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