Christmas in Hanafusa Okiya

As the enchanting spirit of Christmas begins to embrace Kyoto Kagai sim, our Hanafusa okiya is buzzing with final preparations for the festive season. A cherished tradition unfolds each year as we gather around our Christmas tree, transforming it into a radiant masterpiece.

In the heartwarming image below, catch a glimpse of Geiko Kikutsuru and Maiko Kikushino as they delicately weave their artistry into every branch. With joy in our hearts and ornaments in hand, the okiya members unite to create a spectacle that captures the magic of the season.

Stay tuned for more glimpses into our festive celebrations, and may your holiday season be filled with warmth, joy, and the spirit of togetherness! 

Kaomise Soken at Kyoto Kaburenjo (2023)

Yesterday, Kyoto Kagai sim hosted the Kaomise Soken at the Miyagawacho Kaburejo theater, marking the beginning of an annual tradition, just like in real life, now slated for the early days of December.

Kaomise Soken stands as the pinnacle theater event, drawing together a constellation of renowned actors. Maiko and Geiko eagerly participate, attending the performance and later adorning their kanzashi with the names of their favored actors. This practice sheds light on the reason both junior and senior maiko possess these empty makeki boards pn their kanzashi.

After the performance, the maiko, both junior and senior, venture backstage, where their blank maneki boards await signatures from cherished kabuki actors. The male actors employ black ink, while those portraying female roles use red ink. Thus, before the play, maiko sport these blank maneki on their hanakanzashi, transforming them into cherished signed keepsakes after the event.

Interestingly, some geiko have maezashi shaped like small maneki boards, enabling them to collect autographs in a similar fashion. The cultural richness of this tradition resonates not only in the artistry of the performance but also in the personal connections forged behind the curtains.

Monthly events: Maiko theater

Geiko Kikutsuru playing shamisen

 Dear blog guests and newcomers,

Kyoto Kagai sim continues its weekly events, offering you and your friends the chance to immerse yourselves in traditional Japanese hospitality and arts. Today, I'd like to highlight a special performance hosted at the Maiko Museum.

The concept behind this event was to create a space where members of the Hanafusa okiya and those who are interested but perhaps too shy for ozashiki or odori could come together. To achieve this, a replica of the Maiko theater located in real-life Miyagawacho Hanamachi was constructed.

In the real Maiko Theater, Maiko-san from Miyagawacho Hanamachi (usually from the Shigemori okiya) captivates tourists with tea ceremonies, mesmerizing dances, and the opportunity to ask questions.

In Second Life, you can experience a unique performance featuring Geiko and Maiko from the Hanafusa okiya. Feel free to inquire about their careers, styles, and any other curiosities you may have. We also extend an invitation to those interested in applying to come and witness the event, offering a glimpse into the life of a Hanafusa Maiko or Geiko.

Join us for an immersive blend of culture and conversation!

Geiko Kikutsuru (musician), Maiko Kikuyae(dark red) and Maiko Kikushino(purple)
entertaining guests with their dance skills at Maiko Theater

Geiko Kikutsuru (musician), Maiko Kikuyae(dark red) and Maiko Kikushino(purple)
entertaining guests with their dance skills at Maiko Theater

Geiko Kikutsuru (musician), Maiko Kikuyae(dark red) and Maiko Kikushino(purple)
entertaining guests with their dance skills at Maiko Theater

August kitsuke

Mid-August in Kyoto Kagai...Geiko and Maiko from Hanafusa okiya are enjoying a beautiful walk around the decorated Tanabata area (close to Yasaka Jinja) in their semiformal garments and this means the time has come for our monthly kitsuke post!

Geiko Kikutsuru exudes summer sophistication in her choice of an elegant light purple kimono adorned with delicately hand-painted waves. A perfect selection for the hot and humid Kyoto summer, her ensemble is tied together with a white obi featuring lilies in a serene pond.

Adding to the enchantment, her nagajuban, or underskirt, boasts intricate detailing with seashells, sea stars, and other sea animals. Kikutsuru's ensemble not only captures the essence of summer but also reflects a meticulous attention to detail that is the hallmark of Kyoto's traditional beauty

For August Geiko Kikumaru chose a stunning dark ro kimono paired with a delicate blue obi. The kimono itself is a masterpiece, featuring intricate depictions of sea creatures and shells. The term "ro" refers to a thin, wavy fabric specifically used for natsumono (summer kimono), distinguished by its translucent stripes. This sophisticated weaving technique, known for its subtle elegance, is not only popular but also suitable for formal occasions.

Adding a touch of charm to her ensemble, Kikumaru's hair is adorned with a decorative hairpin resembling a summer fan called "sensu," bearing her name. Isn't it simply adorable?

Maiko Kikushino graces the scene in a stunning gradient kimono adorned with a captivating morning glory flowers on the fence design. In Japan, the morning glory is an instantly recognized summer motif. Her obi steals the spotlight with eye-catching cloud motifs, lending her an ethereal and dreamy aura.

Adding to the charm, she holds a kago basket in her hands, its purple hue mirroring the color of some Asagao (morning glory flowers) gracefully adorning her kimono's hem. Notice her feet adorned with Okobo, a traditional footwear exclusive to Minarai and Maiko, completing the ensemble with a touch of elegance

In August, catch a glimpse of Maiko Kikuyae donning a light hikizuri adorned with playful dragonfly designs. Known as "katsumushi" or the victory insect, dragonflies symbolize courage, strength, and happiness. The Darari obi, worn by Maiko Kikushino, is a lively orange with a dancing fan motif.

Kikuyae san's hair is styled in Wareshinobu, exclusive to minarai and junior maiko, and accessorized with a trendy seasonal kanzashi. This month's choice is the Satsuki, featuring the delicate beauty of Pampas grass. 

Hanafusa okiya ladies in their August attires:
Maiko Kikushino(blue), Maiko Kikyae(beige), Geiko Kikutsuru(purple), Geiko Kikumaru(black)

Obon 2023

Dear patrons,

It is that time of year, perhaps our favorite? time to celebrate Obon. Put on your best yukata and join Hanafusa and Komayaka okiya members in a dance around the yagura tower, enjoy delicious festival foods, try to win the prizes in the festival games. 

Bring yourself, your family and friends, for an evening you do not want to miss!^_^ we end this night by releasing lanterns guiding the spirit of our ancestors back to the spirit world and enjoy the late night fireworks.

Date&Time:  Sat. 19th 9 am slt  & Sun 20th 5 am slt

Your Taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/81/201/31

Hassaku 2023

 We are pleased to announce that the traditional Hassaku event took place on August 1st with great enthusiasm and reverence. During this auspicious occasion, the renowned maiko and geiko of our esteemed community had the honor of visiting their respected teachers and esteemed tea house proprietresses.

In the spirit of cultural preservation and gratitude, our maiko and geiko embarked on a journey to pay their respects and seek guidance from their mentors. This cherished tradition not only strengthens the bond between teachers and students but also upholds the rich heritage of Japanese traditional art and culture.

The Hassaku event, with its deep-rooted significance, reflects the commitment and dedication of our maiko and geiko, dressed in the finest iromuji kimono, to their craft. It serves as a testament to their unwavering pursuit of excellence and their sincere appreciation for the wisdom bestowed upon them.

Hanafusa and Komayaka Okiya members during Hassaku
(from left to right)
Standing: Geiko Kikumaru (Hanafusa Okiya), Okaasan Geiko Toshiha(Komayaka okiya),
Geiko Kikutsuru(Hanafusa okiya), Geiko Toshinami(Komayaka okiya)
Sitting: Maiko Toshiyue(Komayaka okiya), Maiko Kikuyae(Hanafusa okiya),
Maiko Kikushino(Hanafusa okiya), Maiko Toshimomo(Komayaka okiya),
Maiko Toshiemi(Komayaka okiya) and Shikomi Suki

Gion Matsuri 2023

 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.

Gion Matsuri 2023
Image is courtesy of Toshiha-okaasan

Gion Matsuri 2023

Kyoto sim has an exciting event this weekend! We may not be able to draw floats down the street for Gion Matsuri, but we can celebrate by performing some special dances!

Come see the geiko and maiko of Kyoto sim (consisting of Hanafusa okiya & Komayaka okiya) perform this Saturday, July 15th , 10 am SLT.

Visitors will be given a unique Matsuri gift, too!

Taxi: maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/152/204/31

Photo by Okasan Geiko Toshiha (Komayaka Okiya)

Happy Birthday Second Life!

LONG LIVE SECOND LIFE!

Second Life 20th Birthday Celebration Performance was an absolute success! Here are some photos from this special event!

SL20B Performance coming this Saturday!

Dear guests and patrons,

We are happy to announce that members of Komayaka Okiya and Hanafusa Okiya will be performing at an extremely important event - at the Second Event Birthday Party!

Join the geiko (geisha) & maiko ("dancing girls", apprentice geisha) of Kyoto sim for a Second Life 20th Birthday Celebration Performance!

Date: Saturday, July 1st @ 10:00 am SLT

Location: maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SLB%20Exhilarate/229/135/24

Poster by Okaasan of Komayaka okiya Geiko Toshiha

Yukatakai coming soon!

 

Dear friends and patrons, great news! 

Annual summer dances "Yukatakai" will take place in Kyoto Kagai sim just in few weeks!

On Saturday 29th 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.

･:*:･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

After the performance you can take photos with Maiko san and Geiko san. 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.

Ozashiki at Sasaki Ochaya

Summer is already here and this means that ozashiki banquets at kawadoko platforms are back! The refreshing breeze from the river as well as dances of Maiko san and Geiko san can definitely help you get through this boiling summer. 

Oh, mark your calendars - next ozashiki will take place on Saturday 17th of June. Come and experience the seasonal Kyoto cuisine and be enchanted by the traditional Japanese dance and song performed by the Geiko and Maiko of Kyoto's flower and willow world

Your taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/124/94/31

Dancers: Maiko Kikushino and Geiko Kikumaru
Musician: Geiko Kikutsuru

Beer Garden is back!

One of the most popular event between the visitors, held at Kyoto Kagai sim during summer is the Beer Garden event. It is held in a open area with a small stage, where Maiko and Geiko perform. Visitors can not only relax in the company of maikos and geikos but also taste different types of beer as well as snacks, and you do know that there is nothing better than a good beer in an icy cold mug when the summer heat is at its peak *winks*

Maiko Kikuyae and Maiko Kikushino
performing during the first Beer garden event yesterday

Higashiyama hanatoro 2023

 Higashiyama Hanatoro (also written Hanatouro) is one of the two Hanatoro events held in Kyoto sim every year; the other one being Arashiyama Hanatoro in December. There is really a lot to see at Higashiyama Hanatoro, from dancing Komayaka and Hanafusa Maikosan and Geiko san to Yasaka Jinja beautifully bathed in light. 

The event is a chance for you to see Kyoto Kagai sim in a new spring light surrounded with trees that are starting to bloom. Walk in the narrow streets of Higashiyama and hope that an apprentice geisha, maiko, comes by, or just go to see the maiko dance at Yasaka Shrine where you are guaranteed to see them!

Kyoto Kagai sim is now in SL destinations!

Great news! 

Kyoto Kagai sim was added to the Second life destinations :) 

https://secondlife.com/destination/kyoto-kagai

Hanami coming this Friday!

 Konnichiwa Dear Friends and Patrons, 

it is our honor to welcome you to our first Hanami - cherry blossom viewing of 2023, We welcome you to join us for a relaxing picnic in Maruyama Park, this Friday, under the rain of cherry petals enjoying sakura flavored treats, and the company of Geiko and Maiko san.

Time&Date - Saturday, March 31st, 8 am slt ( meet early to get a spot)

LM: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/112/221/33

Coming this weekend - Baikasai at Kitano Tenmangu!

Dear Friends and patrons, for the third time we will hold the Baikasai event at Kitano Tenmangu temple, that is located in Kyoto Kagai sim. This year we, Hanafusa Okiya are working together with Komayaka Okiya to perform this outdoor tea ceremony. Join us this Saturday and Sunday to learn more about this event and enjoy the fully animated tea ceremony.

The event will take place twice this year!

Saturday, Feb. 18th, 9 am slt

Sunday, Feb. 19th, 4 am slt

Your Taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/31/47/32

Hope to see you there 🍵

Debut at Komayaka Okiya!

 Dear friends and patrons of the blog,

On February 9th, 2023, Komayaka okiya had its newest debut! Congratulations to Toshiharu on becoming a maiko of Miyagawacho Hanamachi, Kyoto Kagai Sim [Second Life]

Toshiharu chan posing with her oneesan Okaasan Geiko Toshiha
in front of Komayaka okiya's entrance
Image is courtesy of Toshiha-okaasan

Important notice!

 Dear friends and patrons of Hanafusa okiya blog,

We are sorry for not posting any posts for a long time. 2022 has affected all of us, one way or another.  Starting from today, we will resume posting about past, present and future events. 

Thank you for your support throughout the years,

Sincerely and wholeheartedly,

Hanafusa okiya members and Hanafusa okiya blog writers

Big news!

 Dear guests and readers of my blog,

I am happy to announce that Maiko Kikuyae of Hanafusa okiya has stepped into her second year as a Maiko san. This means from now on she will paint both lips, her eri (collar) and will have more white embroidery. Her hanakanzashi will also change!

And of course, with new rank comes new responsibilities, but let us all wish her look as the hardest year is behind. Omedetou san dosu!

Maiko Kikuyae posing in the Ichirikitei infront during Obake ozashiki

Hanafusa Maiko san and Geiko san in front of Yasaka Jinja during Setsubun!

"Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!"

 “Out with Evil! In with Fortune!”

Important announcement!

Okaasan Kikuyu of Hanafusa okiya

Dear patrons and readers of Hanafusa okiya SL blog,

During Shigyoshiki, Kikuyu san, the Okaasan of Hanafusa okiya has announced that she will be stepping from her role of head of Hanafusa okiya in the end of 2023. 

Starting from 2024, Geiko Kikutsuru, who till this day has been the atatori (heiress) of Kikuyu san and has been preparing for years, will become the next Okaasan of Hanafusa okiya.

Memories: Shigyoshiki in Kyoto Kaburenjo (2023)

Last month 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.

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 2023 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" 

Photo by Toshiha neesan

Photo by Toshiha neesan

Memories: Shigyoshiki 2023

 Every year, during Shigyoshiki, Maiko and Geiko receive rewards for the hard work. On this photo Maiko san and Geiko san from both Hanafusa okiya and Komayaka okiya pose together after the ceremony.

Photo by Toshiha neesan

Happy New 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 2023 to with you. 

Happy New year from Hanafusa Okiya and Kyoto Kagai. ^_^"

Geiko Kikutsuru, atatori of Hanafusa okiya (Second Life)