Hassaku 2020

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. 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. So, 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, it 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 tries to keep all the traditions, being 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 has showed us that Hanafusa okiya of SL has been doing quite well - there are 2 active Geiko and 2 active Maiko. Looks like there will be some some good changes this year as well, but those are still rumors :) 

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