Baikasai coming this weekend!

Dear guests and patrons,

Kyoto Kagai Sim warmly invites you this weekend to celebrate Baikasai, the first plum blossom festival, in Second Life.

This centuries-old festival is traditionally held at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, a shrine dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane. Michizane is remembered as a brilliant scholar and poet of the Heian period, later enshrined as Tenjin, the deity of learning. Plum blossoms are deeply connected to him — it is said he loved them dearly, and even today the shrine is famous for its early-blooming ume that signal the quiet arrival of spring.

In our Kyoto Kagai Sim, the festival will take place on the grounds of Kitano Tenmangu, beneath blooming plum trees that surround a special tent-like pavilion. Their soft colors and delicate branches create a peaceful atmosphere, echoing the beauty of early spring in Kyoto.

At the heart of Baikasai is the outdoor tea ceremony, known as nodate. In this open-air setting, guests are invited to slow down and appreciate the season through the simple yet refined art of tea. Skilled geiko and maiko from the Komayaka and Hanafusa okiyas of SL will perform the ceremony with grace and care, offering tea as a gesture of hospitality and seasonal celebration.

Baikasai is not only about blossoms — it is a moment to pause, to admire the ume in bloom, and to welcome the gentle shift from winter toward spring.

This year, the tea ceremony will be held twice — at 8 am SLT and 6 pm SLT — so that guests and patrons from different time zones may join and experience the first plum blossom festival together.

Date & Time: February 28th, 8 am SLT and 6 pm SLT

We look forward to welcoming you beneath the plum blossoms. 🌸

Memorial for Obaasan Kikuyu

A few days ago, a quiet and deeply moving memorial was held in Second Life for Obaasan Kikuyu.

Okaasan Geiko Kikutsuru attended together with the Maiko and Geiko of Hanafusa Okiya, all dressed in mofuku, the formal black kimono worn in mourning. The sight of everyone in black — dignified, composed, and united — created an atmosphere of deep respect.

In Japanese tradition, mofuku is not simply clothing. It is a statement of remembrance, gratitude, and humility before loss. Even in a virtual world, those details mattered. The careful coordination, the stillness, the bowed heads — everything reflected sincere hearts.

Many supporters and dear friends joined the memorial to show their continuous support. Some traveled across time zones to be present. Messages were shared, memories were spoken softly, and gratitude filled the space between words.

Obaasan Kikuyu’s presence may no longer be visible in Second Life, but what she nurtured remains. The community she helped shape continues to stand together. The bonds she strengthened are still alive.

What made this memorial special was not only the ceremony itself, but the unity. It reminded us that connection does not depend on physical distance. Even in a digital world, respect, tradition, and love carry weight.

May Obaasan Kikuyu be remembered not only for the position she held, but for the warmth and quiet strength that shaped those around her.

Her legacy continues — in every gathering, every performance, and every heart she touched

Photo by Maiko Kikuno

Setsubun at Yasaka Shrine

A few days ago, we celebrated Setsubun at Yasaka Jinja Shrine in the Kyoto Kagai sim of Second Life.

The shrine grounds were lively as guests gathered, greeting friends and finding their places near the stage set before the honden — the main sanctuary of the shrine, where the deity is enshrined. It felt festive, but still respectful.

Maiko and Geiko-san from the Komayaka and Hanafusa okiyas performed dedication dances on the stage. The movements were elegant and composed, sleeves swaying beautifully with each turn. Watching them against the backdrop of the shrine created such a special atmosphere — a lovely balance of tradition and community.

After the dances, the energy shifted in the best way.

It was time for mamemaki.

Beans were thrown across the grounds as everyone called out, “Fuku wa uchi, oni wa soto!” Laughter followed. Some tried to catch the beans, others just enjoyed the moment. It felt joyful and light — exactly how Setsubun should feel.

Even in a virtual world, the sense of togetherness was real. Events like this remind us why the Kyoto Kagai sim community is so special — tradition, friendship, and shared celebration all in one place.

Photos by Maiko Kikuno

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)