Hassaku 2019

from left to right: Maiko Kikune(purple), Geiko Kikutsuru(blue),
Geiko Kikumaru(beige) and Maiko Kikushino(pink)

1st of August is always one of the most busy and important days in August for Hanafusa okiya members as this is the day of Hassaku. This year is really special for this famous okiya as it is first Hassaku for two new geiko san: Geiko Kikutsuru(who became geiko last year) and Geiko Kikumaru(who had her erikae last month). Also, for Maiko Kikune it is, in a way, as well first Hassaku since she became Senior maiko in the beginning of 2019 and first for Maiko Kkushino as she stepped into her second year of being a Maiko.
During this event, there was a new member spotted - her name is Amaya and she is a shikomi san in Hanafusa okiya. She was extremely busy helping her seniors to prepare that she excused herself after introducing and run to the okiya. This is great news as we can see how Hanafusa okiya is growing. Who knows, maybe soon we will get to celebrate misedashi?...
But for now, let us return to yesterday's event.So, what is Hassaku and why is it considered that important? Well, it is similar to greeting rounds that take place in winter(Shin Aishatsu) but, of course, there are several differences. Every year on this hot summer day, all okiya members from Miyagawacho Hanamachi dress up in their casual komon or iromuji and go on rounds, paying respects to teachers, establishments and sometimes long time patrons. Indeed, this takes time to make all visits and greet people that play important if not major part in the life of the okiya - kimono makers, local shop keepers, kanzashi makers, tea house owners, teachers, fan and prop makers etc. This is same both for Rl and SL, as Hanafusa okiya tried to keep all traditions as realistic as possible.
If you have seen pictures from Hassaku, you might have noticed that some Maiko and Geiko wear most formal kimono called kuromontsuki while others (as do Hanafusa maiko on the picture) - simpler kimono and no make up. So who wears what during Hassaku?
Gion Kobu: Maiko san and Geiko san from Gion Kobu hanamachi wear formal regalia (kuromontsuki with 5 crests of the okiya and formal obi, formal make up with 3 stripes, tortoise shell kanzashi alongside with august pampas hanakanzashi; in case or senior maiko hairstyle is called Yakko Shimada, while junior maiko wear their hair styled in Wareshinobu).
Gion Higashi: casual komon or iromuji, no make up, hairstyle: Wareshinobu or Ofuku
Kamishichiken: casual komon or iromuji, no make up, hairstyle: Wareshinobu or Ofuku
Miyagawacho: casual komon or iromuji, no make up, hairstyle: Wareshinobu or Ofuku
Pontocho: casual komon or iromuji, no make up, hairstyle: Wareshinobu or Ofuku
This is one of the best times to see the members of Kagai, as they flow through streets in small groups. Also, this is a good time for you to notice the changes that have occurred since springtime odori's: who has become senior, new members or who has returned to kagai etc. This year, Hanafusa okiya of Second Life has showed us that it has been doing quite well - 2 Geiko, 2 Maiko and 1 shikomi shows us that they keep flourishing. Let's wish them best!

Members of Hanafusa okiya posing in front of their okiya
from left to right: Maiko Kikushino(pink), Geiko Kikumaru(beige), Geiko Kikutsuru(blue), Maiko Kikune(purple) and
the newest member of the okiya Shikomi Amaya