Mizuekai 2016

We have the pleasure of inviting you to our annual Fall Performance this coming Saturday! ( 22 of October 11 am slt) our performance will be held in 6 acts, 3 dance acts, 3 theatrical acts.

Performers:

Maiko:
Kikutsuru, Kikumaru, Kikune
Minarai:
Kikushino, Kikuyae

Here's your riksha:
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Mineko/201/84/24

September Kitsuke

Okaasan Geiko Kikuyu

For this last summer month, geiko Kikuyu has chosen amazing subtle susohiki, decorated with hand painted autumn leafs, several chrysanthemum flowers and, most important for a geiko, maioughi(dancing fans). Chrysanthemums and falling leaves are the reminded for us that autumn is coming to our doorstep and soon will be taking over out Kyoto Kagai sim. The pattern of her woven Obi is called Hakata and suits the susohiki well.
Her gorgeous katsura is decorated with simple but perfect small maezashi hairpin.
*  Susohiki is usually worn by geiko or by stage performers of the traditional Japanese dance. Susohiki literally means "trail the skirt". It is quite long, compared to regular kimono, because the skirt is supposed to trail along the floor. As geiko walks, her trailing skirt reminds us of a beautiful tail of a goldfish.

Senior Maiko Kikutsuru

Sr Maiko Kikutsuru has chosen beautiful purple hikizuri with falling leafs pattern. Leafs are not autumn-like orange or red, they are summer green, but they are falling and reminding us that soon seasons will change.
Her darari obi is dark and has a painted fans woven pattern - the one who has created this obi has created truly a masterpiece.
Her hairstyle is called Ofuku(Sr maiko Hairstyle). Once a week(most commonly) maiko goes to the hairdresser to have her hair done. After that, Maiko are not permitted to wash their hair and also have to sleep on a special ”Wooden Pillow” for an entire week as not to destroy their elaborate hairstyle.

Senior Maiko Kikumaru

Sr Maiko Kikumaru decided to wear a beautiful hikizuri with gradation between white and navy blue, accompanied by  weeping willow, falling leaves, chrysanthemums and flow hand painted motifs.
Textile, used for creating this masterpiece, is exquisite soft silk.
The darari obi is longer than the one worn by Geiko Kikuyu; it is also tied in a special knot, worn only by maiko san. The one worn by Kikumaru san has geometrical motif.
Her hairstyle is called Ofuku and is only used by senior maiko san. Seasonal kanzashi decorate her hair - as you later will notice, If you look attentively on the picture of Kikumaru san and than on the picture of Kikune san, you will notice that Sr maiko use different kanzashi from the ones used by Junior maiko and minarai. Sr  Maiko dont use dangling kanzashi and flower bridge combs.

Junior Maiko Kikune

For September, Maiko Kikune decided to wear a stunning hikizuri with subtle purple background with flow pattern motif. If you look closely, you can see orange maple leafs and different types of flowers, taken away by the flow. I believe that by this, kimono painted wanted to remind us that everything changes, and anything can be taken away by the flow of time...
Her obi is woves and was created by same kimono artist.
As Kikune chan is still a junior maiko, her hairstyle is wareshinobu(worn not only by jr Maiko but also by minarai), decorated with seasonal kanzashi. Also, because she's only on her first rank as maiko("Haninmae maiko").Also Kikune chan has to wear dangling type kanzashi
and  is allowed ONLY to paint her lower lip(its a tradition, signifying that she's still a "baby").

Minarai Kikushino

Minarai Kikushino is wearing cute hikizuri with beautiful purple background and summertime flowers, such as Kikyou(bell flower), hand-painted by talented kimono artist. Her obi is woven and fits the hikizuri beautifully.
Her hairstyle is called wareshinobu and is decorated with season kanzashi. How are the kanzashi chosen? Well, they are all monthly. For example, Bell flower or in Japanese kikyou is the flower of September and this means that all kanzashi of maiko san during this month will be bellsflowers. They will look differently due to wanks but the motif flower will be the same.

Minarai Kikuyae

Not long ago, Minarai Kikuyae had her minaraia ozashiki. In Miyagawacho, Minarai san wear special minarai hikizuri with shorten sleeves and shorten "half" obi only for about a week or two. This is one of the differences of the minarai rank in Miyagawacho in compare to other hanamachis. But now, Back to Kikuyae chan :)
Her Minarai Hikizuri has multi seasonal pattern on a pink background. This type of pink is called "childish"and is associated with youth. Her obi is half of the size of Maiko san. It has butterflies, as a symbol of girls transforming into graceful young ladies, as well as of young womanhood in general.
Kikuyae's hairstyle is same as her Kikushino neesan's - Wareshinobu, and is with Kikyou Kanzashi.

Kyoto Kagai has oppened!

The grand opening was a success, thank you everyone! Now we will be practicing for the Fall dance - Mizuekai held in the end of October, its open for everyone to attend as audience^^ But before we take a break from Events we will meet you fr ozashiki this Friday at 11 am slt ^_^

Important information!

1) WE HAVE MOVED TO A NEW SIM. 

You may have noticed that for some time it has become impossible to visit Miyagawacho Hanamachi on Nadine sim. We have moved to a new,  even more beautiful and more traditional sim created by talented maiko Kikutsuru. It is called Kyoo Kagai. Now, you'll be able to visit all the hanamachi's, located in RL Kyoto. Miyagawacho Hanamachi will maintain as part of the new sim

2) GRAND OPENING OF NEW KYOTO SIM 

The new sim will officially open for the public from September 23rd. Celebrations will on this occasion take place from 23rd too 25th of September. 3 whole days!  More information coming soon

3)HANAFUSA OKIYA IS ACTIVE!

We will be as active as always after the grand opening. Soon you might be invited to taste misedashi and minaraia sake at our Hanahusa ochaya. *winks*

Obon in Miyagawacho Hanamachi

What can be better than an event where you can play games, win different prizes, eat delicious fatty and sweet stall foods, dance an ancient dance and when night comes gather with friends and tell scary stories?! Yes, its August and time for Obon celebrations in Miygawacho Hanamachi. 

This year celebrations were enormous! Sooo many things to try, so many games to play and soo many stories to hear from Maiko Kikutsuru. 

Here are some amazing photos :)

 Telling scary stories is part of Obon...

 Every guest could make a wish and put a small lantern flow into the Kamo river. I hope everything they wished for will soon come true!

Here we can see Bon Odori. The way in which the dance is performed is also different in each region, though the typical Bon dance involves people lining up in a circle around a high wooden scaffold made especially for the festival called a yagura. The yagura is usually also the bandstand for the musicians and singers of the Obon music. Some dances proceed clockwise, and some dances proceed counter-clockwise around the yagura...

Yukata Kai 2016 in Miyagawacho Hanamachi

Today I'd like to tell you about the event that took place not so long ago - The Yukata Kai 2016. This year it was very special. Special for he two young sikomi chans, Yumi and Ayumi, as this was their first odori (dance) event. They had to practice new dances for quite a long time and prepare their first poem. Sepcial for the young maiko Kikune, as this was her first odori after her Misedashi ( her debut that was held in July). This was very special for the most senior maiko's of Hanafusa, Kikutsuru and Kikumaru. Special for Geiko Kikuyu, the okaasan of Hanafusa okiya, as she is the main creator of events and odori's in Miyagawacho Hanamachi. But there is another reason, equally important to everybody that is in any way connected with Miyagawacho... THIS WAS THE LAST ODORI ON NADINE SIM. Yes, this is true. Miyagawacho Hanamachi is not only moving to a new sim, but also transforming into a bigger and even more beautiful Kyoto Kagai, created from scratch by talented Maiko Kikutsuru. It will soon open its gates for everyone during the Grand Opening.

As for now on, lets have a small glimpse on the photos from the Yukata kai. We hope you liked it as much as we did :)

Performers: Geiko Kikuyu, Sr Maiko Kikutsuru, Sr Maiko Kikumaru, Jr Maiko Kikuno, Shikomi Yumi, Shikomi Ayumi

Application Hanafusa Okiya only open 1 more week

As the Summer the season of warmth is over us, we are accepting applicants to our okiya. In the hope Summertime may be a good time to begin an apprenticeship filled with luck and good weather - Training process:
Probation - Summer
Shikomi - Autumn - Winter
Minarai - Winter - Spring
Junior maiko ( several stages) Year 1 - 2.5
Senior maiko ( several stages) Year 2 - 5
Geiko ( 1 - year 5)
Geiko ( 5 year +)

If you are interested you may contact:
Atotori Kikutsuru

YukataKai in Miyagawacho Hanamachi

On Saturday 13th(august) the Geiko, Maiko and shikomi of Hanafusa okiya perform in the Summer odori - Yukata Kai
You are welcome to come enjoy this 4 act performance.

Time of arrival: 10.55 am slt
Time odori begin: 11 am slt
Time odori ends: 12 pm slt

Pictures after are to be taken in the room between exit and theater audience room.
Maiko + Shikomi will attend photo shoot.
During performance you may take pictures as long as they do not interfere the performance.

August Kitsuke

Geiko Kikuyu

For this month okaasan Kikuyu chose black susohiki with beautifully handpainted scenery. It is accompanied by golden obi with small flowery pattern.
Her Taka Shimada(style of the wig) is decorated with small but very elegant seasonal kanzashi.
In her hand she's holding pink kago that goes really good with whole ensemble.

Senior Maiko Kikutsuru

For august Kikutsuru san chose white hikizuri with susuki(pampass grass) pattern. This hikizuri is made in such colors that one look on this masterpiece is enough to cool yourself down in summer heat. 

Her her is decorated with one flower of Asagao or morning glory.

Senior Maiko Kikumaru

Kikumaru san is wearing pale blue hikizuri with multi seasonal pattern which goes really good with green obi. Like her oneesan Maiko Kikutsuru, her hair is decorated with Asagao(Morning glory) kanzashi, but with triple as maiko Kikumaru is "younger" senior maiko than Kikutsuru san.

Junior Maiko Kikune

Little Kikune san is wearing twin hikizuri of the one worn by Maiko Kikutsuru, her oneesan. Her wareshinobu is decorated with silver susuki(pampass grass). It is tradition that Junior maiko wear this type of kanzashi, while senior maiko can choose between asagao kzasnhi or the susuki ones(it also depends on the hanamachi)

Application - End of Summer - Hanafusa Okiya

As the Summer the season of warmth is over us, we are accepting applicants to our okiya. In the hope Summertime may be a good time to begin an apprenticeship filled with luck and good weather - Training process:
Probation - Summer
Shikomi - Autumn - Winter
Minarai - Winter - Spring
Junior maiko ( several stages) Year 1 - 2.5
Senior maiko ( several stages) Year 2 - 5
Geiko ( 1 - year 5)
Geiko ( 5 year +)

If you are interested you may contact:
Atotori Kikutsuru - Miehina resident

Misedashi of Maiko Kikune

Hanafusa san no Kikune san no Misedashi dosu. Yoroshi otanomoshimasu!

(This is Misedashi of Kikuno-san of Hanafusa. Please, treat her well!)

Konnichiwa dear guests and readers of Hanafusa blog. On this beautiful day i'm honored to announce the debut of Maiko Kikune. She has debuted under the wing of Sr Maiko Kikutsuru. Omedetou san dosu Kikune-san on the path you have chosen!

* 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).

During San san Kudo ceremony, Kikune chan was bonded with Sr Maiko and Atatori of Hanafusa okiya, Maiko Kikutsuru. This most important event was held by Okaasan Kikuyu and witnessed by Sr Maiko Kikumaru, shikomi Yumi and Ayumi.
After the ceremony, Kikutsuru san and Kikune san went on greeting rounds with important patrons, where Kikutsuru san was introducing the new maiko.
After the new maiko was introduced, Hanahusa ochaya held a festiwe ozashiki in her honor. Many good patrons and friends of the hanamchi were welcomed to whiteness the first dance of newborn maiko san and wish her good luck in her career.
Misedashi celebrations were held for 2 more days, with more visiting rounds and ozashikis.

Visiting Japonica

Sr maiko Kikutsuru(green hikizuri), Sr Maiko Kikumaru( blue wave hikizuri) are visiting Japonica with Isoldel san (hikizuri with lilies in the water). Although our Kago were too small for all the goods we got from this amazing fair. Every creator put his heart and soul in creating things for this event. Lots of people came to shop and admire the talented creators and those who have organised Japonica. 

Gion Matsuri Memories

This summer our beautiful hanamachi hold a new annual event known as Gion Matsuri. This is replica of the real event hold in Kyoto every year since 869 and from now on visitors of Miyagawacho Hanamachi can witness it with their own eyes. During the real gion matsuri in Kyoto, young Maiko from every district participate in it by dancing a special dance. For example, Maiko san from Gion Kobu dance "Suzume Odori" or "Sparrow dance" and maiko from Miyagawacho perform "Konchiki ondo".

This year, for the pleasure of our honorable guests,  Kikutsuru san, Kikumaru san and Kikune san danced "Konchiki ondo". The name of the dance comes from distinctive Konchiki chain of Gion Bayashi folk music. They wore special white thin kimono with hakata obi (obi sash with hakata-ori textile) which was pink against a white background in Ushiromi musubi (a way of knotting the obi sash) style. In their hands they hold an uchiwa fan with crests of festival and the Yasaka shrine. 

After the dance, guests were able to make memorable photos with Maiko san from Hanafusa okiya.

New maiko debut soon!

Dear patrons of miyagawacho hanamachi,
its big honor for me to announce that minarai Kikune san of Hanafusa okiya has passed her exam and soon Hanafusa okiya will be celebrating her Misedashi. Kikune chan will debut under the wing of Sr Maiko Kikutsuru. 

Saturday picnic in Miyagawacho Hanamachi

Dear guests and patrons of Miyagawacho hanamachi,

as the summer heat is exhausting and makes You want to stay whole day in a cool place, Maiko and Geiko of Hanafusa okiya invite you to a picnic in beautiful Miyagawacho hanamachi gardens.You'll be served with delicious seasonal fruits and japanese dishes. Dont forget about refreshing drinks and delighful company of you maikosan :) 

Date: Saturday 2nd of July

Time: 6am-7am slt

Here's your riksha: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Nadine/74/179/28

Miyagawacho Hanamachi Gatcha festival

In the event of our Summer Gacha Festival we will be welcoming you to explore the various designers creations. There is wonderful machines out there for you waiting to be played^^

Everything from Japanese furniture, buildings, clothing, cooling treats and some mysteries awaits you.

Here's your riksha: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Nadine/210/112/24

Shikomi Ayumi

Minarai Kikusana

 .·´¯`·.·•Watashi no namae wa Kikusana desu•·.·´¯`·.

A native to Kyoto, I was born into a lineage of ningyo doll artisans. Some of my earliest memories were sparked by watching the careful hands of my father create porcelain beauties emblematic of the ancient history of Kyoto. In my childhood I spent many days in our shop, dreaming endlessly and reveling in the mystery of the flower and willow world. 

Always a precocious child, I found myself buried in textbooks, determined to learn everything I could of the kagai. Over time, stolen glances of geiko in soggy streets turned into my own zouri tracing their footsteps. Though I was faced with the hard decision to give up my normal life as a girl, I was compelled to pursue my dream of one day becoming a person of art. 

Though my journey has just begun, I am honored to be given an opportunity to improve myself and serve my okiya well. Through the advisement and direction of my Okaasan and elder sisters, I hope to continually better myself and hone my craft. 

Gion Matsuri in Miyagawacho Hanamachi

Dear guests and patrons, 

Maiko and Geiko of Hanafusa okiya present you - The Gion Matsuri, that will take place on July 16th 11 am slt.

Short history: The Gion Festival or Gion Matsuri is one of the most famous festivals in Japan. This festival originated as part of a purification ritual (goryo-e) to appease the gods thought to cause fire, floods and earthquakes. In 869, the people were suffering from plague and pestilence which was attributed to the rampaging deity Gozu Tennō. Emperor Seiwa ordered that the people pray to the god of the Yasaka Shrine, Susanoo-no-mikoto. Sixty-six stylized and decorated halberds, one for each province in old Japan, were prepared and erected at Shinsen-en, a garden, along with the portable shrines (mikoshi) from Yasaka Shrine.

This practice was repeated wherever an outbreak occurred. In 970, it was decreed an annual event and has since seldom been broken. Over time the increasingly powerful and influential merchant class made the festival more elaborate and, by the Edo period (1603–1868), used the parade to brandish their wealth.

In 1533, the Ashikaga shogunate halted all religious events, but the people protested, stating that they could do without the rituals, but not the procession. This marks the progression into the festival’s current form.

Ozashiki in Hanahusa ochaya(Friday 10th of June)

Konbanwa dear guests and patron of Miyagawacho Hanamachi,
as a celebration of the beginning of Summer  we are hosting a ozashiki in our Hanahusa ochaya this Friday.

Time 12pm - 1.00 pm slt(second life time)
Dress code - visiting clothes

You are welcome to enjoy some nice conversations and entertainment by the Geiko and Maiko of Hanafusa Okiya

Here's your riksha: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Nadine/109/202/28

Ozashiki in Hanahusa ochaya(Friday 3rd, 11.30am-12.30am)

Dear Guests and Patrons of Miyagawacho Hanamachi,

It is with great pleasure to invite you to the first summertime ozashiki of Hanahusa ochaya that will take place on Friday 3rd of June 2016. You'll be offered carefully prepared Kyoto Kaiseki meal, Miyagawacho "flying" sake and delicious green tea. And when you have finished eating your delicious Kaiseki meal, paper lanterns will be lit up and Maiko san of Hanafusa okiya would entertain you with their graceful dances and their skilful play on traditional Japanese music instruments.

Time of arrival: 11.30 am slt
Departure: 12.30 pm slt
dress code: Semiformal

Come and celebrate the breathtaking beginning of Summer with the shamisen music and the sound of silk sleeves.

Here's Your riksha: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Nadine/109/202/28

Dreaming of becoming beautiful maiko?

As the Summer the season of warmth is over us, we are accepting applicants to our okiya. In the hope Summertime may be a good time to begin an apprenticeship filled with luck and good weather

Training process:

Probation
Shikomi
Minarai
Junior maiko ( several stages)
Senior maiko ( several stages)
Geiko ( 1 - year 5)
Geiko ( 5 year +)

If you are interested you may contact:
Atotori Kikutsuru - Miehina resident
Riksha to Miyagawacho Hanamachi sim: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Nadine/109/108/28

Last May ozashiki in Hahahusa ochaya

During last  spring ozashiki, Geiko, Maiko and Minarai of Hanahusa ochaya entertained guests with beautiful dances and kouta(lyrical songs).  Firstly, Maiko Kikutsuru(purple hikizuri), Maiko Kikuyumi(subtle pink hikizuri) and Minarai Kikune(green hikizuri) performed Gion Kouta and Maiko Kikumaru (White hikizuri) accompanied their beautiful dance with skillful play on shamisen. Than Maiko Kikumaru put away her instrument and under accompaniment of Geiko Kikuyu performed a dance "Under the gorgeous Fuji tree" with young Minarai Kikune. It was amazing evening and farewell to the Spring!

Relay for Life odori

Very special event took place on May 6th in Miyagawacho Hanamachi. In the event of supporting Relay for Life Hanafusa okiya held an odori ( dance performance) in 4 acts each representing one season. The dance depicted the four seasons, and a story about “Letting go” of once extra “Luggage” and burdens. Our beautiful dance was performed by the maiko and minarai of Hanafusa okiya in our kaburenjo in Miygawacho Hanamachi. We would like to thank Kyoko san who narrated before, between and after the dances. Also we would like to thank those who came and those who donated to Relay for Life. Cancer is a worldwide problem, lets fight it togather!

Participants: Sr Maiko Kikutsuru, Sr Maiko Kikumaru, Jr Maiko Kikuyumi, Minarai Kikune

Sunday 15th of May - Kyo mai & Q&A with Maiko

Have you dreamed of ever becoming a maiko? or enjoying the beautiful dance and culture?
we welcome you to a relaxing hour with us in our Museum of art and culture. The maiko of Hanafusa will perform for you and after you may ask them questions about their career and choice to become a maiko, geiko apprentice.

10.20 am slt
1hour duration
dress code - informal ( but not shorts or tank tops full clothing)

Here's your riksha: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Nadine/109/134/28

Heian Jingu Reitaisai Hono Buyo in Miyagawacho Hanamachi

This was a very busy week! Right after the debut of Minarai Kikune, Miyagawacho Hanamachi hosted Heian Jingu Reitaisai Hono Buyo where maiko san and minarai from Hanafusa okiya took part. It was also the very first dance event that included little Minarai Kikune, who, although scared a bit of audience, danced beautifully. 

Jr Maiko Kikuyumi(blue hikizuri), Sr Maiko Kikutsuru(marsala hikizuri) and minarai Kikune(purple flowerly hikizuri)

Minaraia of Kikune of Hanafusa okiya

 On April 15th Hanahusa ochaya hosted very special event - Minaraia of Kikune chan. It was first time that little flower of Hanafusa okiya appeared not as shikomi Kokoro, as she was known before. Earlier that day Maiko Kikutsuru was appointed to become Kikune chans's oneesan or older sister ("maiko-guardian"). With her hunger for learning  and with such good and famous oneesan as Kikutsuru san, minarai Kikune has nothing to worry about.
Minaraia celebrations were announced to publicity and many our patrons came and greet new member of the Kagai and wish her good luck on her hard road on becoming Geiko san in Second life.

Jr Maiko Kikuyumi(blue hikizuri), Sr Maiko Kikutsuru(marsala hikizuri),
Sr Maiko Kikumaru(green hikizuri) and Minarai Kikune(purple flowery hikizuri)

"We are all happy to congratulate minarai Kikune with her first steps on becoming beautiful flower of Karyukai. We also like to remind her about continuing hard work and practicing her conversation and shamisen skills. Omedeou san dosu Kikune chan!" - commented her older sisters from Hanafusa Okiya

Kyo Odori coming soon!

Spring is now in full bloom so we would like to invite you and your friends to this years 4th annual Kyo odori. Kyo odori is a beautiful dance event in Miyagawacho Hanamachi. 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 April 30th at 11 am slt - 12.30 pm slt! 

Welcome the Spring in Miyagawacho Hahamachi Kabuenjo!

Minaraia no Kikune

Dear guests and patrons,

It is a pleasure for me to announce the Minarai debut of new minarai Kikune, most of you have known her as Kokoro a shikomi the last six months time. 

Her debut will be held this Friday 15th of April

between 11 and 12 pm slt.

You are welcome to attend and congratulate this new flower on her first step into the world of the Geiko.

Applications open to Hanafusa Okiya

As the Spring the season of rebirth and new beginnings is over us, we are accepting applicants to our okiya. In the hope Spring may be a good time to begin an apprenticeship filled with luck and good weather.

Training process:

• Probation 
• Shikomi
• Minarai
• Junior maiko ( several stages)
• Senior maiko ( several stages)
• Geiko ( 1 - year 5)
• Geiko ( 5 year +)

If you are interested you may contact: 

Atotori Kikutsuru - Miehina resident

(Here's your riksha to Miyagawacho Hanamachi)

Ozashiki in Hanahusa ochaya(Fridath 8th, 11am-12am)

Dear Guests and Patrons of Miyagawacho Hanamachi,
It is with great pleasure to invite you to the springtime ozashiki of Hanahusa ochaya on Friday 8 April 2016. Come and celebrate the breathtaking but short lasting beauty of blooming sakura trees with the shamisen music and the sound of silk sleeves. You'll be offered special Miyagawacho "flying" sake and delicious green tea served by maikos of Hanafusa okiya.
Time of arrival: 11.00 am slt
Departure: 12.00 pm slt
dress code: Semiformal
Hanahusa Ochaya in Miyagawacho Hanamachi

Shikomi Kokoro passed her exam!

Photo by Isoldel san

Dear guests and patrons,

I am honored to announce that today shikomi Kokoro passed her Dance exam and theory. Soon she will be known under a new name… Kiku… have a guess if you like. Her Minarai debut is yet to be announced but i bet it's going to be really soon :)

Omedetou san dosu Kokoro chan!

Your okaasan, oneesan and neesan wish you luck and prosperity and promise to help you on you path of becoming a beautiful flower of Karyukai!

Hanami 2016 at Miyagawacho Hanamachi

Hanami or flower viewing is the Japanese traditional custom of enjoying the transient beauty of springtime flowers. Yesterday Miyagawacho Hanamachi hosted hanami celebrations for its humble patrons.
Our Hanami celebrations involved eating and drinking, and playing and listening to music. Some special dishes were prepared and eaten during that special occasion, like dango and bento. As refreshment maiko-san poured houjicha and sake, as part of the festivity. Also, to entertain guests, Maiko Kikutsuru and Maiko Kikumaru danced  spring dances with fans and sakura branches, while shikomi Kokoro continued to serve refreshments to guests.

Enjoying the kabuki performance with sisters :)

Ladies of Hanafusa okiya on their trip to the CCB kabuki performance in regards of their 1st anniversary. It was amazing and enjoyable performance :)
(sitting from right to left: Atatori Sr Maiko Kikutsuru, Sr Maiko Kikumaru, Jr Maiko Kikuyumi and shikomi Kokoro)

Last ozashiki of March

Enjoying incredible guests during last ozashiki of March. Okasan Kikuyu entertained guests with her skillful play on shamisen while Maiko Maiko Kikutsuru, Maiko Kikumaru and Maiko Kikuyumi served famous Miyagawacho sake along with hot houjicha. Maiko Kikumaru was especially delighted to serve lady Inkmancer-san, famous and talented hikizuri painter.

Shikomi Atsuko

        Watashi no namae wa Atsuko desu

My name is Atsuko. I am 16 years old, born and raised in the small fishing village of Funaya in the Yosa district. My Obāsan (grandmother) was all I had. Sadly she suddenly fell ill last autumn and passed away in December. She left an empty place in my heart that can never be replaced. Obāsan told me exciting stories about the Edo period and the beautiful geisa and maikos living in the okiyas. The culture captivated me. I used to paint my face and dress up as a geisha dreaming away many afternoons in the house of my beloved Obāsan.  Before her death she encouraged me to follow my dream and apply for shikomi. She knew I would be provided for by the Okaasan if I got accepted. In March I started my training as shikomi under the strict guidance of Okaasan Kikuyu at Hanafusa Okiya, Kyoto. During the probation period I am not allowed to leave the hanamachi.  A new journey has begun and I am excited and ridden with fear entering the mysterious 'flower and willow world'.

Hanafusa Okiya training application open

Have you dreamed of becoming a Geiko ?

or maybe you know us as Geisha?

Are you interested in Japanese culture and performing?

Hanafusa Okiya is now open to look at your application!

You will find a application form at the posted that say Hanafusa in the landmark below.

*GMT timezone

For any questions please contact Kikuyuu resident - Okaasan Kikuyu or Miehina resident - Maiko Kikutsuru

Higashiyama Hanatouro in Miyagawacho Hanamachi

Yesterday, Miyagawacho Hanamachi held a very special event called Higashiyama Hanatouro.
Maiko Kikutsuru, Maiko Kikumaru and maiko Kikuyumi presented three elegant Kyo-mai traditional dances to welcome newly arrived Springtime.
Participants: Maiko Kikutsuru(pale blue hikizuri with pinwheels in the waves), Maiko Kikumaru(bright green hikizuri with flower circles, petals and butterflies) and Maiko Kikuyumi(purple hikizuri with plum blossoms bosoms and branches, and small snowflakes)

(All pictures were taken by Isoldel san, owner of IsoMotion)