Miyagawacho Kaburenjo theater, which is located on the Kyoto Kagai sim, has hosted Kaomise Soken and, of course, Maiko and Geiko from both Hanafusa and Komayaka okiyas came to watch a kabuki play.
December 13, 2022
Memories: Kaomise soken 2022
Kaomise Soken is an event in December during which Geiko and Maiko visit a kabuki performance, and after they meet up with their favorite actors and have them sign the empty plates on their kanzashi, traditionally a female and a male role character is signed.
October 3, 2022
Mizuekai coming soon to Miyagawacho Kaburenjo!
Dear guests and readers of my blog,
Kyoto Kagai Sim is proud to present annual Autumn performance - Mizuekai. This popular six scenes odori, performed by memebrs of Komayaka and Hanafusa okiyas, is not only display eloquent, authentic kyo mai dances but also proudly present poetical talents of geiko san, maiko san and minarai san of Kyoto Kagai sim.
For those who are visiting my blog for the first time, Mizuekai (みずゑ會) is an annual event at which the Miyagawacho geiko and maiko display the traditional performance techniques of the Wakayagi style of Kyomai dance, to the study of which their daily lives are devoted.
We sincerely welcome You to come enjoy an elegant performance of Japanese classics, performed by maiko and geiko who have trained diligently all year for this recital
Date: Saturday, 22nd of October
Time: 10 am slt
Taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/193/205/31
If you would like to display this years Mizuekai poster at your sim or shop, please contact Geiko Kikumaru (belliebeth) inworld.
This years posters were created by Okaasan Geiko Toshiha of Komayaka okiya
August 13, 2022
Misedashi Memories: Geiko Kikutsuru and Maiko Kikuteru
どうぞ よろしくおねがいします
Doozo yoroshiku onegaishimasu!
Maiko Kikuteru, her oneesan Geiko Kikutsuru and Hanafusa okiya members would like to express gratitude for Your support and generosity
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| Maiko Kikuteru and Geiko Kikutsuru posing in front of the Mokuroku (congratulation posters) |
Misedashi of Maiko Kikuteru: Day 1"San san kudo"
Konnichiwa dear guests and readers of Hanafusa blog,
On this beautiful day i'm honored to announce the debut of Maiko Kikuteru. She has debuted under the wing of Geiko Kikutsuru. Omedetou san dosu Kikuteru-san on the path you have chosen!
* 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).
During San san Kudo ceremony, Kikuteru chan was bonded with Geiko and Atatori of Hanafusa okiya, Kikutsuru san by drinking 3 cups 3 times. This most important event was led by Okaasan Kikuyu and witnessed by Geiko Kikumaru, Maiko Kikushino and Maiko Kikuyae.
After the ceremony, Kikutsuru san and Kikuteru san went on greeting rounds with important patrons, where Kikutsuru san was introducing the new maiko.
Misedashi celebrations were held for 2 more days, with more visiting rounds and ozashikis.
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| "Sansan kudo" from left to right: Maiko Kikuteru, Okaasan Kikuyuu, Geiko Kikutsuru |
A new maiko will debut in Hanafusa Okiya TODAY!
I am pleased to inform you that on Saturday at 10 am slt ( Uk time = 6 pm/18.00) a new maiko will debut in Hanafusa Okiya, her name is Kikuteru.
kikuteru has remarked herself already as a dilligent student, interested in every subject but perhaps paticular Kitsuke and Dance is once she find most interesting.
On this day you will be able to see her in a once in a lifetime attire, only worn by Maiko during the few days that they debut on, wearing the exact same special hairpins worn by every maiko who debuted before her in our okiya, as well as be able to admire a self written, self choeographed dance based on her life so far within the okiya.
I hope that you will have time to join us to celebrate this special day. On behalf of all of us, we are so very proud of you neechhan, and welcome to the family of flowers *(^_^)*
LM: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/231/181/31
August 4, 2022
Misedashi of Kikuteru coming next week!
Great News minnasan! in less then 2 weeks we will have a new Maiko debuting in Kyoto Kagai
Maiko to be, Kikuteru will debut under Geiko Kikutsuru of Hanafusa Okiya.
In the event of this, we offer you to put in an order of congratulatory posters to Kikuteru in your name, these posters are displayed outside the okiya and ochaya before, during and briefly after the debut.
Contact Geiko Kikutsuru (Miehina resident) if you like to order one or more ^_^
Gion Matsuri 2022
Dear reader of Hanafusa okiya blog,
As in rl Kyoto Kagai, our sim as well as it's maiko and geiko members, take part in Gion Matsuri celebrations. Every year after the Hanagasa Junko parade, Maiko san from Miyagawacho perform a dance called Konchiki ondo. The name of the dance comes from distinctive Konchiki chain of Gion Bayashi folk music. They wore special white thin kimono with hakata obi (obi sash with hakata-ori textile) which was pink against a white background in Ushiromi musubi (a way of knotting the obi sash) style. In their hands they hold an uchiwa fan with crests of the Gion festival and the Yasaka shrine.
After the dance, guests were able to make memorable photos with members from Hanafusa and Komayaka okiya.
July 28, 2022
Yukatakai 2022 coming soon!
Annual summer dances are coming this weekend!
On Saturday 30th of July Geiko and Maiko of Komayaka and Hanafusa okiya will perform in the Summer odori - Yukata Kai. You are welcome to come enjoy this 6 act performance.
* P.S. you will be able not only to admire the dance skills of Geiko san and Maiko san but also meet the new apprentices, known as shikomi-san, who might soon debut
･:*:･ﾟ☆ Time of arrival: 09.45 am slt
･:*:･ﾟ☆ Time odori begin: 10.00 am slt
･:*:･ﾟ☆ Time odori ends: 11.00 am slt
･:*:･ﾟ☆ Your taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/193/205/31
Pictures after are to be taken in the room between exit and theater audience room. Maiko will attend photo shoot. During performance you may take pictures as long as they do not interfere the performance.
In case you would like to receive a poster, please contact Geiko Kikumaru(belliebeth) inworld.
May 11, 2022
Double misedashi at Komayaka okiya of Kyoto Kagai sim!
Next week Kyoto Kagai sim will be an epicenter of a double misedashi!
Misedashi is the most important step in a young girl's geisha career.
When a girl debuts as a maiko (apprentice geisha) or directly as a geiko (geisha),
this is called misedashi, her coming out ceremony. The word means
"open for business" and signals that she is now an official
member of the kagai (where geisha work and live).
~❀~ Schedule ~❀~
5 pm SLT: Stepping-Out
(First Appearance, time for photos, giving congrats)
In Front of Komayaka Okiya
5:25 pm: Formal Rounds Begin (Visiting other okiya and ochaya and the school)
6 pm SLT: Komayaka Ochaya Open: Thursday, May 19th, 2022 LM: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/206/159/31
May 10, 2022
Minaraia ozashiki at Hanahusa Ochaya Sun 15th May @ 10 am slt
It is a great pleasure and honour to announce the coming debut of a new Minarai of Hanafusa Okiya. To celebrate this special day, on Sunday, May 15th at 10 am SLT, Hanahusa Ochaya will hold a special Ozashiki. We invite you all to come and join us in this special celebration. Let’s welcome the newest blossoming flower of Second Life Kagai and be the first to hear her new geimei (a geiko’s or maiko’s stage name). May this new flower blossom into precious gem in the Karyukai.
Date&Time: Sunday 15th of May, 10 am slt
Landmark: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/231/181/31
May 7, 2022
Shikomi Midori has passed her exam!
Dear guests and patrons,
I am honored to announce that today shikomi Midori passed her Dance exam and theory. Soon she will be known under a new name… Kiku… have a guess if you like. Her Minarai debut is yet to be announced but i bet it's going to be really soon :)
Omedetou san dosu Midori chan!
Your okaasan, oneesan and neesan wish you luck and prosperity and promise to help you on you path of becoming a beautiful flower of Karyukai!
May 3, 2022
Kyo Odori 2022 at Kyoto Kagai sim
"Dear friends and patrons,
Its been 11 years since we had our first Kyo Odori performance, and as much as I wanted back then to show you a window into the Karyukai, I wish today to share with you some of the Traditional atmosphere that we study here in Kyoto Kagai SL - On behalf of the Hanafusa Okiya and Komayaka Okiya I welcome you to the 2022 Kyo Odori "
Geiko Kikuyuu, Okaasan of Hanafusa okiya
Every Hanamachi (geiko district) in Kyoto has several main annual dance performances - one takes place in spring and one in autumn. Most famous of all is possibly the Miyako odori and Onshukai, performed by Maiko and Geiko from Gion Kobu distrit but I insist that every odori of any hanamachi is worth witnessing.
In SL, Miyagawacho Hanamachi of Kyoto Kagai sim continues the RL tradition by holding two grand annual public odori (apart from other smaller odori): Kyo odori in April and Mizuekai in October. The creators, writers and designers are members of Hanafusa and Komayaka.To bring this 1.5 hour performance takes several months of preparations and rehearsals - all to provide the audience with the highest level of hospitality. Every move of the fan, every poem, every story - all this comes sincerely from the hearts of the performers and we hope that all our guest get to feel it.
🌸This years performers: Komayaka Okiya: Okaasan Geiko Toshiha, Maiko Toshimomo, Minarai Geiko Toshinami, Minarai Toshiyue. Hanafusa okiya: Geiko Kikutsuru, Geiko Kikumaru, Geiko Kikune, Maiko Kikushino, Maiko Kikuyae
Now, lets look closely at this years Kyo odori (every year the theme and acts change so previous odori and the odori that will come in future years will be different):
Tea ceremony: As part of the Kyo Odori, formal tea ceremony is performed for the guests and patrons. This year it is very special as Geiko Toshiha was otemae - the host who performs the tea ceremony. The role of ohikae, assistant at the tea ceremony who helps serve tea and sweets, was performed by Maiko Toshimomo and Maiko Kikuyae.
Act 1 "Harusame"
Harusame means spring rain. This dance tells us about love of a woman and her longing to finally reunite with her beloved one.
🌸Choreographed by Maiko Kikushino
Act 2 "Hanami"
Every year, Japan shines in the many colours of the sakura blossom, giving the people a time to celebrate together under the blooming trees, enjoying the view and fragrances together. Part of every year's hanami are the geikos and maikos of Kyoto and the other Hanamachi, wearing colourful kimonos and kanzashi, completing the colourful experience in Japan's parks. And yet, this colours won't bloom for eternity, as too soon their falling will begin, leaving the trees without their precious sakura... until in one year, hanami will greet us again
🌸Written and Choreographed by Maiko Kikuyae
Act 3 "Ayame Yukata"
For the first time in Second Life Kyo Odori the Geiko and Maiko of Miyagawacho will perform the Ayame Yukata, with Jiikata Geiko and Maiko accompanying with their talented musical skills.
🌸 Choreographed by Geiko Toshiha
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This is a tale about old days in Japan when either by the result of constant wars or famine, food was in short supply. The local War Lord demands more rice from his tenants, taking what meagre grain they posses, and an old woman fears she has become a burden on her family and requests that she be taken to the mountain and left there to be one less mouth to feed , to die.
The son sadly carries out her request but is torn with guilt and cannot leave her so he decides to carry her back home and deal with the consequences ..
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Act 7 "Matsu Zukushi"
In their finest formal silk kimonos the Geiko and Maiko of Miyagawacho is performing this difficult yet beautiful dance, that holds an Auspicious meaning.
🌸Choreographed by Maiko Kikushino
Act 8 "Miyagawa Ondo"
This is the Traditional ending to the Kyo Odori performance. All the Performers meet on stage in a colorful and "cheerful" rhythmic dance.
🌸Choreographed by Geiko Toshiha
Maiko Kikuteru
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Watashi no namae wa Kikuteru desu🌸
🌸 Maiko of the Hanafusa Okiya
I am Maiko of Hanafusa okiya in Miyagawacho Hanamachi. Geiko Kikutsuru is my oneesan and Geiko Kikuyu is my humble okasan. If you have any concerns or compliments regarding my behavior please direct them to my oneesan or okaasan
_________________________
Midori was born to a traditional dance teacher on the outskirts of Kyoto. The girl grew up in her fathers home and attended school in Kyoto. She spent time with many of her mothers old friends while in town. She loved to study the traditional arts. After graduating at fifteen a school teacher visited her home to discuss which high school Midori would attend. Her father was surprised to hear that his daughter planned to continue her studies in the kagai. At first her parents were unsure about their daughters decision. However, Midori's mother reached out to some of her old friends to see if anyone had a connection. It was no easy task. Yet the story did not truly begin until the Okaasan of Hanafusa Okiya decided to take a chance on a little green bean.
On 12th of August Midori debuted as Maiko Kikuteru under wing of Geiko Kikutsuru. A new chapter has begun
March 31, 2022
Important news!
On Sunday, March 13th, 2022 Geiko Kikune stepped down as an Active Geiko.
On Sunday, May 1st, she will fully retire due to health reasons
Ookini san dosu Kikune for all your years of service to the Karyukai as a Geiko
Sincerely Hanafusa Okiya
March 30, 2022
Hanami coming this weekend!
Konnichiwa Dear Friends and patrons,
it is our honour to welcome you to our first Hanami - cherry blossom viewing of 2022, We welcome you to join us for a relaxing picnic in Maruyama Park, this Saturday, under the rain of cherry petals enjoying sakura flavored treats, and the company of Geiko and Maiko san.
Time&Date - Saturday, April 2nd, 11 am slt ( meet early to get a spot)
LM: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/116/216/32
Kyo odori 2022 coming soon!
Dear friends and patrons,
While you're spending time at home due to coronavirus outbreak, possibly having your trips and other plans canceled, Kyoto Kagai sim would like to invite you and your friends to this years 10th annual Kyo odori. This is also the second odori, created in unity by Komayaka and Hanafusa okiyas.
For those who have not been to any odori but are interested, Kyo odori is a traditional dance event in Miyagawacho Hanamachi of Kyoto Kagai sim. Every year, in end of April, Maiko and Geiko welcome Spring with their beautiful dances and poems at Miyagawa-chō Kaburen-jō Theatre.
Before the Odori starts, a tea ceremony is held for all the guests. The program changes every year, apart from last act - traditional ending known as "Miyagawa Ondo".
This year, Maiko and Geiko of Hanafusa okiya and Komayaka Okiya will be honored to entertain you on Saturday April 30th at 10 am slt - 11.30 am slt! So that to present our visitors with high quality performance, maiko san and geiko san have already started preparations and practice relentlessly every day.
🌸 We have reservations available. For booking please inworld contact Maiko Kikutsuru(Miehina).
🌸 If you would like to have this year's Kyo Odori posters at your store or sim, please contact Geiko Kikumaru (belliebeth).
We are looking forward to welcoming you at our Kaburenjo. Please stay safe, wash hands and be cautious about the virus. Let's welcome the Spring together at Miyagawacho Hahamachi Kaburenjo! ( >click for taxi< )
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| Poster by Geiko Toshiha (Komayaka okiya) |
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| Poster by Geiko Kikutsuru(Hanafusa okiya) |
Hina Matsuri celebrations
Dear friends and patrons of Kyoto Kagai sim,
Thank you for celebrating Hina Matsuri with us. We look forward to seeing You later this month during annual Kyo Odori, that will take place on April 30th and let us not forget weekly events such as ozashiki, hanami, museum events and story nights.
For those who wanted but couldn't participate, i'll give a small report. The celebrations took place in Ichiriki tei in Kyoto Kagai sim. Guests were welcomed by Maiko and Geiko of Hanafusa and Komayaka okiyas together with magnificent displays of Hina dolls, that belong to okiya.
And, as always, please enjoy a few photos from this annual event :)
Maiko Kikushino and Maiko Kikuyae (Hanafusa okiya)
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| Geiko Toshiha as Jikata |
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| Geiko Kikutsuru as jikata |
Maiko Toshimomo and Maiko Toshiryuu (Komayaka Okiya)
March Kitsuke
Geiko Kikutsuru is wearing deep blue kimono with hand-painted sakura blossoms. Light golden obi accompanies the kimono well and holds kimono close to the body. Her katsura or wig is decorated with a very stylish maezashi which is a sakura blossom. It is said to be very stilish or "iki" to wear designs or kanzashi slightly before the season for the comes(for example, the sakura season is April but wearing slight before April is considered Iki)
Geiko Kikumaru has chosen bright yellow kimono that features iris flowers as well. If we talk about symbols, iris symbolizes rebirth, new beginnings, renewal (early Spring), beauty and the transience of life. Deep blue obi, that featured waves, holds the kimono close. She also wears katsura and for March she has decorated it with a daffodil maezashi.
Obasan Kikune is wearing a perfect subtle pink springtime kimono, that features sakura blossoms.
Maiko Kikushino is wearing subtle green hikizuri with playful plum and sakura blossoms. It is tied with black Darari Obi with fan design. Senior Maiko in Miyagawacho start "tying" their obiage as soon as they start wearing Ofuku hairstyle. This is different from Gion Kobu when Maiko start tucking obiage into obi as a sign of preparing for Erikae. Her hairstyle is decorated with seasonal triple hanakanzashi which feature suisen (daffodil).
This month you can spot Maiko Kikuyae wearing gorgeous black hikizuri with temari(traditional toys, which are nowadays used as a decoration, made by winding dyed thread around a ball construction). It is tied with exquisite golden obi that can be worn whole year round. Maiko Kikuyae's hairstyle is called Wareshinobu and is decorated with colorful seasonal kanzashi. This month kanzashi for junior maiko feature rape blossoms that are in bloom now.
Shikomi Midori is wearing a light purple Komon tied with dark purple nagoya Obi. Shikomi san do not wear any special hairstyles as minarai or maiko san, but usually they have their hair in a neat bun. As Midori san is now more "visible" during events it is quite possible that soon this year Hanafusa okiya will have a new maiko san ^_^
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| Standing: Shikomi Midori, Maiko Kikuyae, Maiko Kikushino Sitting: Geiko Kikumaru, Geiko Kikutsuru and Obasan Kikune |
Baikasai at Kitano Tenmangu (2022)
In the end of February, Kyoto Kagai sim's Kitano Tenmangu shrine held Baikasai - the Ume Blosom festival.
The guests were invited into the specially built for this event tent and told the story of about Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, the plum blossoms and, of course, about the festival itself.
Those who have missed the event we would like to encourage to visit Kitano tenmangu temple grounds of Kyoto Kagai sim so that they could enjoy the blooming plum trees. The best time to view the blossoms is the period from the end of February until the middle of March, when ume trees with either red or white blossoms, and both single and double-flowered blossoms fill the Baien Ume garden with their sweet fragrance.
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| Maiko Kikushino and Geiko Toshiha |
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| Geiko Kikune and Geiko Kikutsuru |
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| Shikomi Midori, Geiko Kikutsuru and Geiko Kikune |
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| Hanafusa okiya Geiko san and Maiko san |
February 20, 2022
Baikasai coming this weekend!
Dear guests and patrons,
Kyoto Kagai Sim this weekend invites you to enjoy Baikasai (first plum blossom festival ). This centuries old festival will take place on the grounds of Kitano Tenmangu shrine in a special tent-like construction, that is surrounded with blooming ume (plums). In the centerstage of the festival lays an outdoor tea ceremony or "nodate" performed by skilled geiko and maiko from Hanafusa and Komayaka okiyas of SL.
This year tea ceremony will be held 10 am slt, so that guests and patrons from different time zones could come and enjoy first plum blossom festival with us!
Date&Time: February 26th, 10 am slt
Your Taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/35/43/32
February 19, 2022
Maiko theater event (Feb. 19th, 11 am slt)
There is a small Maiko theater in Miyagawacho district that mostly only the local residents know of. On Saturday you are invited to an early Spring performance to herald in the coming of spring. Above the theater are two floors of our Museum Cultural Center. We hope that you can join us and also learn more about the lifestyle of Geiko and Maiko in the museum. The Kyoto Kagai Geiko and Maiko eagerly wait for your arrival.
Date&Time: Saturday Feb. 19th, 11 am slt
February Kitsuke
Spring is here! The plum trees are blooming and only few little piles of snow are visible around Kyoto Kagai sim. Hanafusa Maiko san and Geiko san gathered at the special tent, located on the ground of Kitano Tenmangu temple to show off their elaborate semiformal kitsuke. Upcoming weekend, this tent will be used for a special springtime tea ceremony known as Baikasai
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| Standing (from left to right): Maiko Kikushino, Maiko Kikuyae and Shikomi Midori Sitting (from left to right): Geiko Kikune, Geiko Kikutsuru and Geiko Kikumaru |
Geiko Kikutsuru's subtle kimono features ume (plum) blossoms, pine, bamboo leaves, sakura petals. It is tied with elegant vine obi that has a hand-painted kimono and silk on a hanger. Kikutsuru san is wearing a wig, styled in Geiko Shimada style also known as Chuu Taka Shimada. It is decorated with carefully chosen seasonal maezashi pin featuring ume blossom.
Geiko Kikumaru is wearing a beautiful marsala kimono, that has chrysanthemums, water streams, camellia, peony and bamboo leaves. It is a perfect piece for winter-beginning of spring. It is tied with elegant green obi with geometrical motif.
The youngest geiko in Hanafusa okiya, Geiko Kikune has chosen a simple yet refined light kimono with bamboo leaves. The dark grey obi holds the kimono close and leaves the viewer with a though that winter might return so do not hide your winter geta yet. Kikune san's choice of maezashi is same as her oneesan's Kikutsuru and neesan's Kikumaru - a small plum blossom.
Maiko Kikushino's february kitsuke consists of fabulous light blue hikizuri with hand-painted spring blossom motif and a golden obi, different from three of her Geiko sisters' - it is much longer(over 7 meters!) called darari obi. Please notice a delicate butterfly pocchiri, tied with red obijime - this is the most expensive element worn by Maiko. Her hair is decorated with special seasonal plum blossom kanzashi worn by senior maiko (sr maiko's daikan kanzashi has either 3 medium or 1 big blossom).
Maiko Kikuyae is wearing light pink hikizuri with colorful plum blossoms (hand-painted by talented kimono artist). It is tied with black obi that has maiougi or dance fans and kotsuzumi drum embroidered on it. The obiage is tied upon the obi and the obijime that is holding precious pocchiri. Her hairstyle is called Wareshinobu(and is worn only by Junior Maiko and minarai) and is decorated with eye-catching seasonal kanzashi that are different from the ones worn by her neesan Maiko Kikushino - the ones worn by Maiko Kikuyae feature small blossoms.
February 12, 2022
Setsubun Ozashiki 2021 coming this Saturday February 12th!
“Obake” is like Japanese Halloween and its part of Setsubun celebrations. This custom is now confined mainly to the hanamachi (geisha districts), where maiko but most often geiko go from tea house to tea house and perform a skit while dressed in outrageous costumes (not only as historical figures but even as disney princesses!). One of the rules of Obake is that things are topsy-turvey - old dress as young, men dress and women and vice-versa.
Time: 11 am slt
Date: February 12th, 2022
We welcome you to join celebrations at Ichirikitei haya this Saturday :)
Your taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/122/178/31
January 29, 2022
January kitsuke
After Shigyoshiki and Hatsuyori celebrations took place in the Karyukai, it is time to get back to semi-formal hikizuri and hairstyles. All antique hairpins, expensive obi and luxurious kuromontsuki are hidden as okiya's precious belongings till special event occurs. Now let's have a look at the kitsuke worn in January by members of Hanafusa okiya
Geiko Kikutsuru
Geiko Kikutsuru has chosen beautiful kimono of marsala color and shibori bamboo design at the bottom. Bamboo itself is often associated with winter and symbolizes longevity while shibori is a Japanese tie-dying technique: artist uses a variety of techniques in different shapes to make different patterns.
It is tied with elegant green obi with geometrical motif.
Sometimes geiko can wear warm fur shawls during winter, especially on the colder days.
Her juban is pink and features plum blossoms. Geiko also use red juban but mostly for the formal events where they wear kuromontsuki.
She is wearing a wig, styled in Geiko Shimada style also known as Chuu Taka Shimada. It is decorated with carefully chosen seasonal maezashi pin featuring ume (plum) blossom.
Geiko Kikumaru
In January Kikumaru san will wear bright eye-catching shibori kimono with kiku (chrysanthemums), matsu (pine), fans and gumo (clouds). Pine is associated with New Year and winter itself and symbolizes longevity, steadfastness and wisdom in age. The stripe obi holds the kimono close and is tied at the back in a Taiko ("drum") knot.
Her juban is light pink and features plum blossoms.
Both Kikutsuru san, Kikumaru san and Kikune san wear wigs.
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.
Both Geiko Kikutsuru, Kikumaru and Kikune are holding kago baskets made from chirimen silk. In these small "bags" Geiko and Maiko have everything they might need during ozashiki - Maioughi (dance fan), spare pair of tabi socks, special comb in case maiko san need to adjust her hair, maiko lipstick, white powder and, of course, meishi (business cards).
In the first month of 2022, Maiko Kikushino san is wearing black hikizuri made in a shibori style. Kimono, that are created in this style are extremely expensive as it takes months to complete one piece (shibori is a Japanese tie-dying technique, using a variety of techniques in different shapes to make different patterns. Shibori technique dates from the 8th century. Amazing!).
Geiko Kikune
For his month, Geiko Kikune has chosen to wear gradient pink kimono with spring motif: ume blossoms, pine, bamboo leaves, sakura petals. It is tied with elegant green obi that has a geometrical motif and is similar to the one worn by her oneesan, Geiko Kikutsuru.
Her juban is pink and features blossom pattern.
The eri(collar) is white, and is symbolizes of pureness, femininity and maturity.
On her feet you can spot standard type of geta, worn by geiko and geisha - senryou geta. However, you can also see geiko san wearing yuki geta, normal geta or zori (Geiko Kikutsuru is wearing special geta that prevent socks from getting wet from the snow). In case of Geiko Kikune and Geiko Kikumaru, they both wore senryou geta for the photoshot.
Maiko Kikushino
The kimono is tied with a green obi, that has golden geometrical design. The green on the obi goes beautifully with the green of the undergarment as well as green elements in the hanakanzashi.
The Seasonal kanzashi for seniors most often feature pine, bamboo and plums in more subtle, pinkish and beige colors than worn by Juniors.
Maiko Kikuyae
For January Maiko Kikuyae san is wearing black and red hikizuri, made in shibori style (same style as her neesan Kikune). The the golden darari obi goes really nice with the hikizuri!
Her eri is also different from her neesan, Maiko Kikushino - some white elements embroidered on the red background symbolizes that she's still a "baby" and a junior Maiko.
As for the hairstyle, it is called Wareshinobu and is decorated with special seasonal kanzashi - Sho Chiku Bai (pine, bamboo and plum).
Kago is red, with Maiko Kikuyae's name sewn on it. This special kago was given as a present on the day of her Misedashi.
As Junior Maiko, Maiko Kikune is wearing high okobo but with red stripes
January 19, 2022
Shigyoshiki in Kyoto Kaburenjo (2022)
This month Kyoto Kagai sim hosted Shigyoshiki - annual traditional ceremony, that marks the start of another business year in the Karyukai. Geiko and Maiko of Hanafusa and Komayaka okiya gathered at Miyagawacho Kaburenjo theater, wearing most formal black kimono called Kuromontsuki and renewed their vows for the new year. This is one of the few occasions when patrons and guests can see all of Kagai members gathered together wearing full regalia.
This year's ceremony was quite special - Maiko san and Geiko san were given awards according to their contribution to the Kyoto Kagai.
After the vows were pledged and awards were given, maiko and geiko offered sake and, specially prepared for this event, osechi (traditional Japanese New Year foods).
A new year, a new beginning, an empty sheet of paper where you can write anything you wish for. We hope that 2022 will bring You, Your family and friends many delightful days, filled with joy and happiness. With gratitude in our hearts, we sincerely thank you for your support and humbly hope that You will continue to support us in the future "Yoroshiku otaomoshimasu"
P.S. 2 shikomi san were spotted during the festivities therefore we can expect debuts in Kyoto Kagai in the near future :)
Standing: Geiko Kikune, Geiko Toshiha, Geiko Kikutsuru and Geiko Kikumaru
Sitting: Maiko Toshiryuu, Maiko Kikushino, Maiko Toshimomo and Maiko Kikuyae
Image courtesy by Okaasan Geiko Toshiha of Komayaka okiya
January 11, 2022
Shigyoshiki 2022 at Kyoto Kagai sim
Maiko and Geiko of Hanafusa and Komayaka okiyas invite You, Your family and friends to take part in one of the most important event in life of our sim - Shigyoshiki.
❀ Date: Saturday 15th of January, 11 am slt
Shigyoshiki is the annual (traditional) opening ceremony in Kyoto that marks the start of another year for Kyoto’s Geiko and Maiko. They gather in their local hanamachi wearing formal black kimono and renew their vows for the new year. The most successful members of the Kagai of the previous year for their district receive an award of excellence.
Following the ceremony, the Maiko and Geiko visit the local tea houses and business establishments to wish the start of an auspicious and prosperous new year.
❀ LM for the event: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/188/205/31
After the even we encourage you to taste the celebratory sake and take photos with Geiko and Maiko wearing their best attires :)
Kisetsu update: Gacha items are now available in NextUp machines
The news we all have been waiting for - Nix san had previous gachas updated to NextUp machines and the gacha items are again available for purchase! The prices range between 29L$ for older ones and 49 for newer ones!
Ready to grab some hq items?
Here is your LM: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Scape/73/147/2727
A few photos from the shop with NextUp machines at Kisetsu:
January 4, 2022
Celebrating :: Zashiki-gi :: performance, Jan. 8th 10 am slt
" Dear friends and honored patrons,
2021 has been quite a year of growth for Zashiki-gi and we want to celebrate by starting the New Year off with a performance to take place on the second floor of our shop in Hamamura. The geiko and maiko of Hanafusa and Komayaka okiyas will be performing! We hope to see you there! "
LM: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Serenity%20Forest/130/197/23
Geiko Toshiha,
owner of :: Zashiki-gi :: shop and okaasan of Komayaka okiya
HAPPY NEW 2022 YEAR!
" Akemashite omedetou san dosu!
To all of our dear patrons and friends, we wish you a Happy New Year,
May this year bring you and your loved ones,
Good health, Happiness and Prosperity.
We look forward to spend 2022 to with you.
Happy New year from Hanafusa Okiya and Kyoto Kagai. ^_^"
Geiko Kikutsuru, atatori of Hanafusa okiya (Second Life)
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