Ah, Summer in Kyoto Kagai sim...Parks are covered with blooming hydrangea and water irises. The birds are relaxing in the shade of oaks and sycamores. You can undoubtedly feel that every inhabitant of the land is enjoying the summer heat. But Maiko and Geiko of Kyoko Kagai sim have no time for being lazy - you can spot them every day, walking towards their appointments; nevertheless they will be happy to greet you and show you around the sim. So be sure to visit Kyoto Kagai sim this month :)
Geiko Kikutsuru
Green obi, with Kikyou (bell-flower) and several Asagao (morning glory) flower design, holds the kimono close. Both flowers are used in summer kimono and obi designs and patterns right up until end of September. The obi is tied in Taiko Musubi knot
Her Juban (underskirt) has a design created in Shibori technique (is a Japanese manual resist dyeing technique, which produces patterns on fabric).
Her katsura (wig) is decorated with small maezashi hairpin, kushi made from light wood and jade tama at the back.
Geiko have bigger choice in footwear than maiko - they can choose between several types of geta or comfortable zori, when weather is rainy/the area where they will be requires them to wear footwear
Geiko Kikumaru
Geiko Kikumaru's June semi-formal attire consists of subtle green ro kimono and checkered obi that also has geometrical pattern on it. "Ro" is a type of thin waved fabric used for natsumono (summer kimono) and you can easily distinguish it from others by its translucent stripes. This very classy way to weave silk is most popular and even be used for formal scenarios.
It is tied with silver and black obi that has a geometrical motif and tied over it - a delicate white obijime.
Her elaborate geiko wig is decorated with Chidori hairpin. Chidori is the Japanese term for a plover. You can see it on kimonos as well as it is a mon(crest) of Pontocho Hanamachi. If we classify "chidori" as a seasonal motif, it would winter one. BUT winter motifs and the patterns are commonly featured on summer items to evoke the coolness of winter.
The footwear Geiko Kikumaru is wearing are standard geta, different from the ones worn by her oneesan Geiko Kikutsuru.
Maiko Kikune
Senior Maiko Kikune has chosen subtle purple ro hikizuri for June. You need to look closely to admire the intricate flowery design that goes all over the kimono.
It is tied with black 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. It is different in other Hanamachi, for example in Gion Kobu Maiko start tying obiage when they preparing for erikae.
Obijime cord is white and purple, and on it is an elaborate golder butterfy pocchiri. This is the most valuable part o Maiko's costume.
Her hair is styled in Ofuku - Senior Maiko hairstyle and decorated with seasonal willow hanakanzashi, kushi (comb), smaller asagao maezashi, bira bira kanzashi at the front as well as hirauchi and jade tama at the back of the hair. Willow for a long time is associated with Geiko and Maiko world and is a symbol of grace and strength.
Maiko Kikushino
As you already know, Kikushino san is a junior maiko and junior maiko have their hair styled in Wareshinobu hairstyle. This month's seasonal plant is willow therefore she wearing willow hanakanzashi, willow hanagushi and a cute fan maezashi.
When wearing semiformal outfit, Maiko san wear red juban, as you can see on the photo of Maiko Kikushino and her neesan Maiko Kikune, whilst geiko can choose between pink, red and even white and light blue.
Footwear worn by Maiko Kikushino is standard for all maiko san and are called Okobo. The staps on them also indicate senority - red for juniors, pink and other colors for senior maiko. These clogs are hollow and inside a small bell is located, so when maiko san walk they make a very distinctive sound.
