Erikae of Kikushino (Sat. Nov. 30th - 8 am SLT)

¸.•*¨*`•.¸Geiko Announcement¸.•*¨*`•.¸

As November comes to a close, we are thrilled to invite you to a momentous occasion — the Official Geiko Debut of Kikushino from Hanafusa Okiya! After more than six years of dedication, discipline, and artistry, Kikushino has reached the pinnacle of her training and is stepping into the next chapter of her journey as a full-fledged Geiko-san (^__^).

This is a celebration of not just her remarkable transformation, but also the rich tradition and beauty of the Geiko world. Come witness the culmination of years of hard work and grace as Kikushino takes her place among the esteemed Geiko of Kyoto.

We can't wait to share this unforgettable moment with you. See you there!

Time of your arrival
7.50 am SLT
Duration 80 minutes

Taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/231/181/31

Shikomi Amai

Shikomi Amai

  ══.💮.︎Watashi no namae wa Amai desu.💮︎.══

My father, Hiroshi Yamamoto, owns a traditional onsen nestled in the peaceful mountains of Hakone. Growing up, I often watched him maintain the baths meticulously, ensuring every guest experienced relaxation and rejuvenation. My mother, Emiko Yamamoto, was a renowned geiko in Gion before dedicating herself to our family business. Her grace and elegance brought a unique charm to our onsen, and she often performed dances for our guests, captivating them with her skill.

Inspired by my parents' dedication, I pursued my dream of becoming a geiko apprentice. Leaving our small onsen behind, I traveled through Kyoto, visiting many okiya. When I arrived at Hanafusa Okiya, I knew this was where I belonged. Here, I found a place where I could devote my heart and soul, continuing the legacy of grace and beauty instilled in me by my parents.

Shikomi Shion

Shikomi Shion of Hanafusa okiya

   ︵‿︵‿︵‿︵（🪻）‿︵‿︵‿︵‿

         Watashi no namae wa Shion desu.

                     My name is Shion.

   ︵‿︵‿︵‿︵（🪻）‿︵‿︵‿︵‿

Born in Kobe, Shion was involved in the performing arts from a young age - and she hated it.

Her mother was vicariously living her dreams of becoming a idol sensation through her daughter, signing Shion up as a children’s idol. She was a very shy girl at that age, and developed a habit of never listening to music unless she had to.

This habit was broken during a family holiday to Kyoto. Passing through a department store, she saw a crowd huddled around an empty stage. Something compelled her to wander away from her parents and take a look.

As the geimaiko arrived on stage and began, Shion found herself enraptured. This performance was not loud, boisterous and fake - each move was perfected down to the minutiae, and the music progression was simple yet played with talent and grace. The performer’s façade was focused on expressing a story to the audience, although it was too complicated for little Shion to fully understand.

She knew this was what she wanted to do.

Gion Kouta festival (2024)

 The Gion Kouta Festival is a beloved event that honors the iconic Gion Kouta song, a symbol of Gion's rich cultural heritage. During the festival, Maiko and Geiko place flowers in front of the Gion Kouta monument to pay tribute to this song, which holds great significance for both the district and its performers.

This year, Maiko Kikuyae and Maiko Kikushino took part in the celebration, accompanied by two Shikomi-san from Hanafusa Okiya. Maiko Kikushino wore a formal 5-crest kuromontsuki kimono and had her hair styled in the sakkou fashion, signaling that she is nearing her Geiko debut—a milestone that will soon be celebrated.

Following the ceremony, an Ozashiki was held at Ichirikitei Tea House, where guests gathered to continue the celebration in a more intimate setting. The Gion Kouta Festival is a beautiful reminder of Gion's history, the traditions of Maiko and Geiko, and the legacy that continues to be passed down

Maiko Kikuyae, Maiko Kikushino and Okaasan Geiko Kikutsuru posing in front of the 
Gion Kouta monument

Maiko Kikuyae and Maiko Kikushino performing Geion Kouta at
Ichiriki tea house on Kyoto Kagai sim

Maiko Kikushino is now wearing Sakkou!

Congratulations to Maiko Kikushino, who is now wearing Sakkou hairstyle!

In the world of traditional Japanese culture, the maiko (apprentice geisha) undergoes several distinct phases, one of the most visually striking being the sakkou hairstyle. This elegant and elaborate style is worn by maiko before their erikae ceremony, which marks their transition into a full-fledged geisha.

The sakkou is a highly decorative hairstyle, characterized by an upright bun placed at the top of the head, often adorned with ornate hairpins known as kanzashi. The style is designed to reflect youth, beauty, and grace, representing the maiko’s early stage in her career. The voluminous bun gives the appearance of a young woman in training, full of potential and promise.

When a maiko reaches a certain level of skill and maturity, she undergoes the erikae ceremony, where her hairstyle changes to the more refined wig styled in elegant shimada style. The sakkou hairstyle is a brief but important part of a maiko's journey, symbolizing the beginning of her career and her dedication to the traditional arts

Maiko Kikushino peforming "Kurokami" - the final dance of a Maiko
Okaasan Geiko Kikutsuru is playing the shamisen

Maiko Kikushino peforming "Kurokami" - the final dance of a Maiko
Okaasan Geiko Kikutsuru is playing the shamisen

Maiko Kikushino performing Kurokami, dressed in her pre sakkou attire, is expected to become a Geiko at the end of November 2024