(TODAY 11 am slt) Minaraia in Hanahusa ochaya

We would like to invite you to special ozashiki that will be hold in Hanahusa ochaya today 11 am slt. During this event you will witness the minarai debut of new member of Hanafusa okiya. We keep her professional name in secret so those who come ozashiki will be first one to know. But you can always try to guess ^^
 ❀ Date: Saturday 17th of February
 ❀ Time: 11 am slt
 ❀ Landmark: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/225/180/31

Weekend events at Kyoto Kagai sim

Good afternoon dear readers and patrons for my blog,
Here is list of events that will take place this weekend (Saturday 17th - Sunday 18th of February). Please feel free to come and bring your family and friends with you:

Saturday 17th: Ozashiki at Hanahusa ochaya
It is with great pleasure to invite you to the springtime ozashiki of Hanahusa ochaya on Saturday 17th of February. Come and celebrate the breathtaking but short lasting beauty of blooming plum trees with the shamisen music and the sound of silk sleeves.
 ❀ Date: 17th of February
 ❀ Time of arrival: 11 am slt
 ❀ Dress code: Semiformal
 ❀ Landmark: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/225/180/31
P.s. during this event a very special guest my visit our ochaya. Who might that be? come and find out

Sunday 18th: Kyoto museum event
On 18th of February The Museum of Art and Culture of Kyoto Kagai sim will be holding a dance event with geisha apprentices from Hanafusa Okiya. After the dance and poem recital you'll have a rare opportunity to ask them questions about their training. This event is a good time for those who would like to become a regular patron in the future or those who are interested in becoming geisha apprentice.
❀ Date: 18th of February
 ❀ Time of arrival: 7 am slt
 ❀ Dress code: Semiformal
 ❀ Landmark: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/53/225/31

Looking forward towelcoming you at our events.
Doozo youroshiku otanomoshimasu!

February Kitsuke

Spring is slowly but firmly starts to take over Kyoto Kagai sim. Although there's still some snow the ground, first plum blossoms are starting to peak through the icy harden barks. One by one, all of the Plum trees will soon take over the area with their beautiful and magnificent sweet scent.
Geiko Kikuyu, Maiko Kikutsuru, Maiko Kikumaru, Maiko Kikune of Hanafusa okiya are also preparing for new season (deciding who will wear what during this spring and writing new poems and dances for ozashiki). Young Shikomi Kaori helps to take care of beautiful springtime Hikizuri - she's really a hard worker and also takes additional lessons. Who knows, maybe soon we will be preparing some minarai mochi for a very special event.....

Geiko Kikuyu

Okasan Kikuyu in her February attire

For February Okaasan Kikuyu decided to wear beautiful and very expensive mint geiko hikizuri, with flower motif on it. The hem of the kimono is colored in red which makes okaasan look striking when she dances or even simply walks. This piece is held with silver obi that fits the kimono pefectly. As a finishing touch, Kikuyu san has added a small rose maezashi(small hairpin) to her katsura.

Maiko Kikutsuru

Maiko Kikutsuru in her February atire

Maiko Kikutsuru is not only the oldest maiko in Hanafusa Okiya and the atatori(heiress) but she's also a magnificent person and oneesan(older sister, mentor) a maiko can wish for.
For February she is wearing fabulous blue hikizuri with hand-painted spring flower motif. Her obi different from Kikuyu san's - it is longer(over 7 meters!) and is called darari obi. It has gold woven pattern on it. Her hair is decorated with special kanzashi for older maiko - flowers of plum tree - she has decided hanakanzashi with one white plum blossom and two pink blossoms. Who knows, maybe these will be her last plum blossom kanzashi before she will "turn the collar"...

Maiko Kikumaru

Maiko Kikumaru in her February looks

For February Maiko Kikumaru has decided to wear elaborate light purple silk hikizuri with different seasonal motifs hand-painted - this hikizuri is multi seasonal (it means it can we worn during whole year except mid summer). Her amazing darari obi is has deep green backround and golden embroidery on it.
Her hairstyle is called ofuku(as you remember it is hairstyle of Sr Maiko, same as Kikutsuru san's) and is decorated with senior maiko kanzashi featuring plum blossoms; this is seasonal and is worn only during this month. Kikumaru san's hanakanzashi flowers are all white and give a final touch to the ansamble.

Maiko Kikune

Maiko Kikune in her February attir

Junior Maiko Kikune is wearing light pink hikizuri with sakura and plum blossom flow(hand-painted by talented kimono artist).
Her hairstyle is called Wareshinobu(and is worn only by Junior Maiko and minarai) and it might be one of last months when Kikune chan is wearing it - on next stage of her career she will become senior maiko and will change her hairstyle to Ofuku - hairstyle now worn by Maiko Kikutsuru and Kikumaru. Her darari obi is golden with beautiful pattern.  Fact! Maiko's Darari obi is 7 meters long and needs to be tied specially.

Shikomi Kaori

Shikomi Kaori of Hanafusa okiya

This February Kitsuke post is special as we show our praised shikomi Kaori, who has been working hard in the okiya since autumn of 2017. Not so long ago she has started helping her sisters during ozashiki. For a young shikomi this is great opportunity to watch as well learn, and of course decide if this something she would definitely do in the future. Guests of Kyoto Kagai have possibly met her during several events this year - she helped with greeting new arrivals.
She is now focusing on the final studies before she will be allowed to take an exam, and if she passes, official oneesan will be appointed and the girl will debut as minarai. She will than receive a professional name, that will have part of okiya's name (Hanafusa okiya has "Kiku-" part), part of oneesan's name and part of her own. 

For February, okaasan decided on beautiful light blue houmongi with springtime pattern featured on it (peony, sakura and also several small plum blossoms) for Kaori chan. 

Ozashiki at Ichirikitei (Kyoto Kagai sim)

Dear Guests and Patrons of Kyoto Kagai sim,
It is with great pleasure to invite you to the springtime ozashiki of Ichirikitei ochaya on Saturday 10th of February. Come and celebrate the breathtaking but short lasting beauty of blooming plum trees with the shamisen music and the sound of silk sleeves in one of the most famous tea houses in history. Entertainment provided by Maiko and Geiko from Hanafusa okiya
 ❀ 11 am slt
 ❀ semi-formal dresscode
 ❀ LM: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/133/182/31

Day off: Visiting Disneyland

Maiko Kikune(blue), Maiko Kikutsuru(orange),
Shikomi Kaori(light purple)

In RL Maiko and Geiko work every day - the study and practice dances/music instruments during day, in the evening they dress up and entertain guests at ozashiki. If there happen to be a free day, they spend it as they choose.

Disneyland and sugar cotton

The same we have in sl  - not only Hanafusa okiya maiko work and study hard, they also enjoy some days of duty all together. This time, three sisters Maiko Kikutsuru, Maiko Kikune and Shikomi Kaori visited Disneyland in Second life. It was so much fun! They went on rides in the Princess land, didn't get cared at the haunted house and many many more. During these days off maiko visit different places in Second life, enjoy different foods and events (of course not adult ones:). This time is also the best time to spend and have fun with your family.

There is a quote i wanted to use regarding this yesterdays event and sisterhood that i whiteness every day in my Okiya: "If you want something to last forever, you treat it differently. You shield it and protect it. You never abuse it. You don’t expose it to the elements. You don’t make it common or ordinary. If it ever becomes tarnished, you lovingly polish it until it gleams like new. It becomes special because you have made it so, and it grows more beautiful and precious as time goes by.”(F. Burton Howard)

Enjoying the ride with sisters

Obake in Hanahusa ochaya

Obake Ozashiki in Hanahusa ohaya

“Obake” is like Japanese Halloween. This custom is now confined mainly to the hanamachi (geisha districts), where maiko but most often geiko go from tea house to tea house and perform a skit while dressed in outrageous costumes (not only as historical figures but even as disney princesses!). One of the rules of Obake is that things are topsy-turvey - old dress as young, men dress and women and vice-versa.
This years obake ozashiki in Hanahusa ochaya gave guests a special opportunity to witness Oiran (represented by Maiko Kikutsuru) and her apprentice (represented by Maiko Kikumaru). Maiko Kikune and shikomi Kaori served guests with drinks and kaiseki cuisine - all to celebrate the first plum blossom of the year.
At the end of the ozashiki Maiko Kikutsuru played a kouta song and Maiko Kikumaru performed a dance "The words are so frightful..." and wished guests lucky and prosperity in the new 2018 year!

Setsubun at Yasaka Jinja in Kyoto Kagai

Members of Hanafusa okiya, greeting guests
after the performance

Setsubun is the day preceding risshun that is the first day of spring according to the old Japanese calendar. On the day of Setsubun, many celebrations are held. Especially in Kyoto Kagai SL. Maiko san and Geiko san of Hanafusa okiya, dressed in their formal attire, danced sacred dances on the stage of the Yasaka Jinja shrine. After the dance, they participated in ancient auspicious custom of throwing roasted soybeans. While throwing they chanted: “In with Fortune! Out with Evil” in order to prevent evil ogres from entering the houses of the guests and patrons of the Kyoto Kagai.

P.S. if you eat the same number of beans as your age you will have a year of good health! Itadakimasu!!

Participants: Okasan Kikuyu, Sr Maiko Kikutsuru, Sr Maiko Kikumaru, Jr Maiko Kikune and shikomi Kaori (it was her first Setsubun, omedetou neechan!)

Setsubun 2018 in Kyoto Kagai sim

Come and experience formally dressed Maiko perform in the Pavillion of Yasaka Jinja. After the performance you can try to catch some of the  beans the maiko throw into the crowd. Remember,  f you eat the same number of beans as your age, you will have a year of good health in the new year! Itadakimasu!
❀ Date - Saturday 3rd of February
❀ Time - 11 am slt
❀ Taxi - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/126/215/33
Share the good luck with your friends and family!

Obake in Hanahusa ochaya

“Obake” is like Japanese Halloween. This custom is now confined mainly to the geisha districts, where geisha go from tea house to tea house and perform a skit while dressed in outrageous costumes. One of the rules of Obake is that things are topsy-turvey. Old dress as young, men dress and women and vice-versa.
This years obake ozashiki is themed with... well come and find out^^
❀ Date: Saturday 3rd of February
❀ Time: 6 am slt
❀ Taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/225/180/31

Museum Event in Kyoto Kagai

This Sunday, The Museum of Art and Historical of Kyoto Kagai will be holding a dance event with geisha apprentices from Hanafusa Okiya. After the dance and poem recital you'll have a rare opportunity to ask them questions about their training. This event is a good time for those who would like to become a regular patron in the future or those who are interested in becoming geisha apprentice
❀ Date: 28th of January
❀ Time: 7 am slt
❀ Taxi: Museum of Art and Culture(click)

Hanafusa okiya is once again reviewing applicants

Maiko Kikune of Hanafusa okiya

Have you always dreamed of becoming a Geiko, or dancing as beautiful as a Maiko? Hanafusa Okiya act as a family, train as professionals and have a deep passion for the culture of the flower and willow world. We are now taking in applications we have limited open spaces.

Contact Maiko Kikutsuru (Miehina resident) for a meeting if you wish to pursue your dream.

❀ Your taxi to the Kyoto Kagai sim (location of Hanafusa okiya) : http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/22/86/32

Kitsuke worn in January by members of Hanafusa okiya

After Shigyoshiki and Hatsuyori celebrations took place in the Karyukai, it is time to get back to semi-formal hikizuri and hairstyles. All antique hairpins, expensive obi and luxurious kuromontsuki  are hidden as okiya's precious belongings till special event occurs. Who knows, there might be a misedashi celebration soon...

Geiko Kikuyu

Okasan Kikuyu wearing her January kitsuke

Okaasan KIkuyu has decided to wear kimono of vine color with bamboo pattern, created in shibori style (shibori is a Japanese tie-dying technique, using a variety of techniques in different shapes to make different patterns). The eri(collar) is white, and is the symbol of pureness, femininity and maturity.
Susohiki of Kikuyu san is held with white obi, that has geometrical pattern, created with silver silk threads.
As we look at okaasan's katsura(wig), we will see small yet beautiful mazeashi that has diamonds - this small but very stylish hairpin is the mon of Hanafusa okiya.

Maiko Kikutsuru

Maiko Kikutsuru wearing her january kitsuke

Senior Maiko Kikutsuru's deep green hikizuri with snow is for us like a reminder that thought weather is warm at the moment, nevertheless it is still winter that sooner or later will show us its fury. Her eri is embroidered with seasonal patterns so that no red is seen BUT it has red embroidered part at the back. Her darari obi is about 7 meters long! and decorated with carefully sewn crane pattern on the white background.

Hairstyle of Maiko Kikutsuru is called Ofuku(special hairstyle that maiko start wearing after they become senior) and is decorated with special January kazashi.

Maiko Kikumaru

Maiko Kikumaru wearing her January Kitsuke

Maiko Kikumaru is the 2nd oldest maiko in Hanafusa okiya.
For January she is wearing fabulous navy blue and white hikizuri with hand-painted matsu or pine tree motif. It seems that Kikutsuru san much enjoys this motif as this is second time this year she chooses to wear kimono that have this motif. Her obi has gold woven pattern on green background. on the obi, pink obijime (small cord) is holding very expensive pocchiri (small brooch, worn threaded onto the obijime, making a charming decoration on the front of the obi also its the most expensive part of maiko's outfit).

Maiko Kikune

Maiko Kikune wearing her January kitsuke

Jr Maiko Kikne has decided to wear this stunning hikizuri  that has carefully painted chrysanthemum flowers, maple leafs and small snow piles on deep red background.  

Her eri is richly embroidered with white treads but still we can see the red cloth - it means that she's still Junior Maiko. Textile  of the hikizuri is exquisite glossy silk. 

Her obi is white, with golden flower pattern. 

As she is still young Maiko, her hairstyle is Wareshinobu (easily recognizable due to the two strips of red silk ribbon called kanoko, that has been woven through the mage ("bun"), and visible through the hair on the top and bottom section). 

The hair is decorated with special January kanzashi that have auspicious Japanese New Year theme

Shigyoshiki in Kyoto Kagai sim (2018)

Several days ago, Kyoto Kagai sim hosted Shigyoshiki - the most important event in new year. It is annual traditional opening ceremony in Kyoto Hanamachi, the ceremony that marks the start of another bisness year in the Karyukai. Geiko and Maiko gather at their local hanamachi theaters, wearing most formal black kimono called Kuromontsuki and renew their vows for the new year. This is one of the few occasions when all of them are gathered together wearing full regalia, and presents a rare photo opportunity for photographers as well as visitors!
No different from RL, Maiko and Geiko from Hanafusa okiya in Miyagawacho Hanamachi of SL take part in this important event. As in previous years, Shigyoshiki was hosted at Miyagawacho Kaburenjo theater on January 7th 11.30 am slt. This event was open for the public and after the vows were pledged, maiko and geiko offered sake and, specially prepared for this event, osechi (traditional Japanese New Year foods).

For those who couldn't come but yet are interested, i present formal Kitsuke outfits of Maiko and Geiko from Hanafusa okiya,which they wore for Shigyoshiki:

Okasan Geiko Kikuyu

Okasan Kikuyu in her formal wear

To start with, Okaasan Kikuyu became first Geiko in Second life to wear new Bento Kuromontsuki from Isomesh kimono. It has decoration at the lower part of the kimono and is embroidered with golden and silver threads, making it look so flashy and gorgeous. The obi is woven made with golden and silver threads, perfect for important events. It is tied in Taiko (drum) knot. Geiko's obi (apr. 440 cm long) are bit longer than simple women's obi. Also, for geiko's obi, patterns are created upside down, so when it is tied in Geiko Taiko knot, the pattern will have the correct position, facing upwards.
The wig okaasan Kikuyu is wearing in japanese is called Katsura, and it is styled in Geiko Shimada style. For formal events, kanzashi hairpins that are used for decorating katsura, are made from most precious and luxurious materials, such as tortoiseshell, gold, expensive stones etc. Tortoiseshell kanzashi are most unique and antique as nowadays the craftsmen that work with this material are almost non-existant. Geiko Kikuyu is wearing Bekko (tortoiseshell) comb that features mon of Hanafusa okiya, Bekko Kogai at the back and a traditional dove and rise maezashi.

Atatori Senior Maiko Kikutsuru

Maiko Kikutsuru in her formal attire

It is rumored that this Shigyoshiki is last one for Kikutsuru san as Maiko, and that in 2019 she will perform her vows already as Geiko san. Let's wait and see, ne?:)

As for now, her Kuromontsuki is one of a kind and has many lucky as well as multi-seasonal motifs that are hand-painted - ox-drawn carriages, chrysanthemums, waves, peonies, plum blossoms, pine, summer grasses etc. It is tied with golden Darari obi, that not only gives the finishing touch the ensemble but also supports the back of maiko, as the kimono, especially formal kuromontsuki, are extremely heavy. No obijime or pocchiri are worn with formal outfit.

Formal wear also means that Senior maiko will change from ofuku hairstyle to Yakko Shimada. As well as geiko san, Maiko san too are given opportunity of wearing gorgeous and expensive kanzashi - if you look at the hair of Kikutsuru san, you can notice Bekko Kushi (comb) with Hanafusa okiya mon, Bekkou Hirauchi, Jade Tama, special January daikan (front) kanzashi, maezashi with bira oghi and small pin called bira dome. For Shigyoshiki both Junior and Senior maiko wear rice husk maezashi with eyeless dove - rice grains can be given to customers and are considered symbols good luck and fortune.

Senior Maiko Kikumaru

Maiko Kikumaru in her formal wear

Kuromontsuki that Kikumaru san wore for Shigyoshiki features many tall pine trees or Matsu in Japanese that are strongly associated with winter. "Matsu" means "waiting for the soul of a god to descend from Heaven". In ancient Shinto beliefs, gods were said to have ascended to Heaven on a pine tree, where they now reside on a beautiful volcanic mountain in giant or old trees. Pine trees can withstand cold and snow as well as rocky soil, wind and drought while its beauty lasts all year long - no wonder that this pattern is symbol of longevity, virtue, and youth. Stunning piece! As it is most formal type of kimono, it features 5 crests of the okiya.
It is tied with long Darari obi (apr. 6.8m) with geometrical pattern created with golden threads on white background. Unfortunately not seen at this picture, at the end of every maiko obi, there is crest of the okiya girl belongs to.
As she is Senior maiko, as her oneesan Kikutsuru, Kikumaru san's hair is styled in Yakko Shimada and decorated with valuable tortoiseshell hair pieces and seasonal pins. January daikan (front) kanzashi, are unique and new ones are commissioned at the beginning of the year. This years motifs are plum blossoms and bamboo leafs.

Junior Maiko Kikune

Maiko Kikune wearing her formal attire

As the youngest maiko in the okiya, Kikune san wears most colorful and elaborate kuromontsuki in the okiya, fit for junior maiko of course:) This exact piece features seasonal flowers, leafs as well as golden geometrical motifs on the hem and at the lower part of the sleeves - everything hand-painted on the silk by a skilled master. The obi was carefully selected for this special event as is created with beige and golden silk threads. As junior maiko, she ties obiage cloth on the top of the obi, rather than seniors who tuck it into.
As she is still young maiko, her own hair is styled, even during formal events as Shigyoshiki, into Wareshinobu hairstyle. Decorated with elaborate bekkou kushi, Bekkou Hirauchi with Jade Tama, carefully selected maezashi with seasonal hanakanzashi, more colorful than senior maiko. As for the rice husk maezashi with eyeless dove - not only grains bring luck, but also the eyeless dove has its special meaning - maiko or geiko fill in one eye and ask guest/very special person they like to draw the other for good luck in the coming year. This tradition differs from hanamachi to hanamachi, but in every hanamachi this is considered as lucky charm.

(Tomorrow 11.30 am slt) First ozashiki of the year

On this Satuday we will be welcoming you back to yet another year with Hanafusa okiya and Kyotot Kagai sim. Our humble ochaya will once again be reopened and filled with the sounds of the singing Geiko, the silence of the admiration of the Maikos dance and the laughter of everyone as a game is being enjoyed!
 ❀ Time of arrival: 11.30 am slt
 ❀ Dress code: Semiformal
 ❀ LM: Hanahusa ochaya

Shigyoshiki 2018 in Kyoto Kagai sim

Konnichiwa dear guests and patrons of Kyoto Kagai sim,
Maiko and Geiko of Hanafusa okiya invite You to take part in one of the most important event in life of our sim - Shigeyoshiki.
❀ Date: Sunday 7th of January
❀ Time: 11.30 am slt
Shigyoshiki is the annual (traditional) opening ceremony in Kyoto that marks the start of another year for Kyoto’s Geiko and Maiko. They gather in their local hanamachi wearing formal black kimono and renew their vows for the new year. The most successful members of the Kagai of the previous year for their district receive an award of excellence.
Following the ceremony, the Maiko and Geiko visit the local tea houses and business establishments to wish the start of an auspicious and prosperous new year.
❀ This years participants in Shigyoshiki: Geiko Kikuyu, Senior Maiko Kikutsuru, Senior Maiko Kikumaru, Junior Maiko Kikune and Shikomi Kaori
LM: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/193/205/31