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.