Late Summer celebrate friendly bonds between Japan and Italy

“Friendship knows no color, nationality, race and social level, friendship knows no age and gender, friendship knows no distance...” - Luis Alexandre Ribeiro Branco

Several days ago Hanafusa okiya geiko and maiko were invited to perform at the Grand Opening of the Camp Italia Gateway area, dedicated to friendship between the Italian and Japanese people. The performance consisted of 2 dances: "Hydrangea" (poem and dance by Geiko Kikumaru) and "Story of friendship between Japan and Italy" (story and dance created by Maiko Kikune and Maiko Kikushino).

Camp Italia sim has a beautiful museum with interesting information and historical photos. Moreover, different buildings in addition to the stage, have been used for exhibitions, exhibition rooms, relaxation, entertainment and gastronomy. Asia san, who is the host, created an amazing atmosphere that does feel like Edo. Please visit this amazing sim for different lessons, events and of course art exhibitions

(Your taxi to camp Italia: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Camp%20Italia/127/64/23)

Have you ever dreamt of becoming a maiko?

Have you ever dreamed wearing elaborate kimonos and learning new about Japanese culture? Have you ever dreamed of walking the Kyoto streets in high wooden okobo?

If yes, than Hanafusa okiya is for you:)

You are provided with a near real life course or training in Japanese History and culture. You will learn how to be a Geiko ( term for Geisha in Kyoto)

At the moment we have open space for 4 Shikomi.

Ready to give it a try? Contact  Geiko Kikutsuru (Miehina resident) if you are interested in starting your journey in a close family such as Hanafusa, that focus on realism and quality.

Taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/63/205/31

Geiko and Maiko of Hanafusa okiya performing at annual Yukatakai

Walking around Kyoto Kagai sim: Gion Higashi Chaya

 Gion Higashi chaya is one of many tea houses located in Kyoto Kaga sim. During summer and early autumn months it holds ozashiki(banquets) on the kawadoko(water platform) upon the Shirakawa river and local Maiko and Geiko are invited to entertain guests. 

LM: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/69/169/31

This weekend (Saturday, 12th of September) we invite you to the one of the last summertime ozashiki of 2020. The relaxing atmosphere of the tea house accompanied by traditional Japanese entertainers, Maiko and Geiko, will definitely make you feel the upcoming switch of seasons 

Walking around Kyoto Kagai sim: Shinbashi Dori street

Shinbashi Dori is a street located both in RL Kyoto and SL Kytot Kaga sim. There are lots of traditional Japanese kyoto-style houses known as machiya, restaurants, retro cafes and meeting places for everyone in Gion. And of course there are tea houses where Maiko and Geiko entertain. Wo knows, maybe when you visit, you will see one quickly passing by?...

 LM for Kyoto Kagai sim: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/107/155/31

Summer picnic in Momiji/Ume park -Sat Sept.5th @ 11:00 a.m.

Summer is slowly coming to and end but you can still enjoy a relaxing picnic in the park with Geiko and Maiko. We invite you to join us for a brief time among the hydrangea, butterflies and a cheerful stream. We look forward to meeting new and old friends soon

Time&Date: Saturday 5th of September, 11 am slt

Taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/92/49/30

September Kitsuke of Hanafusa Geiko and Maiko

Autumn is around the corner, yet in Japan September is considered a Summer month. So do not hesitate to visit Kyoto Kagai sim to enjoy the last warm summery days and as well as the company of Geiko and Maiko from the Hanafusa okiya.

Now lets talk about the September  kitsuke of Hanafusa okiya ladies :)

Geiko Kikutsuru and Geiko Kikumaru

Atatori of Hanafusa Okiya Geiko Kikutsuru has chosen subtle navy blue kimono with design featuring summer flowers. It is tied with obi that has distinctive pattern known in japanese as "Kikko Mon". This pattern is a geometric pattern made up of many regular hexagons. It is considered auspicious as it resembles the geometrical pattern of the tortoise shell and tortoise are conspired to be the symbols for wisdom, luck, protection, and longevity; old beliefs mention that "Kame" unites heaven and earth, with its shell representing heaven and its square underside representing earth.
Her Katsura is decorated with white rabbit maezashi (as soon there will be "otsukimi" or moon viewing festival) and kushi. At the back there is Tama with nephrite.

Geiko Kikumaru is wearing dlicate pink kimono with flowers on uchiwa (summer fan) and a river design. Kawa(river) or winding stream represents continuity and the future. It also has a cooling affect on the viewer. Uchiwa with peonies, chrysanthemums, momiji and other plants and flowers is more of combined design, that can be worn from late spring till autumn. The green obi with golden geometrical pattern goes well with the kimono and is tied in a taiko musubi knot.
Her hair is decorated with Asagao hairpin, that is flower symbol of September. Morning glory flower is one of the few flowers today that is instantly recognized as a summer motif in Japan and can be seen on the kimono and pins from June till September.

Maiko Kikune and Maiko Kikushino

For September Maiko Kikune has chosen subtle white hikizuri. The design is Susuki or pampass grass and is worn from August to October. It is simple but elegant grass that is an essential decoration for otsukimi, the mid-autumn moon viewing festival. It is tied with bright green 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 is decorated with big Kikyou hanakanzashi, kushi, smaller kikyou maezashi, bira bira kanzashi, hirauchi and nephrite tama.

In September you can see Maiko Kikushino wearing light hikizuri with colorful "tonbo" or dragonfly design all over the kimono. Another old name for dragonfly is “katsumushi” - victory insect, which made dragonflies symbols of courage, strength, and happiness. As a seasonal symbol, the dragonfly is associated with late summer and early autumn. The Darari obi, worn by Maiko Kikushino, is bright orange with dancing fan motif. 

Her hair is styled in Wareshinobu (this hairstyle is only worn by minarai and junior maiko) and is decorated with fashionable seasonal kanzashi(this month it is Kikyou or Chinese bellflower).