During Setsubun people throw beans, (mamemaki) to cleanse away all evil of the former year and to chase away disease causing spirits (Oni). Remember to shout "Demons out! Luck in! (Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!) At this event you will see the maiko and Geiko in gorgeous kimonos as they dance to beautiful poetry. This is a festival to welcome the coming of Spring. We hope you will help us as we help you, to have a wonderful new year of good luck and health
January 31, 2020
January 15, 2020
January Kitsuke
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. Now let's have a look at the kitsuke worn in January by members of Hanafusa okiya
Geiko Kikutsuru, during January events at Kyoto Kagai sim and outside, will wear solid green semiformal kimono with colorful chrysanthemums, plums,fans and also peonies. Gorgeous piece! Chrysanthemum or Kiku (in Japan) is considered an auspicious flower 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. Why auspicious? Well, this flower is considered auspicious as these flowers bloom when no other flowers do as well as plums. The obi is golden and hold the kimono close. The juban features red plum blossoms and remind us that soon the winter will be over.
Geiko Kikumaru decided on wearing eye-catching semiformal kimono with chrysanthemums and waves on the blue background. The pattern is located under the waist line and is a perfect winter design for a Geiko. It is tied with colorful stripe obi, that was bamboo. Both Kimono and Obi belog to Kikumaur san and were part of the wardrobe ordered for her erikae. Obiage and obijime are of red color and go well with the ume(plum) blossoms on the juban.
On her feet she has Yuki geta with a special cover that is used for winter walks especially duing snowfall. Both covered and uncovered geta can be used during winter, that's why you can see both variants worn by 2 geiko san from Hanafusa okiya.
In the first month of 2020, Maiko Kikune san is wearing black hikizuri made in a shibori style. Most kimonoes created in this style are extremely expensive as it takes months to complete one piece (shibori is a Japanese tie-dying technique, using a variety of techniques in different shapes to make different patterns. Shibori technique dates from the 8th century. Amazing!). The kimono is tied with a green obi, that has golden geometrical design. The green on the obi goes beautifully with the green of the undergarment as well as green hanakanzashi. The Seasonal kanzashi for seniors most often feature pine, bamboo and plums in more subtle, pinkish and beige colors than worn by Juniors.
For January Maiko Kikushino san is wearing black and red hikizuri, made in shibori style (same style as her neesan Kikune). The darari obi has green and gold woven pattern representing bamboo. It goes really nice with the hikizuri! Her eri is also different from her sisters' - some white elements embroidered on the red background symbolizes that she's still a "baby" and a junior Maiko.
As for the hairstyle, it is called Wareshinobu and is decorated with special seasonal kanzashi - Sho Chiku Bai (pine, bamboo and plum).
Kago is red, with Maiko Kikushino's name sewn on it. This special kago was given as a present on the day of her Misedashi.
As Junior Maiko, Maiko Kikune is wearing high okobo but with red stripes
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| Geiko Kikumaru(blue), Maiko Kikune(shibori black), Maiko Kikushino(shibori red and black) and Geiko Kikutsuru(green) |
Geiko Kikumaru decided on wearing eye-catching semiformal kimono with chrysanthemums and waves on the blue background. The pattern is located under the waist line and is a perfect winter design for a Geiko. It is tied with colorful stripe obi, that was bamboo. Both Kimono and Obi belog to Kikumaur san and were part of the wardrobe ordered for her erikae. Obiage and obijime are of red color and go well with the ume(plum) blossoms on the juban.
On her feet she has Yuki geta with a special cover that is used for winter walks especially duing snowfall. Both covered and uncovered geta can be used during winter, that's why you can see both variants worn by 2 geiko san from Hanafusa okiya.
In the first month of 2020, Maiko Kikune san is wearing black hikizuri made in a shibori style. Most kimonoes created in this style are extremely expensive as it takes months to complete one piece (shibori is a Japanese tie-dying technique, using a variety of techniques in different shapes to make different patterns. Shibori technique dates from the 8th century. Amazing!). The kimono is tied with a green obi, that has golden geometrical design. The green on the obi goes beautifully with the green of the undergarment as well as green hanakanzashi. The Seasonal kanzashi for seniors most often feature pine, bamboo and plums in more subtle, pinkish and beige colors than worn by Juniors.
For January Maiko Kikushino san is wearing black and red hikizuri, made in shibori style (same style as her neesan Kikune). The darari obi has green and gold woven pattern representing bamboo. It goes really nice with the hikizuri! Her eri is also different from her sisters' - some white elements embroidered on the red background symbolizes that she's still a "baby" and a junior Maiko.
As for the hairstyle, it is called Wareshinobu and is decorated with special seasonal kanzashi - Sho Chiku Bai (pine, bamboo and plum).
Kago is red, with Maiko Kikushino's name sewn on it. This special kago was given as a present on the day of her Misedashi.
As Junior Maiko, Maiko Kikune is wearing high okobo but with red stripes
January 14, 2020
Shigyoshiki Kitsuke of Hanafusa okiya memebers
"Shigyoshiki" refers to the beginning of a new year in Kyoto's five hanamachi or "flower towns". Wearing black formal kimono, called Kuromontsuki, the Geiko and Maiko of the neighborhood renew their vows and visit the local ochaya(teahouses) and important patrons to wish the beginning of a prosperous new year. Many beautiful pieces were spotted and it was decided to write a post that would focus on the formal kitsuke worn during the Shigyoshiki 2020 by Hanafusa Geiko and Maiko
For Shigyoshiki 2020 Okaasan Kikuyu has chosen a tomesode. Her tomesode features different elements such as green momiji leaves, matsu, chrysanthemums, pampas grass making this tomesode perfectly fit for the season. This formal maru obi is pink with silver tied carefully into otaiko style knot worn only during formal okasions
Her hair is in Yoohatsu style which basically means "western hairstyle" and made from geikos own hair. It is not as complicating as Maiko san's wareshinobu or ofuku, rather some simplified and mature, yet still need to be done by a professional hairdresser. You can often spot geiko wearing this type of hairstyle during the day or some jikata geiko during the events.
No juban elements are seen and on her feet okaasan is wearing comfortable golden zouri.
Geiko Kikutsuru's Kuromontsuki is one of a kind and has many multi-seasonal and eye-catching motifs that are hand-painted - strong boats fighting the high waves, pine etc. It is tied with golden Darari obi, that not only gives the finishing touch the ensemble but also supports the back of geiko, as the kimono, especially formal kuromontsuki, are extremely heavy. No obijime or pocchiri are worn with formal outfit.
The wig Kikutsuru san 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.
It is first Shyoshiki for Geiko Kikumaru san so as a fresh geiko she is wearing full geiko set with kuromontsuki and oshiroi. Her formal black kimono features tsuru(cranes) flying upon the waves. It is tied with white and golden obi that has fan flower motif. 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.
She is wearing a katsura wig, same as her oneesan Geiko Kikutsuru. Kikumaru san has decoraed it with Bekko (tortoiseshell) comb that features mon of Hanafusa okiya, Bekko Kogai at the back and a traditional dove and rice maezashi (worn only a small period of time during January). Though worn by both Maiko and Geiko, these maezashi are placed on different sides of the hairstyle.
During Shigyoshiki guests and patrons could witness Maiko Kikune san for the first time as senior maiko. Her Kuromontsuki 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. This is also first time Kikune san wears this hairtyle. 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
As the youngest maiko in the okiya, Maiko Kikushino san wears most colorful and elaborate kuromontsuki in the okiya. This exact piece features seasonal flowers, leafs as well as many good luck motifs - 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 coral 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, nevertheless it is considered as lucky charm.
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| from left to right: Maiko Kikushino, Geiko Kikumaru, Okaasan Kikuyu, Geiko Kikutsuru and Maiko Kikune |
Her hair is in Yoohatsu style which basically means "western hairstyle" and made from geikos own hair. It is not as complicating as Maiko san's wareshinobu or ofuku, rather some simplified and mature, yet still need to be done by a professional hairdresser. You can often spot geiko wearing this type of hairstyle during the day or some jikata geiko during the events.
No juban elements are seen and on her feet okaasan is wearing comfortable golden zouri.
Geiko Kikutsuru's Kuromontsuki is one of a kind and has many multi-seasonal and eye-catching motifs that are hand-painted - strong boats fighting the high waves, pine etc. It is tied with golden Darari obi, that not only gives the finishing touch the ensemble but also supports the back of geiko, as the kimono, especially formal kuromontsuki, are extremely heavy. No obijime or pocchiri are worn with formal outfit.
The wig Kikutsuru san 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.
It is first Shyoshiki for Geiko Kikumaru san so as a fresh geiko she is wearing full geiko set with kuromontsuki and oshiroi. Her formal black kimono features tsuru(cranes) flying upon the waves. It is tied with white and golden obi that has fan flower motif. 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.
She is wearing a katsura wig, same as her oneesan Geiko Kikutsuru. Kikumaru san has decoraed it with Bekko (tortoiseshell) comb that features mon of Hanafusa okiya, Bekko Kogai at the back and a traditional dove and rice maezashi (worn only a small period of time during January). Though worn by both Maiko and Geiko, these maezashi are placed on different sides of the hairstyle.
During Shigyoshiki guests and patrons could witness Maiko Kikune san for the first time as senior maiko. Her Kuromontsuki 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. This is also first time Kikune san wears this hairtyle. 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
As the youngest maiko in the okiya, Maiko Kikushino san wears most colorful and elaborate kuromontsuki in the okiya. This exact piece features seasonal flowers, leafs as well as many good luck motifs - 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 coral 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, nevertheless it is considered as lucky charm.
January 13, 2020
Shigyoshiki in Kyoto Kaburenjo (2020)
Last week Kyoto Kagai sim hosted Shigyoshiki - annual traditional opening ceremony, that marks the start of another business year in the Karyukai. Geiko and Maiko of Hanafusa okiya gathered at Miyagawacho Kaburenjo theater, wearing most formal black kimono called Kuromontsuki and renewed their vows for the new year. This is one of the few occasions when patrons and guests can see all of Kagai members gathered together wearing full regalia.
At the beginning Okaasan Kikuyu welcomed guests as well as kagai members with an inspiring speech. After she welcomed maiko and geiko to enter the stage and present the vows. They entered in strict ranking: first geiko, than senior maiko, than junior maiko.
After the vows were pledged, maiko and geiko offered sake and, specially prepared for this event, osechi (traditional Japanese New Year foods).
A new year, a new beginning, an empty sheet of paper where you can write anything you wish for. We hope that 2020 will bring You, Your family and friends many delightful days, filled with joy and happiness. With gratitude in our hearts, we sincerely thank you for your support and humbly hope that You will continue to support us in the future "Yoroshiku otaomoshimasu"
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| Okaasan Kikuyu welcoming Guests, Patrons and Kagai Memebrs during Shigyoshiki 2020 |
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| from left to right: Okaasan Kikuyu, Geiko Kikutsuru, Geiko Kikumaru, Maiko Kikune and Maiko Kikushino |
A new year, a new beginning, an empty sheet of paper where you can write anything you wish for. We hope that 2020 will bring You, Your family and friends many delightful days, filled with joy and happiness. With gratitude in our hearts, we sincerely thank you for your support and humbly hope that You will continue to support us in the future "Yoroshiku otaomoshimasu"
January 8, 2020
Shigyoshiki 2020 at Kyoto Kagai sim
Maiko and Geiko of Hanafusa okiya invite You, Your family and friends to take part in one of the most important event in life of our sim - Shigyoshiki.
❀ Date: Saturday 11th of January
❀ Time: 11.00 am slt
Shigyoshiki is the annual (traditional) opening ceremony in Kyoto that marks the start of another year for Kyoto’s Geiko and Maiko. They gather in their local hanamachi wearing formal black kimono and renew their vows for the new year. The most successful members of the Kagai of the previous year for their district receive an award of excellence.
Following the ceremony, the Maiko and Geiko visit the local tea houses and business establishments to wish the start of an auspicious and prosperous new year.
❀ This years participants in Shigyoshiki are Okaasan Geiko Kikuyu, Geiko Kikutsuru, Geiko Kikumaru, Maiko Kikune and Maiko Kikushino
LM: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/190/199/31
After the even we encourage you to taste the celebratory sake and take photos with Geiko and Maiko in their best attires :)
January 5, 2020
Seasonal Kanzashi: Sho Chiku Bai
First kanzashi post of the year! Yaaaaay!!!! Sho Chiku Bai kanzashi by Kisetsu, available at SaNaRae from 26th of December till 17th of January. An iconic kanzashi of Winter, that will definitely crown your hair.
Let me shortly explain why i called these kanzashi iconic and why they are suggested as January decoration. To start with, Sho Chiku Bai is an ancient and auspicious Japanese motif, that combines pine, bamboo and plum. Its origins can be found in the Chinese phrase “saikansanyū,” which means "three friends of winter". These plants endured cold winters and therefore became it's symbols and "friends". In Japanese culture, "Sho-chiku-bai" is considered auspicious motif and are alo known as "three elements of Happiness".
The smaller kanzashi on the left is called inaho - ear of rice with a plum blossom and pigeon. Painting the eyes on the pigeon on New year is said to bring luck! Have you tried?
For December 2019/January 2020 SaNaRae event, Kisetsu has prepared 2 different color styles of ShioChiku Bai Tsumami Kanzashi - Classic and Pastel. Each style consists of 3 pieces - Hana Kanzashi (the bigger piece on the right), small kanzashi that for this special month is inaho - dove with rice grains, and a flower bridge. A perfect decoration for your hair in Winter, ne?
Hair decoration: Tsumami Kanzashi - Sho Chiku Bai
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
Let me shortly explain why i called these kanzashi iconic and why they are suggested as January decoration. To start with, Sho Chiku Bai is an ancient and auspicious Japanese motif, that combines pine, bamboo and plum. Its origins can be found in the Chinese phrase “saikansanyū,” which means "three friends of winter". These plants endured cold winters and therefore became it's symbols and "friends". In Japanese culture, "Sho-chiku-bai" is considered auspicious motif and are alo known as "three elements of Happiness".
The smaller kanzashi on the left is called inaho - ear of rice with a plum blossom and pigeon. Painting the eyes on the pigeon on New year is said to bring luck! Have you tried?
For December 2019/January 2020 SaNaRae event, Kisetsu has prepared 2 different color styles of ShioChiku Bai Tsumami Kanzashi - Classic and Pastel. Each style consists of 3 pieces - Hana Kanzashi (the bigger piece on the right), small kanzashi that for this special month is inaho - dove with rice grains, and a flower bridge. A perfect decoration for your hair in Winter, ne?
Hair decoration: Tsumami Kanzashi - Sho Chiku Bai
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
January 1, 2020
Yasaka Jinja is decorated for New year!
Yasaka Jinja is decorated for the New year with precious decor only up for this special time of year.
With this also food stalls and games are ready to be played and tasted!
Come enjoy games with friends, maybe you will win some prizes too!
Happy New Year from everyone of us in Kyoto Kagai
May the New Year bring you prosperity and peace
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| Yasaka Jinja at Kyoto Kagai sim |
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