Kotohajime 2021

Kotohajime (事始め) is an annual event during which Maiko san and Geiko visit their teachers to express gratitude, exchange gifts and ask for support in the upcoming year. During Kotohajime, shikomi, minarai, maiko and geiko also receive new dance fans, that will be used in the upcoming year. 

At Kyoto Kagai sim, Kotohajime took place on 12th of December in the Nyokoba school. Though it is a closed event, we would like to share a few photos :)

A waiting line consisting of Hanafusa and Komayaka okiya members

Receiving a new fan

Winter Fun in Kyoto Kagai - Wed 8th Dec @ 10.00 am slt

 *̣̥☆·͙̥‧❄‧̩̥·‧•̥̩̥͙‧·‧̩̥˟͙☃˟͙‧̩̥·‧•̥̩̥͙‧·‧̩̥❄‧·͙̥̣☆*̣̥*̣̥☆·͙̥‧❄‧̩̥·‧•̥̩̥͙‧·‧̩̥˟͙☃˟͙‧̩̥·‧•̥̩̥͙‧·‧̩̥❄‧·͙̥̣☆*̣̥*̣̥☆·͙̥‧❄‧̩̥·‧•̥̩̥͙‧·‧̩̥˟͙☃˟͙

Winter has returned to Kyoto Kagai and this means that it is time to don those wool mittens, haori and wrap a scarf tightly. We invite you to come and enjoy some winter fun with us. There will be Ice skating, a winter cottage filled with presents (10L each) and plenty of warm mugs of cocoa to enjoy. We Look forward to sharing this magical season with you soon

LM: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/202/138/29

*̣̥☆·͙̥‧❄‧̩̥·‧•̥̩̥͙‧·‧̩̥˟͙☃˟͙‧̩̥·‧•̥̩̥͙‧·‧̩̥❄‧·͙̥̣☆*̣̥*̣̥☆·͙̥‧❄‧̩̥·‧•̥̩̥͙‧·‧̩̥˟͙☃˟͙‧̩̥·‧•̥̩̥͙‧·‧̩̥❄‧·͙̥̣☆*̣̥*̣̥☆·͙̥‧❄‧̩̥·‧•̥̩̥͙‧·‧̩̥˟͙☃˟͙

December kitsuke

Dear readers and patrons,

This is last kitsuke post in 2021, next one will be in January 2022. Hanafusa okiya members - Okaasan Kikuyu, Geiko Kikutsuru, Geiko Kikumaru, Geiko Kikune, Maiko Kikushino and Maiko Kikuyae hope that the Christmas Holidays and New Year celebrations will bring happiness and joy into your house, and that soon we will meet again in the new 2022 - year of the water tiger.

Now, let's return to the December kitsuke post :)

Geiko Kikutsuru

Atatori of Hanafusa Okiya Geiko Kikutsuru is wearing delicate pink kimono with flowers on a 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 summer till beginning of winter. It is tied with expensive black obi with that features stripes of fabric. 

Her Katsura (wig) is decorated with special maezashi that features a maneki board that was signed by famous kabuki played during Kaomise Soken. Was it Tamasaburo or someone else? Visit Kyoto Kagai during the events and you can talk to Geiko Kikutsuru about Kabuki and discuss your favorite kabuki actors and plays :)

Geiko Kikumaru

In December Kikumaru san will wear delicate grey kimono with waves and boats that carry camellias and chrysanthemums. This kimono is perfect with late autumn and winter.

 The white and golden obi holds the kimono close and is tied at the back in a Taiko ("drum") knot.

Her juban is light pink and features leaf and pine needle patterns. Geiko also use red juban but mostly for the formal events where they wear kuromontsuki.

Both Kikutsuru san and Kikumaru san wearing for semiformal events wear wigs styled in Geiko Shimada style also known as Chuu Taka Shimada. This is quite liberating as geiko can sleep on regular pillows as well as wearing western clothes. Maiko can do that too but no when having their hair styled in Ofuku or Wareshinobu. Kikumaru san's maezashi features simple yet refined bamboo maezashi.

Geiko Kikune

Geiko Kikune, who has her erikae only last week, during December 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 symbolizing the Japanese Imperial family (Special chrysanthemum is the mon of the imperial family as well as the emperor sits on the Chrysanthemum throne). 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.

Now Kikune san can enjoy wearing a wig, mature kimono, zouri etc but also there will be more responsibilities and things to handle. 

Maiko Kikushino

In December Kikushino san will be wearing fabulous navy blue hikizuri with hand-painted matsu or pine tree and snow cloud motifs.

In December all kimonos that maiko san and geiko san wear are linned so to keep the wearer warm during winter coldness.

Her obi is created with silver and golden threads that make a geometrical and flower pattern on lighter background. End of the obi has okiya mon or emblem(as every family in japan, all okiya and yakata in have their own emblems too) which means she comes from this family - Hanafusa okiya.

Her hairstyle is called Ofuku and decorated with seasonal matsu take kanzashi that have 2 blank boards that are signed by kabuki actors during the Kaomise Soken event (you can read more abut event and these kanzashi in this post).

Maiko Kikuyae

This month you can spot Maiko Kikuyae wearing a very special hikizuri, designed by Kiku no Iki shop. This is multi seasonal shibori hikizuri with flower and origami crane motif on bright green background.

Kimono is tied with black Darari obi that has many different flowers on it, meaning it can be used in spring, summer and autumn months.

Her hairstyle is Wareshinobu (this hairstyle is worn only by Minarai and Junior Maiko) and kanzashi feature a lot of different elements that are considered lucky - small maneki neko cats, arrows in the targets etc. This version of kanzashi is reserved for junior maiko, whilst senior maiko wear more reserved kanzashi that feature bamboo leaves. You can compare kanzashi worn by Maiko Kikuyae and the ones worn by her neesan Maiko Kikushino.

Kaomise Soken at Kyoto Kagai sim

Yesterday Kyoto Kagai sim held Kaomise Soken at Miyagawacho Kaburejo theater. Starting from this year it will be an annual (same as in RL) event, that will take place in the beginning of December.
Kaomise Soken is the main theater event gathering a huge number of famous actors. 

Maiko and Geiko go to attend the performance and after they get the name of their favorite actors written on their kanzashi. Now, this is the reason why maiko san, both junior and senior, have these blank makeki boards. After the play, they go behind the stage and have these boards signed by their favorite kabuki actors - black ink is used by the actors who perform male roles and red ink by those who perform as onnagata (female roles). So, before the play maiko san wear blank maneki on the hanakanzashi and after the event they proudly wear the signed ones.

Some geiko have maezashi in a form of a small maneki board therefore they can get an autograph as well :)

from left to right:
Geiko Toshiha (Komayaka okiya), Geiko Kikutsuru (Hanafusa okiya),Geiko Kikumaru (Hanafusa okiya), Geiko Kikune (Hanafusa okiya), Maiko Kikushino (Hanafusa okiya), Maiko Toshimomo (Komayaka okiya), Maiko Toshiryuu (Komayaka okiya), Maiko Kikuyae (Hanafusa okiya)

A new Geiko is born!

Geiko Kikune posing in-front of the posters congratulating her on her Erikae

Geiko Kikune and her oneesan Geiko Kikutsuru

Danpatsu no Shiki of Maiko Kikune

On Friday evening a special ceremony took place in Hanahusa ochaya. Behind the closed doors of this exquisite tea house, surrounded by closest friends and family, Kikune san celebrated her last day as a Maiko. 

This unique event started with a magnificent feast : expensive high-class sake, delicious fresh sashimi and of course lots of traditional sweets were prepared for the guests on this special occasion. After honorable guests have eaten and enjoyed a witty conversation with Hanafusa Maiko and Geiko, oneesan of Maiko Kikune, Geiko Kikutsuru, performed on the shamisen while Kikune san danced "Kurokami" - the last dance in maiko's career.

After the dance, Kikune san sat on the special zabuton while okaasan Kikuyu prepared utensils for the ceremony of Danpatsu no shiki. When everything was ready, Kikuyu-okaasan removed all the kanzashi and hairpins from the hair of her maiko daughter and placed them on a tenugui. Than she took special ceremonial scissors and cut several cords that were holding the hair of Kikune san.

Next came Geiko Kikutsuru cut several cords and gave the scissors to Geiko Kikumaru, 3rd Geiko of Hanafusa okiya. After she has cut a hair cord, imouto of Maiko Kikumaru, Maiko Kikushino, took the scissors and cut a cords holding the hair, and after passed the scissors to the newly debuted Maiko Kikuyae. After Hanafusa members came important patrons and friends of Maiko Kikune, who had impact on her and on her career.

I would like to thank the amazing photograph, Maiko Toshimomo from Komayaka okiya, who took all of the photos featured above 

Its snowing already at Kyoto Kagai sim!

 How unexpected in

the dormancy of winter --

from between the trees

I almost see them as flowers,

the snowflakes that have fallen.

                                                     (Ki no Tsurayuki, (ca. 872-945))

LM: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/67/203/31

Do not forget to take an umbrella with you ❄️

You are hereby invited to the Erikae of our new Geiko, Kikune ^_^

This coming Saturday Maiko Kikune of Hanafusa Okiya will take the step that not many before her choose to do in the SL Karyukai, she will become a Geiko. We hope that you will be able to join us this Saturday to celebrate all her accomplishments and dedication.^^

"Becoming Geiko after 6 years of training at an Erikae ceremony is a once in a lifetime event that I wish to share with you. I dearly hope you will be able to attend on December 4th 2021 at 11:00 A.M. SLT."

- Maiko Kikune of Hanafusa okiya

Date&Time: Saturday, 4th of December, 11.00 AM slt

Your taxi to Ichirikitei tea house : http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/122/178/31

Maiko Kikune and her oneesan Geiko Kikutsuru
Both from Hanafusa okiya

Congratulation posters for Kikune for becoming Geiko

In the event of Kikune san's Erikae ( official debut as a fully fledged Geisha)  We are now accepting bookings for Congratulations posters, that will be placed on display in the Okiya and ochaya. 

If you wish to have one assigned to Kikune in your name, please contact Geiko Kikutsuru ( Miehina resident) with a NC including your Name either as a kanji or written in English. 

Please let us come together and celebrate this rare and special event in the second life's flower and willow world together ^_^

LM: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/231/181/31

Please meet Maiko Kikuyae of Hanafusa okiya!

どうぞ よろしくおねがいします

Doozo yoroshiku onegaishimasu!

Maiko Kikuyae, her oneesan Geiko Kikumaru and Hanafusa okiya would like to express gratitude for Your support and generosity. 

Maiko Kikuyae posing in front of the Mokuroku (congratulation posters)

Misedashi of Kikuyae: Public ozashiki

Yesterday, Ichirikitei tea house held a public banquet in order to celebrate the debut of Maiko Kikuyae from Hanafusa okiya. For those who wanted but couldn't come, here are few photos from the event. Big thanks to the photograph - Maiko Toshimomo of Komayaka okiya

Maiko Kikiuyae performing her misedashi dance and poem "Its a long way"

Geiko Kikumaru accompanied the dance with a shamisen melody

Misedashi of Kikuyae: Private ozashiki

On the 2nd day of Misedashi celebrations, Hanafusa okiya and their new Maiko Kikuyae san continue to receive sincere congratulations and warm gifts from friends and patrons. Kikuyae san and her oneesan Geiko Kikumaru are thankful for all the attention and support and are humbly asking for the same support in the future.

When evening came, it was time for celebratory event, an very special ozashiki. As this event is private, we will not post pictures from it, just a small photo taken outside the Hanafusa okiya when Kikumaru san and Kikuyae san were walking towards the tea house. Let's all together give Maiko Kikuyae, whose name means "Many chrysanthemums around the bay", a warm welcome into the profession and wish her luck on the artistic path she has chosen.

"Omedetou san dosu Kikuyae san!

Your okaasan, oneesan and neesan's wish you prosperity and welcome you to the profession!"

Misedashi of Kikuyae: San san kudo

Misedashi - is the most important event in any maiko's life. From now on, the new girl is seen as official part of the Kagai, no matter if its RL or SL.

And one of the most important events in Misedashi is the ceremony called San san Kudo, which can be translated as "three times three". What is about this ceremony that makes it so special? Well, this is the ceremony or better to say a ritual, similar to the one used in weddings, that is performed to bound a new Maiko (imouto) and her Oneesan (maiko or geiko who will be her mentor, "older sister"). There is also highly respected and honorable person, who performs the ceremony - in SL Hanafusa okiya it is Okaasan. Like it is during the wedding, the Sake is poured into 3 different cups which represent different yet important aspects. When drinking, you bring the sake cup 2 times to your lips and only by the 3rd sip you can sip. That is how you get three times three! This ceremony is so important that participants wear most formal kuromontsuki (formal hikizuri with 5 crests of the okiya) and most expensive hair ornaments.

Though Sansan kudo ceremony is no public and can not be witnessed by outsiders, we would like to welcome everyone to public celebrations on the Misedashi (debut) of Maiko Kikuyae of Hanafusa okiya that will take place this Sunday 11 am slt at Ichirikitei ochaya (http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/122/178/31)

Misedashi of Maiko Kikuyae of Hanafusa okiya

 It is an honor and pleasure to announce the Misedashi (debut) of Maiko Kikuyae of Hanafusa okiya, that will take place during the upcoming weekend.

To celebrate this special day, on Sunday, November 28th, at 11 am slt Ichirikitei ochaya will hold special Misedashi Ozashiki with high class Kyo Kaiseki, served by Hanafusa okiya members dressed in their Best attires. The highlight of the event will be beautiful dance and poem, performed by the newest flower of Second Life Kagai, who's name means "Many chrysanthemums around the bay"

❀ Date: Sunday 28th of November

❀ Time: 11 am slt

❀ Taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/122/178/31

New maiko to debut soon! + accepting orders for congratulation posters

Many months of studying and relentless work have finally given its fruit - Minarai Kikuyae has passed her maiko exam and is now allowed to debut as Maiko of Hanafusa okiya. Her oneesan will be Geiko Kikumaru of Hanafusa okiya.

Kikuyae san's misedashi celebrations are starting on Friday November 26th and will last till Sunday November 28th. On Sunday 28th, 11 am slt there will be a grand public ozashiki and Hanafusa okiya would like to welcome friends and patrons to join this very special celebration Please visit Kyoto Kagai more often during the upcoming weekend because then you will be able to whiteness the young flower of the kagai, Maiko Kikuyae, wearing her special Misedashi costume.

In the event of her debut we are now taking orders for the congratulation posters. If you wish to have one assigned to Kikuyae chan with your name I ask that you contact Geiko Kikumaru(belliebeth) with a nc including your name and kanji if you wish it to be in kanji.

* Misedashi - formal debut of Maiko, literary means "open for business". New maiko is presented to hanamachi and the society. She wears Kuromontsuki(formal, black, crested kimono) with with matching formal golden obi and with the okiya crest on the bottom. No obijime or obidome. During Misedashi maiko wears wareshinobu hairstyle with distinguishable kanzashi: special hair ornaments of tortoiseshell called chirikan, two ougi bira kanzashi( silver, fan-shaped kanzashi with silver flutters hanging by rings). She will also wear miokuri(bands of metal sticking out from the bottom of the bun).

Maiko Kikune is now wearing Sakkou!

 Amazing news coming from Hanafusa okiya - Maiko Kikune was spotted wearing formal attire and with her hair styled into Sakkou hairstyle. This means that in about a month Hanafusa okiya will have new Geiko. Kikune san's erikae celebrations will take place in beginning of winter and we encourage You to come and witness this extremely rare event in the life of the Second Life Karyukai

Now lets have a look at the outfit that Kikune san will wear during her "sakkou" stage:

Hair: during this last month as a maiko, a very special Sakkou (also known as saki kogai) hairstyle is worn and that is why this stage if often referred to as "sakkou". Before it was adopted by Karyukai, it was worn by the brides-to-be during the Edo era and it signified a dedication for a future husband. Nowadays, by wearing sakkou geiko-to-be shows her dedication for the profession and willingness to continue as part of the Karyukai. As you can see, from the front it does remind a normal Maiko hairstyle(such as ofuku or wareshinobu) but if you look at the back you will notice how extravagant this hairstyle really is - elegant and smooth lines of hair, decorated with silver wires and red bands. Truly, a masterpiece! 

Kanzashi: specially ordered custom made daikan kanzashi crowns the hair of Maiko Kikune - it features crane flying upon a pine and a bekou fan that has Hanafusa mon (crest). all of these elements are considered lucky and are to bring good fortune. 2 bekkou hairpins and kushi were gifted to her by her oneesan Geiko Kikutsuru 

Make up: Formal make up with three lines at the back is worn and you can notice that there is more black and almost none pink, meaning she is now a mature lady

Eri(collar): with formal sakkou looks also comes special eri that has red background with beautiful golden embroidery(small golden dots)

Kimono and obi: as Sakkou stage is considered a highly formal occasion, Kikune san will be wearing most ceremonial, custom made black kuromontsuki that has 5 Hanafusa crests on it. This masterpiece features peonies. Peony (Botan) is known as the 'King of the Flowers' and symbolizes good fortune (wealth), high honour (nobility) and ageless beauty. It is tied golden obi that has noble cart motif. .

Maiko Kikune posing near tokonoma at Ichirikitei chaya (Kyoto Kagai sim)

Special ozashiki at Ichirikitei ochaya

Yesterday, Ichirikitei hosted a very special event. It held fist ozashiki banquet during which soon geiko-to-be Maiko Kikune first time in her career performed Kurokami. This dance is extremely special for every maiko as it is the last dance one performs before becoming a full-fledged Geiko! Maiko performs it wearing her most formal black kuromontsuki kimono and her hair styled in Sakkou hairstyle.

Accompaniment was provided by oneesan of Maiko Kikune - Geiko Kikutsuru

Hanafusa okiya family during ozashiki at Ichirikitei ochaya (Kyoto Kagai sim)

Special ozashiki coming up this weekend!

 Dear Friends and Patrons, 

it is my pleasure to invite you to our very first November ozashiki of 2021

I hope that you can make it, as we are hosting a special dance this evening performed by Geiko to be, Maiko Kikune. We have also made room for fun games, relaxing conversation and delicious food ^_^

Looking forward to seeing you this weekend 

🍁 Date&Time: Saturday 13th of November, 11 am slt

🍁 Place: Ichirikitei ochaya of Kyoto Kagai sim

🍁 TP: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/122/178/31

November Kitsuke

山紅葉入日を空へ返す哉

yama momiji irihi wo sora e kaesu kana

mountain's red leaves

the setting sun returns

to the sky

(Haiku by Kobayashi Issa (1763-1827))

Geiko Kikutsuru

For November Geiko Kikutsuru has chosen solid beige kimono with a matsu(pine) design. Perfect kimono for autumn! Her obi is eye catching as it features golden and white waves on the bright orange background. Obiage and obijime are of red color and go well with the kimono's lyning.

Geiko Kikumaru

Geiko Kikumaru's semiformal outfit for November features waves on the beige background. You can see that kimono has waves hitting the rock design. Her hairstyle is a wig actually, decorated with momiji maezashi at the front, a comb and seasonal tama at the back.

Maiko Kikune

The most senior Maiko in Hanafusa okiya, Maiko Kikune, has stepped into the last stage of being a Maiko - the Sakkou stage. From nd of November 6th till mid around of December you can spot her wearing Sakkou hairstyle and formal kuromontsuki kimono. This signifies that she will continue to be an active member of the Second life Karyukai, which is a good thing as nowadays there are only several active geiko around (3 of which come from the same okiya: Geiko Kikuyu, Geiko Kikutsuru and Geiko Kikutsuru and 1 from the Komayaka okiya - Toshiha kaasan). There is a special post about Maiko Kikune's style worn during the Sakkou stage.

Maiko Kikushino

Maiko Kikushino is wearing delicate white hikizuri with momiji leaf design. It is tied exquisite obi that has black and orange stripes and a shamisen. Shamisnen is the most popular music instrument in the kagai. Some maiko or geiko can play the koto but all of them can play shaimsen.

In her hair she has colorful triple momiji hanakanzashi, kushi comb and a petite maiugi (dance fan) maezashi pin

Minarai Kikuyae

Most colorful of all bunch, Minarai Kikuyae chan is wearing beautiful solid blue hikizuri with a bamboo leaf and clams design. If you look closely onto the clams, you'll see red momiji and hexagons painted inside. Her obi is green and has a gold design. Seasonal kanzashi for Minarai and Junior Maiko's san are most eye-catching as they feature many elements such as small flowers or leaves.