April 21, 2020

Kyo Odori 2020 at Kyoto Kagai sim

For those who do not know, every Hanamachi (geiko district) in Kyoto has several main annual dance performances - one takes place in spring and one in autumn. Most famous of all is possibly the Miyako odori, performed by Maiko and Geiko from Gion Kobu Hanamachi but I insist that every odori of any hanamachi is worth witnessing.
In SL, Miyagawacho Hanamachi of Kyoto Kagai sim continues the RL tradition by holding two annual public odori (apart from other smaller odori): Kyo odori in April and Mizuekai in October. The creators, writers and designers are members of Hanafusa okiya. Okaasan Kikuyu as director of the odori. To bring You a 1.5 hour performance takes several months of preparations and rehearsals - everything to provide the audience with the highest level of hospitality. Every move of the fan, every poem, every story - all this comes sincerely from the hearts of the performers and we hope that all our guest get to feel it.
Now, lets have a closer look at this years Kyo odori (every year the theme and acts change so previous odori and the odori that will come in future years will be different):
Peformers: Geiko Kikutsuru (performer), Geiko Kikumaru (performer), Maiko Kikune (performer), Maiko Kikushino (performer).
Tea ceremony is part of Kyo odori and is performed for guests and patrons before the performance. This year the role of otemae or the person who was performing main role in the tea ceremony (preparing tea and utensils) belonged to Geiko Kikumaru. The role of ohikae, assistant at the tea ceremony who helps serve tea and sweets, was performed by two maiko from Hanafusa okiya - Maiko Kikune and Maiko Kikushino.
After tea ceremony finished, guests were welcomed into the performance hall.

Act 1: "Kitano Tenmangu"
from left to right: Geiko Kikutsuru, Maiko Kikushino, Maiko Kikune and Geiko Kikumaru
Geiko and Maiko, when enjoying a walk around Kyoto, decide to go and watch the blooming trees at Kitano Tenmangu shrine. Older sister decides to tell her sisters the story of this magnificent and mysterious place...
🌸 Written and Choreographed by Geiko Kikumaru

Act 2: "The story of the farmer and the kappa"
Geiko Kikutsuru (kappa), Geiko Kikumaru(fermer's wife), Maiko Kikune(monk) and Maiko Kikushino(farmer)
In this thrilling story we are meeting a farmer, a monk and a kappa. Do you know what a kappa is? 
Who will be the smartest between the three?
🌸 Choreographed by Maiko Kikushino

Act 3: "Hanami celebrations"
from left to right: Maiko Kikushino, Geiko Kikutsuru, Geiko Kikumaru and Maiko Kikune
Meet the Geiko and Maiko of Hanafusa Okiya as they are to celebrate a most important Spring event - Hanami - cherry blossom viewing. Join us for this celebration of beauty
🌸 Written and choreographed by Maiko Kikune

Act 4: "Spring in the Karyukai"
from left to right: Maiko Kikune, Geiko Kikutsuru, Geiko Kikumaru and Maiko Kikushino
 Each Geiko and Maiko putting words to what makes Spring special to them
🌸 Written by all in Hanafusa Okiya and choreographer by Geiko Kikumaru

Act 5: "Hina no Heian"
Maiko Kikune(nobleman), Geiko Kikutsuru(lady in green), Geiko Kikumaru(lady in pink) and Maiko Kikushino(purple)
Meet a Husband and wife as they battle their struggles through poetry and a new beginning. Performed in beautiful costumes from the Heian Era
🌸  Written and Choreographer by Geiko Kikutsuru   

Act 6: "Miyagawa Ondo "
from left to right: Geiko Kikutsuru, Maiko Kikushino, Maiko Kikune and Geiko Kikumaru
This is the Traditional ending to the Kyo Odori performance. All the Performers meet on stage in a colorful and "cheerful" rhythmic dance
 🌸 Traditional Mai dance 

Memebrs of Hanafusa okiya would like to thank our guests, patrons and friends for coming to our Kyo odori 2020. We hope that you have enjoyed our performance as much as we did and we hope to see you next year

April 13, 2020

Kyo Odori coming soon!


Dear friends and patrons,

While you're spending time at home due to coronavirus outbreak, possibly having your trips and other plans canceled, Kyoto Kagai sim would like to invite you and your friends to this years 8th annual Kyo odori.

For those who have not been to any odori but are interested, Kyo odori is a traditional dance event in Miyagawacho Hanamachi of Kyoto Kagai sim. Every year, in end of April, Maiko and Geiko from Hanafusa okiya welcome Spring with their beautiful dances and poems at Miyagawa-chō Kaburen-jō Theatre.
Before the Odori starts, a tea ceremony is held for all the guests. The program changes every year, apart from last act - traditional ending known as "Miyagawa Ondo".
This year, Maiko and Geiko of Hanafusa okiya will be honored to entertain you on Saturday April 18th at 10 am slt - 11.30 pm slt! So that to present our visitors with high quality performance, maiko san and geiko san have already started preparations and practice relentlessly every day.
We have reservations available. For booking please contact Maiko Kikutsuru(Miehina).
Let's welcome the Spring in Miyagawacho Hahamachi Kabuenjo! ( >click for taxi< )
If you would like to have this year's Kyo Odori posters at your store or sim, please contact Maiko Kikumaru(belliebeth).
We are looking forward to welcoming you at our Kaburenjo. Please stay safe, wash hands and be cautious about the virus.

April 2, 2020

It's Hanami time!

Kyoto Kagai sim is blooming, the weather is sunny and warm. This means only one thing - Hanami. Last week Hanafusa Maiko and Geiko welcomed guests and patrons to a local park where they have set up a small party with freshly made springtime delicacies. But not only odango were served, there were also sushi, cookies shaped like a sakura blossoms, strawberry tarts and many more - everything that can make a cheerful gathering even more enjoyable. For those who was thirsty - green tea and light sake was served. Oishii!
Another Hanami is planned for the 4th of April (10 am slt) so please do not hesitate to note it in you schedule. Though there are restrictions in RL, SL is bustling with life and events.
So why not to enjoy it ?
Late march Hanami at Kyoto Kagai sim with Hanafusa okiya Maiko and Geiko