Christmas preparations in Hanafusa okiya

There is something special and sacred about these evening family gatherings...

Outside it's snowing, cold winter wind makes you want to stay in bed all the time...

And you go into the living room where your sisters have already gathered...

There is something about the warmth you share with them, on those cold winter days,

Sugary cookies and sweet cacao drinks, the scent of mandarin oranges and cinnamon....

I wouldn't trade those evenings for the world...

Hanafusa Geiko and Maiko gather inside their okiya to decorate Christmas tree

December Kitsuke

Dear readers and patrons,
This is last kitsuke post in 2019, next one will be in January 2020. Hanafusa okiya members - Okaasan Kikuyu, Geiko Kikutsuru, Geiko Kikumaru, Maiko Kikune, Maiko Kikushino and Shikomi  Junko hope that the Christmas Holidays and New Year celebrations will bring happiness and joy into your house, and that soon we will meet again in the new 2020 - year of the metal rat.
Now, let's return to the December kitsuke post

Geiko Kikutsuru

Geiko Kikutsuru

Geiko Kikutsuru has chosen beautiful kimono of marsala color and shibori bamboo design at the bottom. Bamboo itself is often associated with winter and symbolizes longevity while shibori is a Japanese tie-dying technique: artist uses a variety of techniques in different shapes to make different patterns. It is tied with light beige obi and features small white and silvery designs.
 The eri(collar) is white, and is the symbol of pureness, femininity and maturity.
As we look at Kikutsuru san's katsura(wig), we will see small yet beautiful silver mazeashi - this small but very stylish hairpin features pampas grass. Light wooden comb is placed in the middle of the wig and gives the finishing touch to whole ensemble.

Geiko Kikumaru

Geiko Kikumaru

In December Kikumaru san will wear light purple kimono with Pine(matsu). This design is associated with New Year and winter itself and symbolizes longevity, steadfastness and wisdom in age. The white and golden obi holds the kimono close and is tied at the back in a Taiko ("drum") knot.
Her juban is light pink and features leaf patterns. Geiko also use red juban but mostly for the formal events where they wear kuromontsuki.
Both Kikutsuru san and Kikumaru san wearing for semiformal events wear wigs styled in Geiko Shimada style also known as Chuu Taka Shimada. This is quite liberating as geiko can sleep on regular pillows as well as wearing western clothes. Maiko can do that too but no when having their hair styled in Ofuku or Wareshinobu.

Maiko Kikune

Maiko Kikune

In December Kikune san will be wearing fabulous green hikizuri with hand-painted matsu or pine tree and snow cloud motifs.
In December all kimonos that maiko san and geiko san wear are linned so to keep the wearer warm during winter coldness.
Her obi is created 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 called Ofuku and decorated with seasonal matsu take kanzashi that have 2 blank boards that are signed by kabuki actors during the Kaomise Soken event (you can read more abut event and these kanzashi in this post).

Maiko Kikushino

Maiko Kikushino

In December you can spot Kikushino san wearing hikizuri of regal, deep purple color - a silk masterpiece kept in Hanafusa okiya warderobe. You can see momiji(maple leaf), ougi (fan) and kiku(chrysanthemum). It is held with light beige obi that has leaf design. Both kimono and obi give us feeling of a cold wind that has blown away everything that reminded us of autumn days.
You might have noticed that less and less red is being shown on the Kikushino san's collar. It has been almost 2 years since her debut so no wonder her kitsuke is getting more and more mature.
The juban Kikushino san is wearing has pine needle pattern.
Tabi, worn by maiko, are always white! In case they get dirty or get wet, no need to worry - maiko and geiko always have spare pair or several of those in their kago baskets.

Yuki geta to warm your winter walks

Winter is here! 

Are you ready for the snowy days?

Kisetsu store has prepared a winter addition of their wooden geta shoes - please welcome Yuki Geta. 

Several types of these traditional wooden sandals are available at the Kisetsu store - you can choose between lacquered (black or red), dark wood (black or red) and light (pink or coral) colored geta. Whatever yuki geta you decide to get, you can be sure that they will warm your long walks during cold winter months. 

Scared of falling down on ice? No need as all geta have been equipped with anti-slide sole.

So, what are you waiting for?!

Visit Official Kisetsu shop in Second life: 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Multitudes/128/129/17

Geiko Kikumaru, Maiko Kikune and Maiko Kikushino posing in different types of Yuki geta
Photo take at Kyoto Kagai sim

Kabuki play "The faithful wife" at Miyagawacho Kaburen-jo

Several days ago Miyagawacho Kaburen-jo theater held a premiere of Kabuki play "The faithful wife", written and staged by Maiko Kikuhino. This Kabuki play tells us story of 2 merchants, who made a bet that Yoshimitsu will seduce the wife of Ryuji, Yukiko. Yoshimitsu bribes Hoji, servant from Ryuji's household, to receive intimate details about Yukiko's body and her ring. Then, Yoshimitsu lies to Ryuji that he has slept with his wife, therefore he saw birthmark on her thigh and that she had given him her wedding ring as a token of her love. Ryuji rushed into the house questioning Yukiko, and after not being able to find the ring, he decides to get rid of her. He calls Hoji, his servant, tells him to take her into the woods and kill her. Hoji disobeys and leaves Yukiko to die in the winter forest, while bringing his master her blood soaked kimono with deer heart and lungs. Yukiko is saved by a Monk and is taken into the temple. After some time, she decides to leave and accidentaly onher way she saves the son of Lord Shibatsu, Shinji, who was attacked by bandits. She carefully takes care of him, until one day comes Lord Shibatsu himself and Shinji asks his father to thank this young lad (Yukiko disguised herself as a young man) for saving him. It is decided that Yukiko/Uki will now serve at the Lords mansion. When Lord Shibatsu, his son and Yukiko/Uki returned to the castle, they saw Ryuji san on his knees waiting for the Lords punishment for killing his innocent wife. Yukiko throws off her disguise and bows deeply before the Lord Shibatsu asking to show mercy on her husband. After seeing that how faithful the wife was to her husband, Lord Shibatsu lets the two lovers go...

The Kabuki play was a success! After the curtains went down, the audience thanked the talented actors with standing ovations.

🎭 Actors:

Geiko Kikumaru - Lord's Shibatsu son Shinji, Narrator

Maiko Kikune - Yoshimitsu(merchant), Komuso monk, Hoji

Maiko Kikushino - Ryuji(merchant), Lord Shibatsu 

Shikomi Junko - Wife of Ryuji Yukiko (Uki)

For those who wanted to come but didn't have a chance, Geiko Kikutsuru san took some amazing photos during the play. Please enjoy!

"All seemed well until one night Ryuji san bumped into an old acquaintance in the local chaya where they drink sake and dine after work ..."

"Ryuji san drew his sword and raised it poised to strike but was too cowardly to strike the blow himself ..."

"Hoji, now fearful for his life, knowing his master is plotting to kill him, sleeps with one eye open and sees a shadow slide past the half open shoji doors and as the light catches the flash of a sword is struck a glancing blow fleas in terror hearing the swish of the blade strike after strike around his ears fleas screaming into the night...."

"I came as quickly as i could when i heard the news that your party had been attacked and sent out soldiers to comb the surrounding area for those bandits, they wont get far..."

Actors are bowing towards the audience

Kabuki "The Faithful Wife"

Dear Guests and Patrons,

Miyagawacho Kaburenjo proudly presents Kabuki play "The Faithful Wife".

The premiere will take place on Sunday 8th of December at 11 am slt

LM: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/193/205/31

Sincerely yours, members of Hanafusa okiya

Autumn Kanzashi Gacha by Kisetsu

Hurry up to the The Gacha Garden! Kisetsu has Gatcha with delicate yet eye catching kanzashi pins. They are extremely detailed and look like RL items! There are Ginko tree pins, two pins with rabbits, two styles of tama balls and susuki pns(ones with pampass grass). These are all commons available in silver and gold. There are two rares, definitely worth winning. Thy consist of 2 pieces - Chrysanthemum hanakanzashi piece and maezashi with metal dangling parts called bira-bira. Available in Silver and in gold.
No matter which ones you win, they all are beautfiul accessories made with love and care for the details. All of those can be worn during autumn and some - might be even multiseasonal.

Available at Gacha Garden event (August 2019th): https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Gimme%20Gacha%20Productions/127/135/26
After the event you can find these amazing Japanese hairpins in the Kisetsu shop, alongside with high quality Japanese footwear, bags, kimono, hairstyles etc: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Multitudes/122/141/18

November Kitsuke

Mizuekai odori is over but there is not time to relax on the soft futon - November is here and this means more classes to attend, more ozashiki to hold and events to perform at. Please do not be shy to visit our beautiful sim to enjoy the peak of the fall colors and a sneak peak into the lives of SL Karyukai members.

Hanafusa okiya members posing for photos in their November attires
from left to right: Maiko Kikune(green), Geiko Kikutsuru(beige), Geiko Kikumaru(marsala) and Maiko Kikushino(blue)

For November Geiko Kikutsuru has chosen solid beige kimono with a matsu(pine) design. Perfect kimono for autumn! Her obi is eye catching as it features Japanese giant festival floats appearing from the dark background. Obiage and obijime are of red color and go well with the flowers on the juban.
Geiko Kikumaru: This month you'll be able to see Kikumaru san wearing solid marsala hikizuri with bamboo design. The background of her obi is dark grey and the design on it is of same color as the bamboo on her hikizuri. As for the hair, it is a wig and is decorated with seasonal momiji pin, decorative kushi comb and a red Tama at the back.
Maiko Kikune is wearing a solid green hikizuri with flowery design. You can clearly see branches with chrysanthemums and ume(plum blossoms). Hanafusa okiya also has a sister kimono of this piece, with is specially made for Geiko san and Geiko Kikumaru wore it last month. In her hair she has colorful momiji hanakanzashi, kushi comb and a petite leaf maezashi pin.
Maiko Kikushino: Most colorful of all bunch, Maiko Kikushino chan is wearing beautiful solid blue hikizuri with a bamboo leaf and clams design. If you look closely onto the clams, you'll see red momiji and hexagons painted inside. Her obi is green and has a gold design. Seasonal kanzashi for Junior Maiko san are most eye-catching as they feature many elements and small flowers or leafs.

Mizuekai 2019 at Kyoto Kagai sim

On October 26th Miyagawacho Kaburenjo theater opened its doors to those who came to watch annual Mizuekai odori  - autumn dances and poems created by Hanafusa okiya Geiko and Maiko.
This year's participants were Geiko Kikuyu, Geiko Kikutsuru, Geiko Kikumaru, Maiko Kikune, Maiko Kikushino

Act 1: "Tsuru"

A young woman, while embroidering, throws a glance into the garden and notices cranes flying in the sky. A beautiful autumn sight, but it brings back memories of long gone past...


Written and choreographed by Geiko Kikumaru

Act 2: "Ode to Autumn"

Enjoy a fall dance while listening to the Fall poems by each Geiko and Maiko of Hanafusa okiya , let their movements bring you closer to an Autumn sensation

Choreographer by Maiko Kikushino

Act 3: "The forgotten girl in the garden"

A long time ago in a beautiful garden a baby girl was cursed to forever spend her life lost and forgotten among flowers and Autumn leafs...
But one day a stranger visits, will she be rescued?

Written and choreographed by Geiko Kikutsuru

Act 4: "An autumn trip to Kyoto"

Colorful leafs dance in the wind,
While we bring you with us to a day trip to Kyoto town this Autumn

Written and Choreographer by Maiko Kikune

Act 5: "Manzai odori"

There is no Mizuekai without the traditional Manzai Odori

This marks the end of the 2019  Fall dance performed in Miayagawacho

Memebrs of Hanafusa okiya would like to thank our guests, patrons and friends for coming to our Mizuekai 2019. We hope that you have enjoyed our performance as much as we did and we hope to see you next year

October Kitsuke

Autumn has fully conquered Kyoto Kagai sim - the trees are now dressed in beautiful brocade of red and orange while grasses have turned into yellowish hay. Maiko and and Geikofrom Hanafusa okiya are quickly walking towards Miyagawacho Kaburenjo theater for Mizuekai rehearsals. Only chrysanthemums, symbols of October, are quietly reigning in gardens and parks.

Maiko and Geiko from Hanafusa okiya posing in their October kitsuke
from left to right:
Maiko Kikune(yellow gradient), Geiko Kikumaru(green), Geiko Kikutsuru(purple) and Maiko Kikushino(pink)

Geiko Kikutsuru this month decided on wearing solid purple semiformal kimono with bamboo and decorative clouds - the pattern is located under the waist line and is a perfect autumn design for a Geiko. It is tied with light silver obi, that was woven maple tree branch. Obiage and obijime are of red color and go well with the momiji leafs on the juban.
Geiko Kikumaru during October events will wear solid green semiformal kimono with colorful chrysanthemums and also peonies. Chrysanthemum or Kiku (in Japan) is the flower of October as well as is the part of names of all Hanafusa okiya members so no wonder that a lot of this flower design is going to be seen on the outfits of Kyoto Kagai members. Also this flower is considered auspicious as these flowers bloom when no other flowers do. The obi is golden and hold the kimono close.
Maiko Kikune's September kitsuke consists of gorgeous gradient hikizuri that has maple leafs hand painted on the lower part the hikizuri, black obi with tucked in obiage and obijime that is holding precious pocchiri. The eri (collar is is white from the embroidery on it yet at the back there still is a red part). Also she has her hairstyle is decorated with seasonal kanzashi that feature the flower of the month - chrysanthemum.
Maiko Kikushino is wearing solid  pink hikizuri with Chrysanthemum and Bell flower hand painted on the precious silk. Although simple, this kimono is one of my favorite ones due to perfect combination of colors.  her hair she has colorful chrysanthemum hanakanzashi, flowerbridge and a petit chrysantemum maezashi pin.

Mizuekai 2019 coming soon!

 Dear guests and readers of my blog,


Kyoto Kagai Sim is proud to present annual Autumn performance - Mizuekai. This very popular six scenes odoriperformed by geiko san and maiko san from Miyagawacho hanamachi is not only display eloquent, authentic kyo mai dances but also proudly present poetical talents of Hanafusa okiya members.
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: 26th of October 2019
Time: 11 am slt
Taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/188/205/31

For those who are visiting my blog for the first time, Mizuekai (みずゑ會)  is the 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. Traditionally, the Mizuekai was the testing ground of the skills of apprentice dancers, and in comparison with the Kyo Odori dance event held in spring, it has a strong feeling of a recital at which the participants present the fruits of their committed training. As a result, it attracts large numbers of true aficionados of traditional dance, allowing visitors to appreciate performances of an even higher standard.
We sincerely welcome You, Your friends and family to enjoy the autumn performance.


In case you need any additional information or you would like Mizuekai 2019 posters, please contact Geiko Kikumaru(belliebeth resident)

Maiko Museum event

Dear guests and newcomers to my blog,
Kyoto Kagai sim continues to hold weekly events for You and Your friends to enjoy the traditional Japanese hospitality and arts. This time i'd like to talk about performance that is held in Maiko Museum.
The main idea was to hold event that could bring together Hanafusa okiya memebrs and people who are interested but are too shy to come to ozashiki or odori. That's why it was decided to build copy of Maiko theater, that is located in RL Miyagawacho Hanamachi.
In Rl Maiko Theater, Maiko san from Miyagwacho hanamachi(usually Shigemori okiya) perform before tourists and you can enjoy tea ceremony, dances by Maiko and ask questions.
On the other hand, in SL You can enjoy the performance of Geiko and Maiko from Hanafusa okiya and ask them about their career, styles and other things that you wanted to know. We also encourage those who would like to apply, to come to this event and see what is it like to be Hanafusa Maiko or Geiko.

from left to right: Geiko Kikutsuru, Maiko Kikune, Maiko Kikushino and Geiko Kikumaru

from left to right: Geiko Kikutsuru, Maiko Kikune, Maiko Kikushino and Geiko Kikumaru

September Kitsuke

Autumn is around the corner yet in Japan, September is considered Summer month. So do not hesitate to visit Kyoto Kagai sim to enjoy the last warm summery days and enjoy the company of Geiko and Maiko from the Hanafusa okiya.
Now lets talk about the September  kitsuke of Hanafusa okiya ladies :)

from right to left: Geiko Kikutsuru(beige), Geiko Kikumaru(black), Maiko Kikune(subtle purple), Maiko Kikushino

Geiko Kikutsuru's semiformal ro kimono for September has gorgeous river and willow design on a beige background. Willow for a long time is associated with Geiko and Maiko world and is a symbol of grace and strength. Green obi with Kikyou(bellflower) design holds the kimono close. Her wig is decorated with Asagao maezashi, kushi made from light wood and jade tama at the back.
Geiko Kikumaru is wearing dark blue ro kimono with a wave design. Kimono made of ro fabric are very popular. You can define it due to its translucent stripes. This very classy way to weave silk is most popular and even wearable for formal occasions so no wonder that some Okiya or Geiko own several of those in their trunks for the summer. It is tied with red hakata obi and white obijime. As any other Geiko, Kikumaru san uses red obiage.
Maiko Kikune has chosen subtle purple ro hikizuri for September. You need to look closely to admire the intricate flowery design. It is tied with black and golden darari obi that goes well with hikizuri. Obiage is tucked into the obi - it is custom in Miyagwacho for their Maiko to start tucking obiage right after becoming Senior. Her hair is styled in Ofuku - Senior Maiko hairstyle and decorated with big Kikyou hanakanzashi, kushi, smaller kikyou maezashi, bira bira kanzashi, hirauchi and jade tama.
Maiko Kikushino, who is the youngest Maiko in the okiya, is wearing deep purple hikizuri with handpainted water flow and momiji leaf design. It is tied with long golden darari obi. Her hair is styled in Wareshinobu - Junior Maiko hairstyle and is decorated with new fashionable seasonal kanzashi(this month it is Kikyou or Chinese bellflower). Flowers of the hanakanzashi are smaller in size but bigger in quantities, her hanagushi(or katsuyama bridge kanzashi) consists of smaller Kikyou flowers and at the back she is wearing Kanakodome and Tachibana pin - these are distinctive details that can tell that it is a Junior Maiko standing before you .

Geiko Kikumaru(black), Geiko Kikutsuru(beige), Maiko Kikushino(purple), Maiko Kikune(subtle purple)
Photo taken at Kyoto Kagai sim: 

Seasonal Kanzashi - Kikyou

It's time for beautiful seasonal kanzashi! This time it is Kikyou or Chinese bell-flower - seasonal flower of September, which is available at SaNaRae from 26th of August till 17th of September.

It got its name from its looks as before it opens, the petals form the shape of a hanging bell. This colorful flower belongs to "Aki no nanakusa" (seven grasses and flowers of Autumn) so we can even call it "the first flower/bell of Autumn". Also, it is worth mentioning that this flower means unchanging love, honesty and obedience. And, what is important, you can wear those as a hair decoration even if you are not maiko - they suit even a simple hairdo.

For August/September SaNaRae event, Kisetsu has prepared 5 different color styles of Asagao Tsumami Kanzashi - Indigo, Indigo&Pink, Pink, Pink&Blue and Violet. Each style consists of 3 pieces - Hana Kanzashi (the bigger piece on the right), small kanzashi and a flower bridge with several flowers. A perfect decoration for your hair in Autumn, ne?

Hair decoration: Tsumami Kanzashi - Kikyou
Creator: Kisetsu (Nix Marabana)
Available at SaNaRae: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Spring%20Morning/192/136/4013
After the event you can find these amazing Japanese hairpins in the Kisetsu shop, alongside with high quality Japanese footwear, bags, kimono, hairstyles etc: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Multitudes/122/141/18

Beer Garden Event

Event at the Beer Garden

One of the most popular event between the visitors, held at Kyoto Kagai sim during summer, is an event held at Beer Garden event, often known as Beer Garden Event. It is held in a open area with a small stag, where Maiko and Geiko perform. When guests come, they are able to taste different types of beer and snacks, and you do know that there is nothing better than a good beer in an icy cold mug when the summer heat is at its peak.
After drinking beer (or mugicha for those who do not like alcoholic beverages) and tasting delicious summer snacks, time has come for Maiko Kikune and Maiko Kikushino perform a dance and poem.
Both were self choreographer and self written, and guests admired the hard work and heart put into the performance.

Maiko Kikune and Kikushino performing a dance

The next event will be an ozashiki held on Saturday, 7th of September 11 am slt at GIon Higashi Chaya and we encourage You to come and enjoy the last month of summer in the cooling atmosphere of tea house located on the Kamo river.

Performance at Maiko Theater

Maiko Kikushino greeting guests

No matter the holidays, Kyoto Kagai continues to hold events. Last Sunday was no exception, as Geiko and Maiko of Hanafusa okiya performed for visitors at the Maiko Theater. "We'd like to encourage people to discover and learn about the life of Second life Geiko and Maiko san by meeting Hanafusa okiya members. As in RL, SL Karyukai is quite closed society, that is why we have decided to hold events, such as this, to promote and let guests feel free to ask questions, which they had but were shy to ask Geiko or Maiko. Either hairtyle or kimono, years of study or troubles of being SL Geiko - we will be happy to answer" - said Geiko Kikutsuru.
Maiko Kikushino gracefully greeted guests and led them towards the seats where her older sisters prepared for the performance behind the curtain.
When all guests and visitors were seated, she joined her neesan and the performance began. Two dances were performed - both choreographer and written by Geiko Kikumaru.
After Geiko and Maiko finished performing, they sat on the stage and waited excitedly for the questions about their life and careers.

from left to right: Maiko Kikune(pink), Geiko Kikumaru(beige), Geiko Kikutsuru(green)
Photo by Shikomi Amaya

 from left to right: Maiko Kikune(pink), Geiko Kikumaru(beige), Geiko Kikutsuru(green) and Maiko Kikushino(navy blue)
Photo by Shikomi Amaya

from left to right: Maiko Kikune(pink), Geiko Kikumaru(beige), Geiko Kikutsuru(green) and Maiko Kikushino(navy blue)
Photo by Shikomi Amaya

Story night at Kyoto Kagai sim

When the summer evenings get too hot, it is time for chilling story telling. Just imagine - you enter an old house that seems empty yet you can feel that there is somebody watching your every move. When joined by your friends you come into the biggest room of the house and sit on a zabuton that seem to have been prepared for your arrival. Geiko Kikutsuru takes a place in the center - a place reserved for the storyteller - and presents the guests of the event with a scary story...

Obon celebrations 2019

"Bon Odori" at Kyoto Kagai sim

When August is in its peak, every child knows that it is time for Obon celebrations in Kyoto Kagai sim. What can be better than dressing up in a nice cotton yukata, tying a colorful obi sash and admiring the fireworks, accompanied with horror stories? Definitely nothing!
That is why every year Kyoto Kagai sim holds Obon where everyone can come and participate and learn about this traditional feast. First of all, there was a Bon Odori or "Bon Dance", a sacred dance performed only on this special occasion. After the dance, guests could take a snack at the near-standing food stalls, or participate in festival games: catching a goldfish, shooting, darts etc. This year, our guests and patrons could compete with maiko and Geiko members of Hanafusa okiya and win some splendid prizes :)

"The time has come to say farewell..."

After guests have played games and danced the sacred Obon dance, the time has come to enjoy fireworks and floating lanterns on the stone bridge that crosses the Kamo river. By lighting a lantern and putting it on the clean waters of the river, we say farewell to the spirits that visit this world during Obon. By this, we remember our beloved once with joy...

Geiko Kikutsuru watching the lanterns floating on the Kamo river (photo taken by talented shikomi Amaya)

Maiko Kikune praying (photo by Shikomi Amaya)

Maiko Kikushino watching the lanterns(by Shikomi Amaya)

Shikomi Amaya chan helped with Obon celebrations

August Kitsuke

Mid-August in Kyoto Kagai...Geiko and Maiko from Hanafusa okiya are enjoying a beautiful walk around the sim in their semiformal garments and this means the time has come for our monthly kitsuke post!

P.S. Don't forget about Obon that will take place this weekend, take your friends and family with you as there will be fun for children as well as adults!

from left to right:
Geiko Kikutsuru(green), Maiko Kikushino(navy blue),  Maiko Kikune(pink gradient) and Geiko Kikumaru(beige)
Photo taken at Kyoto Kagai sim(http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/147/160/31)

Geiko Kikutsuru is wearing gorgeous green kimono with a bamboo design. Her obi is eye-catching and is a unique piece - it features lit paper lanterns of the Yamaboko floats during Gion Matsuri Festival. Also her juban undergarment has both red and pink, which is also a unique piece. In her hands she's holding a kago basket that has a kawaii golden fish charm hanging from it. On her feet you can notice Rikyu Geta, and not the most commonly worn Atomaru geta. 

Geiko Kikumaru's semiformal outfit for August features waves on the beige background. You can see at the back er kimono has waves hitting the rock design. As she is a fresh Geiko, who had her erikae in the end of the last month, her make up has some pink, less of course than her younger maiko sisters. With time there will be only red and black colors left to apply. As she is now wearing a more mature hairstyle, a wig actually, the decorations are also limited - maezashi at the front, a comb and seasonal tama at the back.

Maiko Kikune, as the most senior maiko in Hanafusa okiya, gets the first pick of newest hikizuri. So for August she is wearing a gradient kimono that goes from pink at the top to blue at the hem - newest creation from the Isomesh kimono shop. Carefully hand-painted water lily design are located on the sleeves and under the waist, reminding us that this piece can only be worn by a senior maiko. Her hair is decorated with newest seasonal kanzashi from the Kisetsu store - beautiful Asagao or Morning Glory.  

Maiko Kikushino is wearing beautiful dark navy hikizuri with fireflies design. It is one of the summer activities - to watch or catch fireflies so there is no wonder that the maker of this kimono wanted to depict this beautiful tradition. Her wareshinobu hairstyle is crowned with silver color flower which actually is pampass grass designed in a way of a flower. It is another seasonal motif for kanzashi apart from Asagao, that is worn mostly by Senior maiko. 

from left to right: Geiko Kikumaru, Maiko Kikune, Maiko Kikushino, Geiko Kikutsuru
Photo taken at Kyoto Kagai sim (http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/147/160/31)

Yukata Kai 2019

Last weekend Miyagawacho Kaburenjo held summer odori, know as Yukatakai. For those who do not know, this is annual event, in which maiko and geiko of Kyoto kagai sim participate in. During it, guests and patrons could admire talents as well as notice changes that came in the kagai since springtime. I'd like to mention that his year was special for Hanafusa okiya: it was first time performing at Yukatakai for Geiko Kikutsuru(she had her eriake last year) and fresh-after-erikae Geiko Kikumaru. Senior Maiko Kikune and 2nd year Maiko Kikushino have also matured in their dancing and writing skills.
For those honorable guests and patrons who couldn't come but extremely wished to, here is a small description of the acts. Please enjoy :)

Act 1: "Hayashi"

from left to right: Maiko Kikune, Geiko Kikutsuru, Okaasan Geiko Kikuyu, Geiko Kikumaru and Maiko Kikushino

Okaasan Kikuyu welcomed patrons and guests to annual Yukatakai odori with a speech. During this act all members of Hanafusa okiya showed their skills by playing music instruments that are unique to Kagai: Maiko Kikune played drum called Otozumi, Geiko Kikutsuru san played the shinobue fue, Okaasan Kikuyu played the Kotozumi, Geiko Kikumaru played the drum known as shimedaiko and Maiko Kikushino played the shakuhachi.

Act 2: "Odori no Natsu "

from left to right: Maiko Kikune, Geiko Kikutsuru, Geiko Kikumaru and Maiko Kikushino

During this act all Geiko and Maiko perform together and represent main Japanese celebrations of the summer: Obon and Tanabata. The main prop in this scene is summer fan called uchiwa with Hanafusa mon(crest)

Act 3: "Natsu no Hi"Ac

from left to right: Maiko Kikune, Geiko Kikumaru, Geiko Kikutsuru and Maiko Kikushino

In this beautiful scene Geiko and Maiko from Hanafusa okiya are sharing self-written poems about summer. In their hands they are holding dance fans called maiougi. This style of maiougi is used only in Miyagawacho Hanamachi

Act 4: "Odori no Natsu wa Okiya"

from left to right: Geiko Kikumaru, Maiko Kikune, Maiko Kkushino and Geiko Kikutsuru

This scene focuses on the summer in the Kagai. During this scene Geiko san performed with wagasa(paper umbrellas) while Maiko used uchiwa

Act 5: "Natsu wa Hotaru"

from left to right: Maiko Kikune, Geiko Kikutsuru, Geiko Kikumaru and Maiko Kikushino

In this final scene of Yukata Kai 2019 Geiko and Maiko from Hanafusa okiya again performed with summer uchiwa fans