Setsubun At Yasaka Jinja (Sat. Feb. 3rd @ 6 am SLT and 6 pm SLT)

Dear minnasan, it is our pleasure inviting you to the first performance at Yasaka Jinja in 2024,

On Saturday we are celebrating the start of the lunar new year. The Geiko and Maiko of Miyagawacho Hanamachi will be performing for you dances that are rarely performed throughout the year, so you do not wish to miss this event as well as toss out small bags of beans for you to collect.

Remember to eat one bean per year in your age for luck!

Date&Time: Sat. Feb. 3rd @ 6 am SLT (1st performance), 6 pm (2nd performance)

Your taxi to Yasaka Jinja: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/152/204/31

Maiko Theater

 Dear blog visitors and newcomers,

Join us at the Kyoto Kagai sim for our weekly events where you and your friends can immerse yourselves in the charm of traditional Japanese hospitality and arts. Today, I'm excited to share details about a special performance hosted at Maiko Theater.

The concept behind this event was to create a gathering that bridges Kyoto Kagai Maiko and Geiko (Hanafusa and Komayaka okiya) with individuals who have an interest but may feel too reserved to attend ozashiki or odori. To achieve this, we decided to replicate the Maiko theater situated in the real-life Miyagawacho Hanamachi.

In the real Maiko Theater in Miyagawacho Hanamachi, Maiko san from Miyagawacho Hanamachi (typically from Shigemori okiya) entertain tourists with tea ceremonies, mesmerizing dances, and answer questions about their lives and maiko-hood.

In Second Life (SL), you have the chance to witness a performance by Geiko and Maiko from Hanafusa and Komayaka okiya. Engage with them, inquire about their careers, styles, and any other curiosities you may have. We encourage those interested in applying to join this event, experiencing firsthand what it's like to be a Maiko or Geiko of Kyoto Kagai sim. It's an immersive opportunity to learn more about their world.

We are thrilled to share a glimpse of the enchanting Maiko Theater event that unfolded at the end of January. The mesmerizing performance featured Geiko Kikumaru skillfully playing the shamisen, while Maiko Kikushino and Maiko Kikuyae captivated the audience with four distinct dances. The event was not only a visual feast but also a delightful experience as the Maiko engaged guests with their charming and witty conversations. Relive the magic through the captivating photos captured during this memorable evening

Shigyoshiki 2024

 Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu!

Kotoshi mo yoroshiku onegaitashimasu!

Captivating moments unfolded at the yearly Shigyoshiki ceremony in Miyawacho Kaburenjo within the Kyoto Kagai sim. 🌸 Maiko and Geiko from Hanafusa okiya and Komayaka okiya, adorned in their most formal kimono with intricately decorated hair, graced the stage with auspicious dances, intertwining tradition with elegance. Amidst the performances, heartfelt vows echoed, creating an atmosphere of reverence and celebration.

To relive the magic, please enjoy photos from this extraordinary event, capturing the essence of tradition, change, and celebration 🍀

Shigyoshiki - Formal opening of the Kagai - Sat. 10 am SLT

Dear Family, Friends & you whom we will meet this year, it is finally that time, where the Geiko & Maiko of the Karyukai meet at their local Kaburenjo to present their vow of the new year. Awards are given, formal dances are performed, and gratitude shown. This is perhaps one of the very few times you will have a chance to see our Geiko & Maiko dressed in their most formal garments.

Date&Time – Sat. 13th January, 10 am SLT (Please arrive around 9.50 am slt)

Taxi : http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/189/200/31

Okinawa New Year Festival

Reflecting on the grace and charm of Kyoto Kagai's Maiko and Geiko at the Okinawa New Year Festival. Dressed in their formal attire, the performers from Komayaka and Hanafusa okiya truly stole our hearts with their timeless traditions. The event became a beautiful testament to the cultural richness we shared beyond our virtual borders 🌸✨ A warm and heartfelt thank you to EastSideShaman for capturing every magical moment on film, allowing those who couldn't attend to still feel a part of it. Please, take a moment to enjoy the video from the event!

The Goshuin Project: Yasaka Jinja and Tenmangu

Hello, wonderful readers!

I'm thrilled to share some exciting news: Yasaka Jinja and Tenmangu Jinja, two enchanting shrines in Kyoto Kagai Sim, are now part of the Goshuin Project crafted by the amazing Sakka-san.

Taxi to Yasaka Jinja: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/152/204/31

Taxi to Tenmangu: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/78/43/32

But what exactly is Goshuin?

Goshuin refers to special stamps that one can collect at shrines and some temples in Japan in real life. These unique stamps are not just beautiful keepsakes; they embody the essence and warmth of the sacred places where they are obtained. Each stamp becomes a personal token, carrying the heartfelt blessings and stories of the priests or monks who create them. Many people in RL cherish the tradition of collecting Goshuin. Some shrines offer special stamps that are exclusively available during the first days of the New Year or on special occasions and events

Here's a bit more about Goshuin for those curious minds:

When you visit a shrine or temple in Japan, you can present a special book called a "Goshuin-cho" to the monks or priests. In return, they will inscribe the book with a unique stamp and sometimes add calligraphy with the name of the shrine, the date of the visit, and blessings. 

Now, imagine being able to experience the joy of Goshuin collecting in the virtual realm of Second Life! Thanks to the Goshuin Project , this dream is now a reality, and the best part? It's absolutely free of charge! Remember, you can do it from January 1st until January 15th!

The Goshuin Project Shrine List: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Gpzr58qtd2itMFZ5_XUrWxglHFCnsNLv_-1_LnqDPlk/edit#gid=0

So, dear readers, are you ready for a virtual adventure of collecting Goshuin stamps in Second Life, inspired by the cherished tradition embraced by many in RL?

Step into the sacred realms of Yasaka Jinja and Tenmangu Jinja in Kyoto Kagai Sim, as well as other shrines in Second Life. Let the Goshuin Project be your companion, guiding your exploration and adding a touch of wonder to your journey in SL.

Happy collecting!

Embracing Tradition: Hatsumode - A Japanese New Year's Tradition

 Happy New Year, dear readers! As we bid farewell to the past and welcome the promise of a new beginning, let's delve into the heart of a cherished Japanese tradition – Hatsumode, the first shrine visit of the year.

In Japan, the arrival of the New Year is not just a date on the calendar; it's a deeply-rooted family celebration. Many individuals make the journey to reunite with their parents, transcending geographical distances to share in the warmth of familial bonds. The preparations for this auspicious occasion begin nearly a month in advance, with some enthusiasts even preordering Osechi, the traditional New Year celebration food, as early as October.

On New Year's morning, or sometimes right after the stroke of midnight, Japanese families leave the comfort of their homes and embark on a meaningful pilgrimage to their local shrine. Armed with the remnants of the past year – decorations such as Hamaya, sacred arrows believed to protect homes and their inhabitants from demons – they seek blessings for the upcoming year. These old decorations are ceremoniously burned at the shrine, making way for new beginnings.

At the shrine, there's a tangible buzz of activity. Families immerse themselves in the atmosphere, purchasing new Hamaya and engaging in the age-old tradition of acquiring Omikuji – fortune slips that offer glimpses into the destiny that the new year may unfold. The air is filled with a palpable sense of hope and anticipation, as people reflect on the past and embrace the future.

Kyoto Kagai, known for its rich cultural tapestry, is home to several shrines. One notable mention is the replica of Yasaka Jinja Shrine in Kyoto. As the Year of the Dragon unfolds, there's a unique connection to this shrine, intertwined with the dragon deity. We recommend a visit to experience the spiritual resonance and usher in the year with blessings associated with this powerful symbol.

Taxi to Yasaka Jinja Shrine: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/152/204/31

So, as the festive season lingers in the air, consider embracing the Hatsumode tradition. It's not just a visit to the shrine; it's a cultural odyssey, a moment of reflection, and an affirmation of hope for the possibilities that the new year holds. May your journey into the Year of the Dragon be filled with joy, prosperity, and the timeless beauty of tradition.

As we embark on the journey of a new year, I can't help but extend a warm invitation: how about immersing yourself in the enchantment of Hatsumode at Yasaka Jinja? 

Maiko Kikuyae and Geiko Kikumaru posing in front the Yasaka Jinja
holding New Year Hamaya arrows

Happy New Year!