performance, where the focus shifted to welcoming spring. The atmosphere there was very different from the shrine — brighter, more modern, and filled with visitors — yet the performances still carried a strong seasonal feeling. The dances emphasized renewal, elegance, and good fortune for the coming months, and the audience gathered closely to watch.

Even after a long day of moving from sim to sim, the Maiko and Geiko-san performed with poise and care, showing the dedication that goes into these events. It was a full day, but a meaningful one, and a lovely way to share seasonal Japanese culture across different spaces in Second Life.

Photos by Maiko Kikuno san (Hanafusa okiya, Kyoto Kagai sim, Second life)

Setsubun at Amatsu Shinmei Shrine

 Dear patrons and readers of my blog,

February has finally arrived, a quiet reminder that spring is just around the corner. As winter begins to loosen its grip, this seasonal transition is marked in Japan by Setsubun, a time-honored festival held to cleanse away misfortune and welcome good luck for the year ahead.

Yesterday’s Setsubun celebration at Amatsu Shinmei Shrine was especially memorable. Maiko and Geiko from Komayaka and Hanafusa okiya graced the shrine with their presence, drawing many visitors eager to witness this auspicious occasion. The event opened with several auspicious dances, each performed with elegance and deep cultural meaning, reflecting prayers for peace, abundance, and renewal.

Following the dances, the Maiko and Geiko took part in mamemaki, scattering beans into the gathered crowd. Laughter and excitement filled the air as people reached out to receive the beans, believed to carry blessings of protection and good fortune. The sight of the Maiko and Geiko in seasonal attire, participating in this beloved tradition, made the celebration feel especially meaningful.

Setsubun serves as a gentle reminder to leave behind the misfortunes of the past year and step forward with hope. As we welcome spring, may it bring health, happiness, and renewed energy to you all.

Photos by Maiko Kikuno (Hanafusa okiya)

Maiko theater event

 Dear readers,

On the last day of January, Maiko and Geiko from Hanafusa okiya brought a touch of elegance to the Maiko Theater in Second Life. The venue filled with guests eager to enjoy an evening of traditional Japanese culture—SL style.

The event featured several beautiful dance performances, complete with graceful movements and stunning kimono. Watching the dances up close felt almost magical, even in a virtual space. After the show, things became more relaxed with a lively Q&A session. Guests asked fun and thoughtful questions: why become a Maiko or Geiko in Second Life, how much practice it takes, and what parts of the role are the most challenging.

The answers were honest, sometimes surprising, and gave everyone a better look behind the scenes. It was a charming, interactive evening that mixed culture, curiosity, and community—proof that tradition can shine just as brightly in Second Life.

New Shikomi san in Hanafusa okiya!

Shikomi Umie chan

  

Congratulations to Umie-chan, who officially began her shikomi training at Hanafusa Okiya today 🌸

A shikomi is the first stage of training in the geiko/maiko world, where she will learn discipline, etiquette, and the daily routines of okiya life while preparing for her future debut.

Wishing Umie-chan strength and success as she takes this important first step on her journey.

Maiko Theatre! Jan 31st 8AM SLT

 To our beloved patrons,

Join us in the Maiko Theatre to enjoy our seasonal dances and ask any burning questions you may have about the geiko and maiko in our Q&A session afterwards!

🎍【DATE & TIME】8AM　SLT,　JAN 31🎍

We hope to see you there!

LANDMARK BELOW ⬇️

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/233/236/31

Komayaka and Hanafusa okiya performing at Hakkasai

Dear readers,

Today, Maiko and Geiko from Kyoto Kagai Sim had the opportunity to perform at the Hakkasai event. It was a meaningful moment for us to share dances inspired by Kyoto’s kagai culture with so many kind and attentive guests.

We are deeply thankful to the organizers and to everyone who joined us and supported the performance. This experience will stay with us for a long time, and we sincerely appreciate the warm atmosphere you created.

Thank you for sharing this special moment with us.

Hakkasai event!

 Dear Guests and Patrons,

It is our great pleasure to announce that Maiko san and Geiko san from Kyoto Kagai Sim will perform at the Hakkasai event.

This special performance offers a rare opportunity to experience the refined beauty, grace, and atmosphere of Kyoto’s Geisha culture.

Through traditional dance and music, guests will be able to glimpse the artistry and traditions that have been carefully preserved for generations.

We warmly invite you to join us for this meaningful occasion and to enjoy an evening filled with elegance and cultural richness.

Date: January 24th, 2026

Time: 3 AM SLT

LM: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Spica/100/195/3508

We sincerely look forward to welcoming you to the Hakkasai event

Goshuin and Ema plates for 2026

Konnichiwa Minnasan, I hope that you are having a lovely day.

We now offer you Ema plates and Goshuin stamps to collect for the year of 2026 at Yasaka jinja and  Kitano Tenmangu Jinja in Kyoto Kagai. the stamps are free, while the price for the ema plates goes towards supporting our region.

Each comes with a theme for 2026  the year of the horse. may it be a blessed year for you and your loved ones.

LM: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/152/204/31

Shigyoshiki 2026

Yesterday, the Miyagawacho Kaburenjo Theater at Kyoto Kagai Sim in Second Life hosted a very special and meaningful ceremony: Shigyōshiki, the traditional New Year opening ceremony of the kagai.

Shigyōshiki is a long-standing tradition in real-life Kyoto’s hanamachi, marking the formal beginning of the new working year for geiko and maiko. This important cultural ceremony is also carefully observed at Kyoto Kagai Sim in Second Life, where the community continues to honor and preserve these traditions within a virtual setting.

During the ceremony, maiko-san and geiko-san of Kyoto Kagai Sim formally presented their New Year vows, renewing their commitment to their art, their okiya, and the kagai as a whole. These vows were respectfully offered to their seniors, juniors, and honored guests, reflecting the values of respect, gratitude, and responsibility that are central to life in the hanamachi.

The atmosphere of the ceremony was both dignified and celebratory. The graceful presence of the maiko and the refined elegance of the geiko echoed the spirit of Shigyōshiki as it is practiced in real life, showing how traditional culture can be meaningfully carried into Second Life.

Following the vow ceremony, awards were presented to outstanding maiko san and geiko san in recognition of their dedication, achievements, and hard work throughout the past year. These honors serve as encouragement and inspiration, especially for younger members of the kagai.

Many guests and patrons attended the event, filling the theater with warmth and support. Their presence highlighted the strong community surrounding Kyoto Kagai Sim and the shared appreciation for maintaining authentic Japanese cultural traditions across both real and virtual worlds.

Shigyōshiki at Kyoto Kagai Sim was a beautiful way to welcome the new year—bridging real-life tradition and Second Life creativity while reaffirming commitment, community, and cultural respect

Maiko san and Geiko san posing with this years awards
Image courtesy by Okaasan Geiko Toshiha san (https://www.primfeed.com/toshiha.magic)

Shigyoshiki Opening Ceremony

 Dear Friends and Honored Patrons,

It is with great respect and heartfelt joy that we invite you to join us—the geiko and maiko of Kyoto Sim’s Miyagawacho Hanamachi—for our annual Shigyoshiki ceremony.

Shigyoshiki is a traditional vows and awards ceremony that honors the dedication, growth, and hard work of each member of our hanamachi over the past year. This meaningful occasion also marks the formal opening of the New Year for the Flower and Willow world, symbolizing renewal, commitment, and the continuation of our shared cultural path. ㊗️

Your presence would truly grace this celebration, and it would be our honor to welcome you as we begin the year together in the spirit of tradition and community. 🎍

Date&Time: January 10th (Saturday), 10 am slt

Your Taxi: 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/189/202/31

We sincerely hope you will be able to attend and share in this special moment with us.

With deepest respect,

Geiko and Maiko from Kyoto Kagai sim

Visiting a shrine at 天晴 APPARE!

 The New Year in Japan begins with Hatsumode (初詣), the first shrine visit of the year—a meaningful tradition centered on reflection, gratitude, and welcoming good fortune. This cherished custom was beautifully brought to life in Second Life during 天晴 APPARE!, a special event dedicated to celebrating the charm, artistry, and traditions of Japanese culture.

As part of the event, Geiko Kikumaru-san and Maiko Kikuno-san from Hanafusa Okiya made a graceful Hatsumode visit to the shrine at Appare. Dressed in elegant kimono, their presence captured the timeless beauty and refinement of geiko and maiko traditions, creating a moment of quiet beauty and cultural depth within the virtual space.

Visitors gathered to share in the serene atmosphere, offering prayers for health, happiness, and success in the year ahead. The shrine setting at Appare was thoughtfully designed to reflect the spirit of a traditional New Year shrine visit, allowing residents from around the world to experience Hatsumode together in Second Life.

Beyond cultural immersion, 天晴 APPARE! also features a vibrant marketplace. Guests can purchase exclusive items created especially for Appare by talented Second Life designers, including traditional-inspired fashion, accessories, and décor. These limited-edition items are only available during the event, making them unique keepsakes and a wonderful way to support the creative community.

天晴 APPARE! is more than an event—it is a celebration of tradition, creativity, and connection. Through experiences like this Hatsumode visit, Second Life becomes a place where Japanese culture is honored, shared, and reimagined for a global audience.

As the New Year begins, may the spirit of Hatsumode bring renewed hope, good fortune, and many beautiful moments—both in Second Life and beyond. 🌸

🌸 Photos by Maiko Kikuno 🌸 

Happy New Year from Hanafusa okiya!

As we begin 2026, the Year of the Horse, we want to take a moment to thank everyone for your support over the past year. Your encouragement and appreciation for Kyoto’s traditions and the world of the Kagai mean so much to us.

Because of your support, we can continue sharing the beauty, artistry, and culture we love. From the quiet grace of everyday traditions to the elegance of geiko and maiko, your presence makes these experiences even more meaningful.

The Year of the Horse is said to bring energy, strength, and forward momentum. We hope 2026 brings you happiness, health, and many joyful moments, and that it inspires new beginnings and discoveries along the way.

Thank you for being part of our journey and for sharing in the moments we create together. We look forward to another wonderful year with you.

With gratitude,

The Members of Hanafusa Okiya