Yesterday, the Miyagawacho Kaburenjo Theater at Kyoto Kagai Sim in Second Life hosted a very special and meaningful ceremony: Shigyōshiki, the traditional New Year opening ceremony of the kagai.
Shigyōshiki is a long-standing tradition in real-life Kyoto’s hanamachi, marking the formal beginning of the new working year for geiko and maiko. This important cultural ceremony is also carefully observed at Kyoto Kagai Sim in Second Life, where the community continues to honor and preserve these traditions within a virtual setting.
During the ceremony, maiko-san and geiko-san of Kyoto Kagai Sim formally presented their New Year vows, renewing their commitment to their art, their okiya, and the kagai as a whole. These vows were respectfully offered to their seniors, juniors, and honored guests, reflecting the values of respect, gratitude, and responsibility that are central to life in the hanamachi.
The atmosphere of the ceremony was both dignified and celebratory. The graceful presence of the maiko and the refined elegance of the geiko echoed the spirit of Shigyōshiki as it is practiced in real life, showing how traditional culture can be meaningfully carried into Second Life.
Following the vow ceremony, awards were presented to outstanding maiko san and geiko san in recognition of their dedication, achievements, and hard work throughout the past year. These honors serve as encouragement and inspiration, especially for younger members of the kagai.
Many guests and patrons attended the event, filling the theater with warmth and support. Their presence highlighted the strong community surrounding Kyoto Kagai Sim and the shared appreciation for maintaining authentic Japanese cultural traditions across both real and virtual worlds.
Shigyōshiki at Kyoto Kagai Sim was a beautiful way to welcome the new year—bridging real-life tradition and Second Life creativity while reaffirming commitment, community, and cultural respect
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| Maiko san and Geiko san posing with this years awards Image courtesy by Okaasan Geiko Toshiha san (https://www.primfeed.com/toshiha.magic) |
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