SL Living Expo Performance

It was a very busy day in Second Life 😪

Right after the Setsubun performance at Amatsu Shinmei Shrine, the Maiko and Geiko-san from Hanafusa and Komayaka okiyas returned to the Kyoto kagai sim to change into different seasonal outfits. The shrine performance had been lively and festive, with auspicious dances and mamemaki to drive away bad luck and welcome good fortune. As soon as it ended, there was barely time to catch a breath before preparing for the next event.

Once changed, the Maiko and Geiko-san took taxis across the grid to their next destination. February is always an especially busy month, and this year was no exception. With Setsubun marking the shift toward spring, performance requests increase, and schedules quickly fill with back-to-back appearances.

The next stop was the SL Living Expo Performance, where the focus shifted to welcoming spring. The atmosphere there was very different from the shrine — brighter, more modern, and filled with visitors — yet the performances still carried a strong seasonal feeling. The dances emphasized renewal, elegance, and good fortune for the coming months, and the audience gathered closely to watch.

Even after a long day of moving from sim to sim, the Maiko and Geiko-san performed with poise and care, showing the dedication that goes into these events. It was a full day, but a meaningful one, and a lovely way to share seasonal Japanese culture across different spaces in Second Life.

Photos by Maiko Kikuno san (Hanafusa okiya, Kyoto Kagai sim, Second life)

Setsubun at Amatsu Shinmei Shrine

 Dear patrons and readers of my blog,

February has finally arrived, a quiet reminder that spring is just around the corner. As winter begins to loosen its grip, this seasonal transition is marked in Japan by Setsubun, a time-honored festival held to cleanse away misfortune and welcome good luck for the year ahead.

Yesterday’s Setsubun celebration at Amatsu Shinmei Shrine was especially memorable. Maiko and Geiko from Komayaka and Hanafusa okiya graced the shrine with their presence, drawing many visitors eager to witness this auspicious occasion. The event opened with several auspicious dances, each performed with elegance and deep cultural meaning, reflecting prayers for peace, abundance, and renewal.

Following the dances, the Maiko and Geiko took part in mamemaki, scattering beans into the gathered crowd. Laughter and excitement filled the air as people reached out to receive the beans, believed to carry blessings of protection and good fortune. The sight of the Maiko and Geiko in seasonal attire, participating in this beloved tradition, made the celebration feel especially meaningful.

Setsubun serves as a gentle reminder to leave behind the misfortunes of the past year and step forward with hope. As we welcome spring, may it bring health, happiness, and renewed energy to you all.

Photos by Maiko Kikuno (Hanafusa okiya)