Come and experience formally dressed Maiko perform in the Pavillion of Yasaka Jinja. After the performance you can try to catch some of the beans the maiko throw into the crowd. Remember, f you eat the same number of beans as your age, you will have a year of good health in the new year! Itadakimasu!
❀ Date - Saturday 3rd of February
❀ Time - 11 am slt
❀ Taxi - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/126/215/33
Share the good luck with your friends and family!
January 31, 2018
Obake in Hanahusa ochaya
“Obake” is like Japanese Halloween. This custom is now confined mainly to the geisha districts, where geisha go from tea house to tea house and perform a skit while dressed in outrageous costumes. One of the rules of Obake is that things are topsy-turvey. Old dress as young, men dress and women and vice-versa.
This years obake ozashiki is themed with... well come and find out^^
❀ Date: Saturday 3rd of February
❀ Time: 6 am slt
❀ Taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/225/180/31
This years obake ozashiki is themed with... well come and find out^^
❀ Date: Saturday 3rd of February
❀ Time: 6 am slt
❀ Taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/225/180/31
January 27, 2018
Museum Event in Kyoto Kagai
This Sunday, The Museum of Art and Historical of Kyoto Kagai 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
❀ Date: 28th of January
❀ Time: 7 am slt
❀ Taxi: Museum of Art and Culture(click)
❀ Date: 28th of January
❀ Time: 7 am slt
❀ Taxi: Museum of Art and Culture(click)
January 22, 2018
Hanafusa okiya is once again reviewing applicants
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| Maiko Kikune of Hanafusa okiya |
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 Maiko Kikutsuru (Miehina resident) for a meeting if you wish to pursue your dream.
❀ Your taxi to the Kyoto Kagai sim (location of Hanafusa okiya) : http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/22/86/32
January 21, 2018
Kitsuke worn in January by members of Hanafusa okiya
After Shigyoshiki and Hatsuyori celebrations took place in the Karyukai, it is time to get back to semi-formal hikizuri and hairstyles. All antique hairpins, expensive obi and luxurious kuromontsuki are hidden as okiya's precious belongings till special event occurs. Who knows, there might be a misedashi celebration soon...
Okaasan KIkuyu has decided to wear kimono of vine color with bamboo pattern, created in shibori style (shibori is a Japanese tie-dying technique, using a variety of techniques in different shapes to make different patterns). The eri(collar) is white, and is the symbol of pureness, femininity and maturity.
Susohiki of Kikuyu san is held with white obi, that has geometrical pattern, created with silver silk threads.
As we look at okaasan's katsura(wig), we will see small yet beautiful mazeashi that has diamonds - this small but very stylish hairpin is the mon of Hanafusa okiya.
Maiko Kikumaru is the 2nd oldest maiko in Hanafusa okiya.
For January she is wearing fabulous navy blue and white hikizuri with hand-painted matsu or pine tree motif. It seems that Kikutsuru san much enjoys this motif as this is second time this year she chooses to wear kimono that have this motif. Her obi has gold woven pattern on green background. on the obi, pink obijime (small cord) is holding very expensive pocchiri (small brooch, worn threaded onto the obijime, making a charming decoration on the front of the obi also its the most expensive part of maiko's outfit).
Geiko Kikuyu
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| Okasan Kikuyu wearing her January kitsuke |
Susohiki of Kikuyu san is held with white obi, that has geometrical pattern, created with silver silk threads.
As we look at okaasan's katsura(wig), we will see small yet beautiful mazeashi that has diamonds - this small but very stylish hairpin is the mon of Hanafusa okiya.
Maiko Kikutsuru
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| Maiko Kikutsuru wearing her january kitsuke |
Senior Maiko Kikutsuru's deep green hikizuri with snow is for us like a reminder that thought weather is warm at the moment, nevertheless it is still winter that sooner or later will show us its fury. Her eri is embroidered with seasonal patterns so that no red is seen BUT it has red embroidered part at the back. Her darari obi is about 7 meters long! and decorated with carefully sewn crane pattern on the white background.
Hairstyle of Maiko Kikutsuru is called Ofuku(special hairstyle that maiko start wearing after they become senior) and is decorated with special January kazashi.
Maiko Kikumaru
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| Maiko Kikumaru wearing her January Kitsuke |
For January she is wearing fabulous navy blue and white hikizuri with hand-painted matsu or pine tree motif. It seems that Kikutsuru san much enjoys this motif as this is second time this year she chooses to wear kimono that have this motif. Her obi has gold woven pattern on green background. on the obi, pink obijime (small cord) is holding very expensive pocchiri (small brooch, worn threaded onto the obijime, making a charming decoration on the front of the obi also its the most expensive part of maiko's outfit).
Maiko Kikune
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| Maiko Kikune wearing her January kitsuke |
Jr Maiko Kikne has decided to wear this stunning hikizuri that has carefully painted chrysanthemum flowers, maple leafs and small snow piles on deep red background.
Her eri is richly embroidered with white treads but still we can see the red cloth - it means that she's still Junior Maiko. Textile of the hikizuri is exquisite glossy silk.
Her obi is white, with golden flower pattern.
As she is still young 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).
The hair is decorated with special January kanzashi that have auspicious Japanese New Year theme
January 18, 2018
Shigyoshiki in Kyoto Kagai sim (2018)
Several days ago, Kyoto Kagai sim hosted Shigyoshiki - the most important event in new year. It is annual traditional opening ceremony in Kyoto Hanamachi, the ceremony that marks the start of another bisness year in the Karyukai. Geiko and Maiko gather at their local hanamachi theaters, wearing most 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 wearing full regalia, and presents a rare photo opportunity for photographers as well as visitors!
No different from RL, Maiko and Geiko from Hanafusa okiya in Miyagawacho Hanamachi of SL take part in this important event. As in previous years, Shigyoshiki was hosted at Miyagawacho Kaburenjo theater on January 7th 11.30 am slt. This event was open for the public and after the vows were pledged, maiko and geiko offered sake and, specially prepared for this event, osechi (traditional Japanese New Year foods).
For those who couldn't come but yet are interested, i present formal Kitsuke outfits of Maiko and Geiko from Hanafusa okiya,which they wore for Shigyoshiki:
To start with, Okaasan Kikuyu became first Geiko in Second life to wear new Bento Kuromontsuki from Isomesh kimono. It has decoration at the lower part of the kimono and is embroidered with golden and silver threads, making it look so flashy and gorgeous. The obi is woven made with golden and silver threads, perfect for important events. It is tied in Taiko (drum) knot. Geiko's obi (apr. 440 cm long) are bit longer than simple women's obi. Also, for geiko's obi, patterns are created upside down, so when it is tied in Geiko Taiko knot, the pattern will have the correct position, facing upwards.
The wig okaasan Kikuyu is wearing in japanese is called Katsura, and it is styled in Geiko Shimada style. For formal events, kanzashi hairpins that are used for decorating katsura, are made from most precious and luxurious materials, such as tortoiseshell, gold, expensive stones etc. Tortoiseshell kanzashi are most unique and antique as nowadays the craftsmen that work with this material are almost non-existant. Geiko Kikuyu is wearing Bekko (tortoiseshell) comb that features mon of Hanafusa okiya, Bekko Kogai at the back and a traditional dove and rise maezashi.
No different from RL, Maiko and Geiko from Hanafusa okiya in Miyagawacho Hanamachi of SL take part in this important event. As in previous years, Shigyoshiki was hosted at Miyagawacho Kaburenjo theater on January 7th 11.30 am slt. This event was open for the public and after the vows were pledged, maiko and geiko offered sake and, specially prepared for this event, osechi (traditional Japanese New Year foods).For those who couldn't come but yet are interested, i present formal Kitsuke outfits of Maiko and Geiko from Hanafusa okiya,which they wore for Shigyoshiki:
Okasan Geiko Kikuyu
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| Okasan Kikuyu in her formal wear |
The wig okaasan Kikuyu is wearing in japanese is called Katsura, and it is styled in Geiko Shimada style. For formal events, kanzashi hairpins that are used for decorating katsura, are made from most precious and luxurious materials, such as tortoiseshell, gold, expensive stones etc. Tortoiseshell kanzashi are most unique and antique as nowadays the craftsmen that work with this material are almost non-existant. Geiko Kikuyu is wearing Bekko (tortoiseshell) comb that features mon of Hanafusa okiya, Bekko Kogai at the back and a traditional dove and rise maezashi.
Atatori Senior Maiko Kikutsuru
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| Maiko Kikutsuru in her formal attire |
It is rumored that this Shigyoshiki is last one for Kikutsuru san as Maiko, and that in 2019 she will perform her vows already as Geiko san. Let's wait and see, ne?:)
As for now, her Kuromontsuki is one of a kind and has many lucky as well as multi-seasonal motifs that are hand-painted - ox-drawn carriages, chrysanthemums, waves, peonies, plum blossoms, pine, summer grasses etc. It is tied with golden Darari obi, that not only gives the finishing touch the ensemble but also supports the back of maiko, as the kimono, especially formal kuromontsuki, are extremely heavy. No obijime or pocchiri are worn with formal outfit.
Formal wear also means that Senior maiko will change from ofuku hairstyle to Yakko Shimada. As well as geiko san, Maiko san too are given opportunity of wearing gorgeous and expensive kanzashi - if you look at the hair of Kikutsuru san, you can notice Bekko Kushi (comb) with Hanafusa okiya mon, Bekkou Hirauchi, Jade Tama, special January daikan (front) kanzashi, maezashi with bira oghi and small pin called bira dome. For Shigyoshiki both Junior and Senior maiko wear rice husk maezashi with eyeless dove - rice grains can be given to customers and are considered symbols good luck and fortune.
Kuromontsuki that Kikumaru san wore for Shigyoshiki features many tall pine trees or Matsu in Japanese that are strongly associated with winter. "Matsu" means "waiting for the soul of a god to descend from Heaven". In ancient Shinto beliefs, gods were said to have ascended to Heaven on a pine tree, where they now reside on a beautiful volcanic mountain in giant or old trees. Pine trees can withstand cold and snow as well as rocky soil, wind and drought while its beauty lasts all year long - no wonder that this pattern is symbol of longevity, virtue, and youth. Stunning piece! As it is most formal type of kimono, it features 5 crests of the okiya.
It is tied with long Darari obi (apr. 6.8m) with geometrical pattern created with golden threads on white background. Unfortunately not seen at this picture, at the end of every maiko obi, there is crest of the okiya girl belongs to.
As she is Senior maiko, as her oneesan Kikutsuru, Kikumaru san's hair is styled in Yakko Shimada and decorated with valuable tortoiseshell hair pieces and seasonal pins. January daikan (front) kanzashi, are unique and new ones are commissioned at the beginning of the year. This years motifs are plum blossoms and bamboo leafs.
As the youngest maiko in the okiya, Kikune san wears most colorful and elaborate kuromontsuki in the okiya, fit for junior maiko of course:) This exact piece features seasonal flowers, leafs as well as golden geometrical motifs on the hem and at the lower part of the sleeves - everything hand-painted on the silk by a skilled master. The obi was carefully selected for this special event as is created with beige and golden silk threads. As junior maiko, she ties obiage cloth on the top of the obi, rather than seniors who tuck it into.
As she is still young maiko, her own hair is styled, even during formal events as Shigyoshiki, into Wareshinobu hairstyle. Decorated with elaborate bekkou kushi, Bekkou Hirauchi with Jade Tama, carefully selected maezashi with seasonal hanakanzashi, more colorful than senior maiko. As for the rice husk maezashi with eyeless dove - not only grains bring luck, but also the eyeless dove has its special meaning - 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. This tradition differs from hanamachi to hanamachi, but in every hanamachi this is considered as lucky charm.
Senior Maiko Kikumaru
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| Maiko Kikumaru in her formal wear |
It is tied with long Darari obi (apr. 6.8m) with geometrical pattern created with golden threads on white background. Unfortunately not seen at this picture, at the end of every maiko obi, there is crest of the okiya girl belongs to.
As she is Senior maiko, as her oneesan Kikutsuru, Kikumaru san's hair is styled in Yakko Shimada and decorated with valuable tortoiseshell hair pieces and seasonal pins. January daikan (front) kanzashi, are unique and new ones are commissioned at the beginning of the year. This years motifs are plum blossoms and bamboo leafs.
Junior Maiko Kikune
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| Maiko Kikune wearing her formal attire |
As she is still young maiko, her own hair is styled, even during formal events as Shigyoshiki, into Wareshinobu hairstyle. Decorated with elaborate bekkou kushi, Bekkou Hirauchi with Jade Tama, carefully selected maezashi with seasonal hanakanzashi, more colorful than senior maiko. As for the rice husk maezashi with eyeless dove - not only grains bring luck, but also the eyeless dove has its special meaning - 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. This tradition differs from hanamachi to hanamachi, but in every hanamachi this is considered as lucky charm.
January 12, 2018
(Tomorrow 11.30 am slt) First ozashiki of the year
On this Satuday we will be welcoming you back to yet another year with Hanafusa okiya and Kyotot Kagai sim. 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: 11.30 am slt
❀ Dress code: Semiformal
❀ LM: Hanahusa ochaya
❀ Time of arrival: 11.30 am slt
❀ Dress code: Semiformal
❀ LM: Hanahusa ochaya
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