Hassaku 2018

from left to right: Maiko Kikushino(pink), Maiko Kikumaru(beige),
Maiko Kikutsuru(blue) and Maiko Kikune(green)

1st of August is always one of the most busy and important days for Hanafusa okiya members as this is the day of Hassaku. This year is really special for this famous okiya  as it is first Hassaku for Maiko Kikushino (as she has debuted not long ago) and last for Maiko Kikutsuru, who will become Geiko soon.
What is Hassaku and why is it considered that important? Well, it is similar to greeting rounds that take place in winter(Shin Aishatsu) but, of course, there are several differences. Every year on this hot summer day, all okiya members from Miyagawacho Hanamachi dress up in their casual komon or iromuji and go on rounds, paying respects to teachers, establishments and sometimes long time patrons. Indeed, this takes time to make all visits and greet people that play important if not major part in the life of the okiya - kimono makers, local shop keepers, kanzashi makers, fan and prop maker etc.
If you have seen pictures from Hassaku, you might have noticed that some Maiko and Geiko wear most formal kimono called kuromontsuki while others (as do Hanafusa maiko on the picture) - simpler kimono and no make up. So who wears what during Hassaku?
Gion Kobu: Maiko san and Geiko san from Gion Kobu hanamachi wear formal regalia (kuromontsuki with 5 crests of the okiya and formal obi, formal make up with 3 stripes, tortoise shell kanzashi alongside with august pampas hanakanzashi; in case or senior maiko hairstyle is called Yakko Shimada, while junior maiko wear their hair styled in Wareshinobu).
Gion Higashi: casual komon or iromuji, no make up, hairstyle: Wareshinobu or Ofuku
Kamishichiken: casual komon or iromuji, no make up, hairstyle: Wareshinobu or Ofuku
Miyagawacho: casual komon or iromuji, no make up, hairstyle: Wareshinobu or Ofuku
Pontocho: casual komon or iromuji, no make up, hairstyle: Wareshinobu or Ofuku
This is one of the best times to see the members of Kagai, as they flow through streets in small groups. This is also a good time for you to notice the changes that have occurred: who has become senior, who is now tying her obiage, who has returned to kagai etc.

Amazing news! Rumors have been true!

Yes, the rumors have been true and we finally can confirm that atatori of Hanafusa okiya Maiko Kikutsuru will soon become Geiko. She has officially started styling her hair in yakko shimada on Saturday 27th of July 2018. This initiates her Pre sakkou stage and it is expected that within the start of this Fall, whole Kyoto Kagai sim and Hanafusa okiya and will celebrate their first Erikae since that of the okaasan Kikuyu. This will also be first erikae in about 3 years in SL.
Her outfit and kanzashi are all custom made for this special occasion and are quite expensive yet this shows the how prosperous her okiya is.

Maiko Kikutsuru said: "I want to say I am very grateful for all the support I have been provided, and for the good wishes, and creators who together made my custom outfits ^_^Yoroshiku otano moshimasu ".

We welcome everyone to witness the final months of Maiko Kikutsuru as Maiko during the ozashiki and public performances that will take place this month. Please feel free to come with friends and family to witness the birth of a newest Geiko of Second life

Summer ozashiki in Hanahusa ochaya

Although it is peak of summer, Kyoto Kagai continues to hold weekly events. Yesterday, visitors of our sim could notice Maiko Kikutsuru, Maiko Kikumaru, Maiko Kikune and Maiko Kikushino rushing from Hanafusa okiya, their home, to their appointment at Hanahusa ochaya, located in Miyagawacho Hanamachi. Those who were attentive could notice the difference in the looks of Kikutsuru san - her hairstyle was not ofuku and the kimono had 5 crests.
When ozashiki started, Maiko Kikune and Kikushino walked gracefully with food, and Maiko Kikutsuru and Kikumaru brought trays with sake, been and non alcoholic beverages.
Later on, the atatori of Hanafusa okiya performed a beautiful story and dance called "The two maneki neko", which was warmly received by the audience. The music accompaniment was performed by Maiko Kikumaru, who played koto beautifully. When ozahsiki time was coming to an end, maiko san thanked guests for coming and informed about future grand events, such as "Yukatakai" and "Obon" in August.
For those who are interested in our events, we encourage you to check the right tab of this blog or to im Maiko Kikumaru (belliebeth) in-world so that you can receive updates about weekly and monthly events.

Konchiki ondo at Yasaka Jinja

To mark the end of Gion Matsuri celebrations, Maiko san from Miyagawacho Hanamachi will perform special dance called Konchiki ondo at the Yasaka Jinja pavilion. We welcome You and we also welcome your friends and family to join us on this special day in Kyoto Kagai sim.
Date: Tuesday 17th of July
Time: 11.00 am slt
After the performance photos with Maiko san can be taken :)

Your taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/156/210/31

July Kitsuke

Okaasan Geiko Kikuyu

For hot summer ozashiki okaasan has chosen special light gradient hikizuri that goes from grey at the top to sea blue at the hem, giving the viewer a feeling of coolness - a good thing during hot days, ne?! The pattern is pampas grass, which is considered late summer - autumn plant. Susuki is usually found typically in the gravel beds alongside rivers, as well as wherever land is untended.

The obi belt is woven with simple motif on the golden background. Geiko san do not wear pocchiri or obidome, only a small knot.

Make up is subtle, less pink is used, lips fully painted and more of black signify that this is a mature geiko san.

The footwear worn by Kikuyu san is known as Sentrou Geta, and these are unique geta, worn only by geiko. Geiko as well as maiko do change to more comfortable zori or other type of geta in some cases.

Maiko Kikutsuru

This month Kikutsuru san had many appointments, that is why you may have seen her in different semiformal kitsuke. Today we will look at several outfits, Kikutsuru san has worn this month:
- elaborate stripe hikizuri with fan shaped design and flowers, tied firmly with green Darari obi, that has golden geometrical motif. Her hair is decorated with pink clematis hanakanzashi, small maezashi featuring clematis buds and a summer comb. Clematis is a rare summer kanzashi, yet it can be worn in June, July and August by senior maiko.

- burgundy red hikizuri with white waves, tied with long white Darari/hakata obi with red Kenjo gera design (that type of obi design has length-wise stripes). I should also mention the unique hanakanzashi Kikutsuru san s wearing with this outfit - a mini uchiwa which has Kikutsu san's name on it - a rare and specially commissioned piece!
- delicate pink hikizuri that features summer slower design, such as bell-flower, morning glory etc. The obi she is using is a twin obi of the obi worn by her imouto, Maiko Kikumaru, and has wheels and waves on a light yellow background. Not seen from this angle Kikutsuru's hairstyle is not ofuku but Katsuyama, worn by senior maiko during Gion Matsuri. You can also see special kanzashi, worn only during this time (motifs change yearly, and okiya have to commission new ones every time) This outfit and hair ornaments Kikutsuru san wore specially during the celebration of Gion Matsuri festival and will no longer use it.

Maiko Kikumaru

For July, Kikumaru san is wearing light blue hikizuri that has wheel and wave motif. The light background color of this hikizuri reminds of the cold spring waters coming from the mountains or event a summer sky and has a calming effect not only on the body but also
on the mind.
I have mentioned before that the Darari obi worn by Maiko Kikumaru has a twin and is worn by Maiko Kikutsuru. It is not unusual - if kimono of obi are beautiful no wonder okaasan wanted to have another one so it could be worn by her daughters.
In her hands she is holding brown kago bag that is embroidered with golden paulownia pattern. All Maiko and Geiko always carry one with them to their appointments - kimono/hikizuri have no pockets and during ozashiki Maiko/Geiko might need things such as spare tabi socks, fan, comb, lipstick, business cards etc. and this is when kago comes in handy.

Maiko Kikune

This month Kikune san is wearing most stunning  and elaborate outfit.
Her dark purple hikizuri depicts pond with pure blue water and lilies growing in it. It is a pity that this masterpiece can only be worn in summer! The obi is simpler yet is also worth attention - it is ro with blue hydrangea flowers and hexagonal pattern.
In her hands she is holding special kago bag that she firstly used suring her misedashi - it has her name  kanji embroidered with silver.

Kikune san hairstyle is wareshinobu and, as i have mentioned in my previous posts, Junior Maiko do not change their hairstyle right until the become seniors. Decorated with hanakanazashi that feature summer flowers and several small uchiwa, Kikune san looks like a living work of art!

Maiko Kikushino

During July you can see Maiko Kikushino wear bright green hikizuri with flower and butterfly design. Junior Maiko's outfits are always more colorful and eye catching, while senior Maiko use more mature and subtle ones.
It is tied with long Darari obi, that has geometrical motif of gold green and white.
The eri collar she is wearing has silk bobbins embroidered with white, green, yellow threads and, as you have noticed, has more red than Kikune san. In times of Mineko Iwasaki and before, the collars were step by step embroidered with more white thread till there was no more red, only ta the back. You can notice that Senior Maiko do not wear purely white collars - they are white from the embroidery at the front while geiko san wear simply white collars. Nowadays, Okiya own different styles of the collars for every stage and occasion.
This is her first Gion Matsuri as Maiko and she couldn't wait to wear her special Gion Matsuri kanzashi, that are same as her older sisters'. 

June Kitsuke

Every month Okaasan Kikuyu chooses a perfect semi formal ensemble for each of her maiko daughters. She has to look carefully on the designs, styles, patterns as well as the personality of those who are to wear it, so to create an appropriate seasonal look.

Okaasan Geiko Kikuyu

Okaasan Geiko Kikuyu

For June, Okaasan Kikuyu has chosen a deep navy blue kimono with pattern, located on the hem and features geometrical motif. Perfect piece for a hot summer month!
Near the hem we can see the pink juban with red flowers. This type of juban is only used by geiko.
The obi sash is golden with woven scenery pattern. It is tied in a style called "taiko musubi obi" as it's look reminds us of the taiko drum.
Her hair is decorated with a wooden kushi, usually used for summer months and a seasonal maezashi hairpin. As you can recall from my previous posts, geiko san wear wigs, called Katsura styled in shimada style, while maiko san wear hairstyles (wareshinobu, ofuku etc.) made from their own hair. This "wig liberation" for Geiko took place not so long ago, in 1950 - 1960. Before that time, Geiko san had to make their hairstyles using their own hair (as nowadays maiko do).

Maiko Kikutsuru

Maiko Kikutsuru of Hanafusa okiya

Kikutsuru san is wearing light blue hikizuri with hand-painted motifs of water flow and peony flowers. As you can see, the styles of kimono worn by Geiko Kikuyu and Maiko Kikutsuru are quite significant: in the style of a Geiko kimono, the shoulder nor sleeve area have tucks; the sleeves are also shorter (as in tomesode, symbolizing maturity), they reach to about the hips or upper thighs of the Geiko. On the other side, Maiko hikizuri have tucks on the shoulders, as well as tucks in the sleeves (this shows that the girl needs still to "grow" into the kimono), not to mention that the sleeves are also very long, reaching nearly to the ankle of the maiko.
Her juban is red and features weeping willow.
The obi has beige background with bright flowers, leafs and geometrical figures.
Her hairdo is called Ofuku and is decorated with seasonal ajisai kanzashi. This month has two flowery symbols - willow tree as well as ajisai (hydrangea flowers) and maiko senior maiko can choose whichever they like more.

Maiko Kikumaru

Maiko Kikumaru of Hanafusa okiya

For the second senior maiko of Hanafusa okiya, okaasan Kikuyu has prepared delicate pink hikizuri with summertime flowers and green obi with ajisai (hydrangea) leafs to fit. The darari obi is longer than the one worn by Geiko Kikuyu; it is also tied in a special knot, worn only by maiko san. End of the obi has okiya mon or emblem(as every family in japan, all okiya and yakata in have their own emblems too) which means she comes from this family - Hanafusa okiya.
On the top of the obi you can see red obiage which is tucked into. Juniors simply tie obiage upon, hiding the top of the obi.
As well as her oneesan's (older sister, mentor) her hairstyle is called ofuku yet her kanzashi are different - Kikumaru san decided to wear willow kanzashi that fit the color of the obi. Willow is usually worn by junior maiko, but some shops make designs that can be worn by senior maiko as well, even "longer" ones.  Yes, seniors can wear longer versions of hanakanzashi during May (wisteria kanzashi) and June (willow kanzashi). They are almost as long as the ones worn by junior maiko, yet these are specifically created for seniors.

Maiko Kikune

Maiko Kikune of Hanafusa okiya

Maiko Kikune has been been a maiko for about 2 years (her debut took place on July 15th 2016) and this means she is not far from becoming senior. In Miyagawacho, Maiko who are soon to become senior, are allowed to wear more elaborate and "mature" hikizuri several months prior actually becoming senior. This is what we see now - Kikune san is wearing subtle purple hikizuri with colorful chrysanthemum design. No designs at the chest area, meaning this hikizuri is worn by senior maiko members. It is tied with log Darari obi, that has golden pattern on the deep green background.
Her juban has small flowers and petals..
As she is still Junior Maiko (hairtyle will be changed on the day of her mizuage), her hairdo is the same as it was before, it is called Wareshinobu. While senior Maiko can choose between willow and hydrangea kanzashi, Junior maiko do not have this choice.

Maiko Kikushino

Maiko Kikushino of Hanafusa okiya

For the youngest maiko of Hanafusa okiya, Maiko Kikushino, okaasan Kikuyu has chosen light blue hikizuri with pink and red peony design. The juban is similar to her senior sisters, featuring willow and flowers on the red silk.
Obi worn by Kikushino san has an orange background with golden thread embroidery. It holds the kimono tightly and fits the golden clouds on the hikizuri perfectly.
Her hair is styled in the traditional junior maiko hairdo known as Wareshinobu 9same as Kikune san). If we look at the kanzashi are willow styled ones and are similar to Kikune neesan but with dangling part attached to the hanakanzashi.
Her make up has more red and pink as she is still young in the profession. Also, as she is still 1st year maiko, she paints only her lower lip which means she is still a "baby".

Summertime ozahsiki in Kyoto Kagai

We continue to hold weekly events for all admirers of the Japanese culture as well as guest of the Kyoto Kagai. The weather is already hot and humid but at our sim you can always find a cool place to rest and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere, created by Maiko from Hanafusa okiya. Every aspect, from food to clothing of the maiko, is carefully selected for every occasion by the host. 

We are always happy to see new guests as well as families with children at our sim and events:)

Want to know when there will be next event? In this blog on the right side there is a tab with "monthly events". In case you need additional information, please feel free to IM Maiko Kikumaru(belliebeth) in SL.

Photo by Kyoko san (Samara Barsane)

Open-air events are back!

Summer season has already started in Japan and this means that summer activities are now available at Kyoto Kagai sim - open-air ozashiki on the Kamo river, beer garden events, gatcha, excursions and many many more are awaiting for you. 

Let's enjoy this summer together!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/40/128/28

Maiko Kikutsuru (light blue), Maiko Kikune (green) and Maiko Kikushino (navy blue)

Applications - Hanafusa Okiya - Open

Hanafusa Okiya welcomes applications this May and June to their education program. You will be provided with realistic classes, expectations, and sisterhood. We value the traditions and art of the Geiko. If you are interested in applying, please ask Kikutsuru ( Miehina resident) for an application.

Hanafusa Okiya is family and traditions

For more information and if you need an application nc, please visit our sim http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/225/180/31

May Kitsuke

After the Kyo odori, that took place in the end of April and the Misedashi of Maiko Kikushino that took place last weekend, Hanafusa okiya is finally returning to its usual schedule. The tortoise shell antique kanzashi have been returned to their boxes and formal kimono have been hidden in the wardrobe until next celebration - what will it be, Misedashi or maybe Erikae?!

Okaasan Geiko Kikuyu

Okaasan of Hanafusa okiya in her May attire

For the last month of Spring, Kikuyu-okaasan decided on pale yellow, should i say, even cream semiformal kimono with hand-painted irises and willow. All this unique ensemble is held with obi, tied in taiko style knot. This obi is quite interesting - the background is made with black and white squares, and upon it there are flowers of asagao or morning glory. This small flower is considered summer time pattern and together with kimono gives a clear message "The spring is soon to end, prepare for summer heat".
The juban is pink and is worn by senior geiko (Kikuyu san has been geiko since 2012 so she is considered senior member of the SL Kagai). Red juban is worn by junior geiko and by any geiko during formal events.
On her feet Okaasan is wearing Senryoo geta.

Senior Maiko Kikutsuru

Atatori of Hanafusa okiya in her May attire

Now lets look at the may kitsuke worn by Atatori(heiress) and most senior maiko in Hanafusa okiya - Kikutsuru san. The background of her hikizuri is some between green and grey, with blue and white irises. This hikizuri reminds me of a pond with wild irises blooming near - this is refreshing effect that this kimono has on a viewer. It is tied with woven obi with butterflies.
Hairstyle - Ofuku - is worn only be senior maiko. It requires different from Junior Maiko kanzashi style - 1 or 3 big flowers, worn on the right side of the front bun. Also the seasonal flowers for Senior maiko may differ from the ones worn by Junior - for example in May Senior Maiko wear Iris or can wear wisteria, while Juniors are restricted to wisteria only. Maiko in Miyagawacho start to use kushi comb right after they become Senior.
In her hand, Kikutsuru san is holding pink kago that fits the hanao silk straps on her high okobo

Senior Maiko Kikumaru

Senior Maiko Kikumaru of Hanafusa okiya in her May kitsuke

After Kikutsuru san comes Senior Maiko Kikumaru, who is wearing yellow hikizuri with motif of irises and a flow. An iris by a running stream evokes the tenth century ‘Tale of Ise’: poet, who travels far, arrives at Yatsuhashi, sees irises in full bloom and is struck by such longing for his wife left in far Kyoto that he writes a verse for her beginning each line with a syllable from the flower’s name ‘ka-ki-tsu-ba-ta’(Japanese word for iris that grows on semi-wet land; ayame - iris that grows on the dry land). It is tied with greed obi that has yellow geometrical pattern. Obiage (cloth at the top of the obi) it tucked into the obi - in Miyagawacho hanamachi all maiko, who become senior do so while in other Hanamachi maiko tie obiage cloth upon their obi right till the time before erikae.

Junior Maiko Kikune

Junior Maiko Kikune wearing her May semiformal outfit

May is also month when kimono with peony motif are worn and you can see one unique piece worn by Maiko Kikune - on the light blue silk there are pink and white peonies and upon them are golden clouds that are usually seen on the byobu screens. Also known as the ‘King of Flowers’, the peony is a symbol of good fortune, bravery and honor.
While looking at her kanzashi you may ask - why is junior Maiko wearing senior flower? In Miyagawacho, when a junior Maiko is not far from becoming Senior, she is allowed to start wearing senior Kanzashi, but with one difference - she cannot use kushi comb but the flower bridge.
In her hand she is holding a custom made kago bag with her professional name embroidered on it.

Junior Maiko Kikushino

Junior Maiko Kikushino in her May attire

The youngest Maiko in Hanafusa okiya, Maiko Kikushino, this month will wear beautiful gradient hikizuri with hand-painted bamboo and wisteria motif. Japanese symbolism for the wisteria is:love, sensuality, support, sensitivity, bliss and tenderness. Wisteria blossom also expresses wish for good luck and even serious devotion - that is why we can see this motif on so many formal kimono.
Obi is worth a look as well - it is very colorful and fits the kimono perfectly.
Her hairstyle is called Wareshinobu, and the monthly kanzashi motif, worn by Maiko Kikushino, is wisteria or fuji.
Kikushino chan has debuted this month (11-13th of May) under the wing of Maiko Kikumaru, she is still very new, and are thankful for all the support that was given by you, dear readers and patrons.

Misedashi. Day 3 "Private Celebration"

Sneak-peak from behind the curtain

Last but not least, on day 3 we continued to receive congratulations and best wishes for the newly debuted Maiko Kikushino. Kikushino san and her oneesan are thankful for all the attention and support.
When evening came, it was time for one more event, one more ozashiki. As this event is private, we will not post pictures from it, just a small photo taken outside from behind the curtain on this special, yet final day of Kikushino chan's misedashi. Let's all together give our "Aspiring Chrysanthemum" a warm welcome into the profession and wish her luck on the artistic path she has chosen.
"Omedetou san dosu Kikushino san!

Your okaasan, oneesan and neesan's wish you prosperity and welcome you to the profession!"

Misedashi. Day 2 "Public celebrations"

Misedashi of Maiko Kikushino

Misedashi. Day 1: Sansan Kudo Ceremony

San san Kudo Ceremony where Maiko Kikumaru and Maiko Kikushino
Are bonded as oneesan(older sister, mentor) and imouto

Misedashi - is the most important events in any maiko's life. From now on, you are seen as official part of the Kagai, no matter if its RL or SL.
And one of the most important events in Misedashi is the ceremony called San san Kudo, which can be translated as "three times three". What is about this ceremony that makes it so special? Well, this is the ceremony or better to say a ritual, similar to the one used in weddings, that is performed to bound a new Maiko (imouto) and her Oneesan (maiko or geiko who will be her mentor, "older sister"). There is also highly respected and honorable person, who performs the ceremony - in Hanafusa okiya it is Okaasan. Like it is during the wedding, the Sake is poured into 3 different cups which represent different yet important aspects. When drinking, you bring the sake cup 2 times to your lips and only by the 3rd sip you can sip. That is how you get three times three! This ceremony is so important that participants wear most formal kuromontsuki (formal hikizuri with 5 crests of the okiya) and most expensive hair ornaments.
Though Sansan kudo ceremony is no public and can not be witnessed, we would like to welcome everyone to public celebrations on the Misedashi (debut) of Maiko Kikushino of Hanafusa okiya that will take place this Saturday 11 am slt at Hanahusa ochaya.

Misedashi of Maiko Kikushino of Hanafusa okiya

It is an honor and pleasure to announce the Misedashi (debut) of Maiko Kikushino of Hanafusa okiya, that will take place this weekend.
To celebrate this special day, on Saturday, May 12th, at 11 am slt Hanahusa ochaya will hold special Misedashi Ozashiki with high class Kyo Kaiseki, served by Hanafusa okiya members dressed in their Best attires. The highlight of the event will be beautiful dance and poem, performed by the newest flower of SL Kagai, who's name means "Your Aspiring Chrysanthemum"
❀ Date: Saturday 12th of May
❀ Time: 11 am slt
❀ Taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/225/180/31

New maiko to debut soon! + accepting orders for congratulation poster

Minarai Kikushino performing her exam before okaasan,
maiko Kikutsuru and maiko Kikumaru

Many months of hard studying and relentless work have finally given its fruit - Minarai Kikushino has passed her maiko exam and will be allowed to debut as Maiko of Hanafusa okiya under Maiko Kikumaru as her oneesan.
Her debut starts this Friday May 11th. and during that weekend you will be able to meet her wearing her special Misedashi costume.

In the event of her debut we are now taking orders for the congratulation posters. If you wish to have one assigned to Kikushino chan with your name I ask that you contact me with a nc including your name and kanji if you wish it to be in kanji.

* Misedashi - formal debut of Maiko, literary means "open for business". New maiko is presented to hanamachi and the society. She wears Kuromontsuki(formal, black, crested kimono) with with matching formal golden obi and with the okiya crest on the bottom. No obijime or obidome. During Misedashi maiko wears wareshinobu hairstyle with distinguishable kanzashi: special hair ornaments of tortoiseshell called chirikan, two ougi bira kanzashi( silver, fan-shaped kanzashi with silver flutters hanging by rings). She will also wear miokuri(bands of metal sticking out from the bottom of the bun).