Erikae Celebrations in Hanahusa ochaya

Yesterday, Hanahusa ochaya opened its doors for everyone to take part in the celebratory ozahsiki on the occasion of Erikae of Maiko Kikumaru. After 5 years of apprenticeship, okaasan Kikuyu saw Kikumaru san to be fit and mature enough to become Geiko and yesterday guests were able to see the first dance of a new Geiko and taste special celebratory dishes.
Oneesan of Geiko Kikumaru, Geiko Kikutsuru, accompanied the dance with a skillful play on koto.
After the ozahsiki, all the guests were able to take photos with the new geiko in the genkan that was all decorated with congratulatory posters.

First dance of a new Geiko Kikumaru; Geiko Kikutsuru is playing Koto

Danpatsu no Shiki

Geiko Kikuyu playing shamisen

On Friday evening a special ceremony took place in Hanahusa ochaya. Behind the closed doors, surrounded by closest friends and family, Kikumaru san celebrated her last day as a Maiko.
The celebratory ozashiki started in early evening with a magnificent feast and continued up until midnight. Expensive high-class sake, delicious fresh sashimi and of course lots of traditional sweets were prepared for the guests on this special occasion. After honorable guests have eaten and enjoyed a witty conversation with Hanafusa Maiko and geiko, Okaasan of Hanafusa okiya, geiko Kikuyu performed on the shamisen while Kikumaru san danced "Kurokami" - the last dance of a Maiko.
After the dance, Kikumaru san sat on the special zabuton while okaasan Kikuyu prepared utensils for the ceremony of Danpatsu no shiki. When everything was ready, Kikuyu-okaasan removed all the kanzashi and hairpins from the hair of her maiko daughter and placed them on a tenugui. Than she took special ceremonial scissors and cut several cords that were holding the hair of Kikumaru san.

Dampatsu no shiki

Than Kikutsuru san, oneesan of the geiko-to-be, was called up and was handed the scissors. Kikumaru san smiled towards her oneesan and a small tear flowed from her eye but oneesan quickly caught it with her handkerchief. Sisterhood is something that can be both in RL and in SL. Truth to say, this moment is extremely emotional as after 5 years of being a maiko, there is no way back, you are to become geiko.
Geiko Kikutsuru cut several cords and gave the scissors to Maiko Kikune, now most senior maiko in Hanafusa okiya. After she has cut a hair cord, imouto of Maiko Kikumaru, Maiko Kikushino, took the scissors and cut a cords holding the hair.
After, all her sisters have moved towards the byobu and the honored guests came forward. In the end of the ceremony, the hair was freed from the Sakkou hairdo, and was simply tied into a bun.
It is now done - a new geiko bowed towards the guests thanking them for the support and asking not to forge about her in the future.

from left to right: Maiko Kikushino, Maiko Kikune, Geiko Kikumaru, Geiko Kikutsuru

Public erikae celebrations this week!

Hanafusa okiya proudly announces about the Erikae of Geiko Kikumaru and invites You, your friends and family to join the special celebrations that will take place this Saturday.
A new Geiko is born, let's welcome her together!

❀ Date: 27th of July
❀ Time: 11 am slt
❀ Your taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/229/181/31

Tanabata celebrations

Last weekend Kyoto Kagai sim hosted Tanabata - the start festival. According to legend, each July 7(7th day of the 7th month of the Lunar calendar) two stars, Altair and Vegae, which are usually separated, travel the Milky Way to renew their ancient bond of love. In RL as well as in SL Japan, we celebrate their reunion of two lovers by taking part in summer games and enjoying delicious foods from the stalls. One particular tanabata tradition says that by writing wishes on the colorful piece of paper and hanging it on the bamboo will make your wish come true. Have you tried?

Time for some summer games!

Fireworks!
(from left to right: Maiko Kikumaru wearing a mask, Geiko Kikutsuru and Maiko Kikune)

They see each other only once in a year...

A small shinto shrine

Seasonal Kanzashi: Matsuri/sensu

Summer is here, with sunny days, warm evenings, strolls in the parks, fresh berries and of course festivals. During summer months RL as well as Second life flourishes with events as does hydrangea blooms in the gardens.

So many questions come into your mind before even going anywhere: what to wear? how to make your hair and what decorations to use? This means only one thing..SHOPPING! And SaNaRae event comes right on time.

And for this month's SaNaRae event, Kisetsu has prepared 6 different color styles of Matsuri/Sensu Kanzashi - Soft, Cool, Kikyou, Tropic, Rain and White. Each style consists of 3 pieces - Hana Kanzashi (the bigger piece on the right), small kanzashi and a flower bridge with several flowers. So elaborate! If you are maiko or geiko, you can wear it as July summer Kanzashi or just during Gion Matsuri. If you're not, what is important, you can wear those as a hair decoration even if you are not maiko - they suit even a simple hairdo.

Hair decoration: Matsuri/kanzashi
Creator: Kisetsu (Nix Marabana)
Available at SaNaRae: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Spring%20Morning/192/136/4013
After the event you can find these amazing Japanese hairpins in the Kisetsu shop, alongside with high quality Japanese footwear, bags, kimono, hairstyles etc: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Multitudes/122/141/18

Maiko Kikumaru wearing Matsuri/Sensu Kanzashi by Kisetsu
Photo taken at Kyoto Kagai sim 

Erikae of Maiko Kikumaru coming soon this month!

In the event of our Maiko, Kikumaru becoming a Geiko at the end of this month, we welcome you to order a congratulation poster to gift her with.

• Please include your name as you want it on the poster ( either in Kanji,Hiragana/katekana or - Your name as it is written using your own Alphabet. 
• Send your wish to Geiko Kikutsuru ( Miehina Resident) 

I hope that you will be able to join us for the Erikae when the day comes(from 26 till 28th of July) and before that time we encourage you, your family and friends to partake in our weekly events where Maiko Kikumaru will be in her stunning sakkou kitsuke perforing the last dance of a maiko.

Maiko Kikumaru in her Sakkou kitsuke at the Maruyama park(Kyoto kagai sim)

How to contact us inworld

Dear readers and visitors of our blog,

Approximately a week ago i was asked in the comment section if there was a possibility of contacting Hanafusa members in-world. Due to technical reasons i was not able to answer in comments, so i decided that the best thing would be to write a small post with names and contacts. I have received their permission and they said that all of the will be happy to answer any of the questions or hear suggestions that you might have.

So, if you have questions about maiko/geiko life, weekly event, interview, filming at the sim etc. please feel free to contact:

• Geiko Kikutsuru - miehina resident
• Maiko Kikumaru - belliebeth resident

If you have suggestion or things you would like to read at our blog please contact:

• Maiko Kikumaru - belliebeth resident

If you are interested in renting at our sim please contact:

• Geiko Kikutsuru - miehina resident

From left to right: Maiko Kikushino, Maiko Kikumaru, Maiko Kikutsuru(now geiko) and Maiko Kikune

Looking forward to hearing from you soon,
Your faithfully,
Memebrs of the Hanafusa okiya

June Kitsuke

Ah, Summer in Kyoto Kagai sim...Parks are covered with blooming hydrangea and water irises. The birds are relaxing in the shade of oaks and sycamores. You can undoubtedly feel that every inhabitant of the land is enjoying the summer heat. But Hanafusa Maiko and Geiko have no time for being lazy - you can spot them every day, walking towards their appointments nevertheless they will be happy to greet you and show you around the sim. Apart from traditional weekly events, there will be several special ones that will take place this month: Maiko Kikushino starts her 2nd year as a maiko and her oneesan Maiko Kikumaru begins wearing sakkou. So be sure to visit Kyoto Kagai sim this month :)

from left to right: Maiko Kikushino(purple), Maiko Kikune(white), Maiko Kikumaru(black) and Geiko Kikutsuru

Geiko Kikutsuru: a gorgeous kimono is wont by Geiko Kikutsuru this month - the hem has painted water and irises are growing out of it. The water and the dark background has a cooling effect on the viewers which comes quite in handy during hot summer months in Kyoto. The obi has morning glory flowers on the black and white checked background. It is tied in Otaiko knot at the back and holds the kimono close.
Maiko Kikumaru: the most senior Maiko in Hanafusa okiya has stepped into the last stage of being a Maiko - the Sakkou stage. From 22nd of June till mid/end of July you can spot her wear Sakkou hairstyle and formal kuromontsuki kimono. This signifies that she will continue to be an active member of the Second life Karyukai, which is a good thing as nowadays there are only several active geiko around(2 of which come from the same okiya: Geiko Kikuyu and Geiko Kikutsuru). There is a special post about Maiko Kikumaru's style worn during the Sakkou stage.
Maiko Kikune: this month you can spot Kikune san wearing white hikizuri with fuji(wisteria) design. The light purple color of the wisteria goes perfectly with the Ajisai(hydrangea) kanzashi in her Ofuku hairstyle. The obi is black and has geometrical motif on it.
Maiko Kikushino: the only imouto of Kikumaru san, Maiko Kikushino, is wearing bright gradient hikizuri that has hydrangea, pond and lilies - perfect for summer heat. Her hair is decorated with willow hakanazashi - another  seasonal design, most commonly worn by Junior Maiko. It is also rank appropriate as has now passed her first year as Maiko. I have created a special post that is dedicated to the new looks of Maiko Kikushino as 2nd year Maiko.

Maiko Kikumaru is now wearing Sakkou!

Another amazing news coming from Hanafusa okiya - oneesan of Maiko Kikushino, Maiko Kikumaru was spotted wearing formal attire with hair hair styled into Sakkou hairstyle. This means that in about a month Hanafusa okiya will have new Geiko. Just like Kikutsuru san last year, erikae celebrations will take place in summer and we encourage You to come and witness this extremely rare event in the life of the Second Life Karyukai

Now lets have a look at the outfit that Kikumaru san will wear during her sakkou stage:

• Hair: during this last month as a maiko, a very special Sakkou (also known as saki kogai) hairstyle is worn and that is why this stage if often called "sakkou". Before it was adopted by Karyukai, it was worn by the brides-to-be during the Edo era and it signified a dedication for a future husband. Nowadays, by wearing sakkou geiko-to-be shows her dedication for the profession and willingness to continue as part of the Karyukai. As you can see, from the front it does remind a normal Maiko hairstyle(such as ofuku or wareshinobu) but if you look at the back you will notice how extravagant this hairstyle really is - elegant and smooth lines of hair, decorated with silver wires and red bands. Truly, a masterpiece! 
• Kanzashi: specially ordered custom made daikan kanzashi crowns the hair of Maiko Kikumaru - it features crane flying upon a golden ship, pine and water. all of these elements are considered lucky and are to bring good fortune. 2 bekkou hairpins were gifted to her by her oneesan Maiko Kikutsuru and the comb is Hanafusa okiya's antique. 
• Make up: Formal make up with three lines at the back is worn and you can notice that there is more black and almost none pink, meaning she is now a mature lady
• Eri(collar): with formal sakkou looks also comes special eri that has red background with beautiful golden embroidery(small golden dots)
• Kimono and obi: as Sakkou stage is considered a highly formal occasion, Kikumaru san will be wearing most ceremonial, custom made black kuromontsuki that has 5 Hanafusa crests on it. This masterpiece features tsuru(cranes) flying upon the waves. It is tied with white and golden obi that has fan flower motif. Now you can notice that the kimono piece and daikan kanzashi are matching together and it does look like one of the cranes from the kuromontsuki flew towards the ship.
• Kago: this type of kago, worn by maiko Kikumaru, was gifted to her by okaasan Kikuyu way back in 2013 when Kikumaru san made her debut as Maiko. By wearing this kago during last month as Maiko, Kikumaru san shows her appreciation for Hanafusa okiya

Maiko Kikumaru posing in the park of Kyoto Kagai sim

Kikumaru san said: "From the bottom of my heart I would like to welcome you, your family and friends to take part in the celebrations of Kyoto Kagai sim that will take place this month. By performing Kurokami (my last dance as a Maiko) during this month i would like to thank you for the support and love that you have given me. Ookini san dosu"

Maiko Kikumaru and her imouto Maiko Kikushino walking towards their appointment

...The doors of the okiya slid and two beautiful ladies appeared. Dressed in gorgeous silk kimono they were hurrying somewhere yet when they saw me they bowed and greeted me kindly...

Maiko Kikushino(purple) and Maiko Kikuamaru(black)

Maiko Kikushino passed her first year as Maiko!

Yes, yes and yes!
It has been a year since young Kikushino san, wearing Hanafusa okiya's best formal kimono and hairpieces, stepped out into the flashlight of the photographers. Her misedashi celebrations took place way back in May of 2018 and since then she has studies hard and was promoted to next rank. With it comes more responsibility and, of course, slight change in her looks:

• Hairstyle and Kanzashi: She will continue to wear wareshinobu hairstyle until she is senior but from now on she will wear shorter versions of kanzashi and not childish shidare ("dangling") ones. The change is visible at the photos: 1st photo shows Kikushino san with her shidare kanzashi, while 2nd photo shows her more mature style of kanzashi that she will wear from now on.
• Make up: From now on Kikushino san will paint a small upper lip; red and pink are still predominant colors in her make up, but now we can notice that black now appears in her eyebrows and corners of the eyes.
• Eri(collar): More white embroidery is added to the collar, yet the red background is still quite visible
• Kimono: colorful kimonos with childish designs(kodama, dolls etc) as well as those that have patterns all over are still worn, bur from now on Kikushino san is allowed to wear black semiformal hikizuri as well as kimono that have design only on one shoulder.

I must admit that her new looks suit her and she looks even more beautiful than before! 

Okaasan, oneesan and senior sisters are happy to congratulate Kikushino san on her achievement and wish her to continue hard work on becoming a true flower of the Kryukai!

Summer is near! Uchiwa and sensu Fans Gatcha from Kisetsu

Summer is waiting at the corner and Kyoto Kagai sim members are fully preparing for the Japanese heat - light yukata are taken out from the wardrobes while new items such as fans and hairpins are bought. This month Kisetsu has created amazing Uchiw aand sensu fans gatcha specifically for you. Give it a try, you might get lucky and get the rare summer bell
And you, are you ready for the summer heat? 
Uchiwa fans, Sensu fans (both have hand and display versions) + Rare Furin summer bells gatcha prizes from kisetsu available at May Gatcha Garden (here is your taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Gimme%20Gacha%20Productions/81/225/22)
After the event you can buy these gatcha items at the official Kisetsu store: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Multitudes/124/141/18

Maiko Kikumaru posing at the Gion Higashi ochaya balcony located in Kyoto Kagai sim
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/147/160/31

Maiko Kikumaru is now wearing Yakko Shimada!

Great news! As it was expected Maiko Kikumaru started wearing Yakko Shimada, which means that she is on her way to become Geiko san. During the Kyo Odori she hosted tea ceremony and it was announced by Okaasan Geiko Kikuyu that Kikumaru has passed the exam and will be allowed to have erikae. This is super news as there have been little women who debuted as geiko in the Second Life Karyukai and even less maiko who decided to continue on and become ones. Last year it has been Kikumaru's oneesan, Kikutsuru san, who had her erikae and now the time has come for Kikumaru san as well. It has been almost 6 years since she entered Hanafusa okiya - she was officially accepted as shikomi on April 13th 2013 and debuted as maiko under Kikutsuru san on November 22nd 2013. A long way! Now let's have a look at her kitsuke as it is definitely worth a fortune.

Hairstyle: This stage is often called "yakko shimada" because of the hairstyle worn. As you already know senior maiko wear yakko shimada during formal events but they also wear it during the period before switching to the last hairstyle of a maiko - Sakkou. 

Kanzashi: The Daikan or front hanakanzashi should be auspicious, that's why most of the maiko tend to wear pine(worn last year by Kikutsuru san), crane/heron, golden or silver pine needles etc. Basically the motif must be auspicious. Maiko Kikumaru has decided to wear a metal chrysanthemum to show her appreciation for the okiya(the naming like of Hanafusa okiya is Kiku- which means "chrysanthemum"). This flower symbolizes longevity, rejuvenation and regal beauty.

The small maezashi on the left consists of precious stones and again is used for only special occasions. The comb is made of bekkou (tortoiseshell) and is a relic of the Okiya while the hairpin at the back, also made of bekkou, is a gift from her oneesan.

Kimono and Obi: Hikizuri that is worn by Maiko Kikumaru was custom made for her. It has plum blossoms, chrysanthemums, bamboo leafs and narcissus flowers design. There are also some rocks painted as well and it seems that some of flowers have grown out from the rocks.Truly masterpiece! The color of this hikizuri is subtle and gradates from blue/purple to white at the hem and sleeves. You can notice the mon(crest) of Hanafusa okiya on the sleeves and chest. 

The obi is light and the pattern on it is created with a golden silk thread which makes it very valuable piece. At the bottom you can spot the crest of the okiya Kikumaru san is from. As the Kimono has crests the Juban(underskirt) should be formal too - the one worn by Kikumaru san has golden waves on it.

Footwear: As all Maiko, Kikumaru san is wearing Okobo as soon she will have to put them aside and switch to more comfortable zouri or geta.

Maiko Kikumaru of Hanafusa okiya posing on the bridge that is located in the Maruyama park of Kyoto Kagai sim

Maiko Kikumaru said: "I am forever grateful for all the support that You, dear friends and patrons, have shown me. The love and solace given to me by the Okasan Kikuyu, Oneesan Kikutsuru, my younger sister Kikune and my imouto Kikushino created the person you see now. I will continue walking on the path i have chosen 6 years ago. Yoroshiku otano moshimasu ".

We welcome everyone to witness the final months of Maiko Kikumaru 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

May Kitsuke of Hanafusa okiya members

The odori and sakura season is now officially over and the Karyukai returns to it's normal life. Maiko san and Geiko san start taking their lessons again and also more ozashiki are taking place on the Kyoto Kagai sim as well. In a way this May is quite special for Hanafusa okiya but i will later reveal why. As for now, please enjoy reading my post about the May kitsuke of Hanafusa okiya Geiko and Maikos.

Maiko Kikumaru(left) and Geiko Kikutsuru(right) posing in front of a small Shrine

Geiko Kikutsuru
This month you can spot atatori(heiress) of Hanafusa okiya wearing light yellow kimono with iris pattern. Iris or Kakitsubata is the flower of May and you can see many of those all around Japan. Her obi is silver and also has small irises on it. In her hands she is holding a kago bag, in which maiko and geiko carry items that might need during the events, for example spare pair of tabi socks, comb, traditional lipstick, mirror, comb, hanameishi(business cards) etc.
Maiko Kikumaru
This month is very special for Maiko Kikumaru as this month is her pre last one before she becomes geiko. I will write another post precisely about this stage but as you can see now she is wearing crested hikizuri with formal underskirt. Not seen from this angle but her hair i styled in Yakko Shimada hairstyle and she is wearing more expensive type of kanzashi than her younger sisters. Her obi is golden and has a decorative pattern on it. In her hands she is holding a kago bag as well as her oneesan Geiko Kikutsuru.

Maiko Kikushino(left) and Maiko Kikune(right) posing in font of  Maiko Theater

Maiko Kikune
During May you can see Kikune san wearing gorgeous subtle hikizuri with exquisite iris design. It is tied with gold obi with flower pattern on it. Her hairstyle is Ofuku and is decorated with seasonal iris kanzashi that resemble irises on the hikizuri. Since Kikumaru san is soon to become Geiko, Kikune san will have mall of the Senior kimono to choose from. In her hands she is holding a very special kago - the one she was gifted to her on the day of her misedashi.
Maiko Kikushino
The youngest Maiko in the flower bunch of Hanafusa okiya, Maiko Kikushino, is wearing light purple hikizuri with flower fans and leaf design. This kimono gives us a perfect feeling of the spring freshness, the full revival of the nature. It is firmly tied with green darari obi with yellow geometrical design. Her hairstyle is Wareshinobu, the traditional hairstyle of the Junior Maiko, is decorated with another seasonal flower - Fuji or Wisteria. While Iris kanzashi are reserved for senior maiko only, fuji kanzashi can be worn by both juniors and seniors.
It has been almost a year since Kikushino san debuted as maiko and that means that soon possibly we will see her painting her upper lip. Who knows, lets wait and see :)

Kyo Odori 2019

For those who do not know, every Hanamachi (geiko district) in Kyoto has several main annual dance performances - one takes place in spring and one in autumn. Most famous of all is possibly the Miyako odori and Onshukai, performed by Maiko and Geiko from Gion Kobu Hanamachi but I insist that every odori of any hanamachi is worth witnessing.
In SL, Miyagawacho Hanamachi of Kyoto Kagai sim continues the RL tradition by holding two annual public odori (apart from other smaller odori): Kyo odori in April and Mizuekai in October. The creators, writers and designers are members of Hanafusa okiya with Okaasan Kikuyu as director of the odori. To bring this 1.5 hour performance takes several months of preparations and rehearsals - all to provide the audience with the highest level of hospitality. Every move of the fan, every poem, every story - all this comes sincerely from the hearts of the performers and we hope that all our guest get to feel it.

Now, lets look closely at this years Kyo odori (every year the theme and acts change so previous odori and the odori that will come in future years will be different):
Peformers: Geiko Kikutsuru (performer), Maiko Kikumaru (performer), Maiko Kikune (performer), Maiko Kikushino (performer). OKaasan Geiko Kikuyu opened the odori and tea ceremony with opening words.

Tea Ceremony, performed at Kyo Odori 2019

Tea ceremony: As part of the Kyo Odori, formal tea ceremony is performed for the guests and patrons. This year it is very special as Maiko Kikumaru was otemae - the host who performs the tea ceremony. Before the start of the ceremony Okaasan Geiko Kikuyu informed guests and patrons that Maiko Kikumaru is soon to have her erikae which also meant that this odori was last for her as Maiko. Last year the same was done by her oneesan Geiko Kikutsuru - she too performed as otemae right before becoming Geiko. The role of ohikae, assistant at the tea ceremony who helps serve tea and sweets, was performed by two maiko from Hanafusa okiya - Maiko Kikune and Maiko Kikushino.

Act 1: "Ode to Spring"

from left to right: Maiko Kikushino, Geiko Kikutsuru, Maiko Kikumaru, Maiko Kikune

Gentle metals of cherry trees fall down, covering the ground in a carpet of pink and white. Cherry blossoms bloom shortly, reminding us of Zen - "nothing lasts forever", yet beauty keeps returning and soon this carpet of pink and white will be exchanged for the wisteria and iris

Act 2: "Odori no Natsu"

from left to right: Maiko Kikushino, Geiko Kikutsuru, Maiko Kikumaru, Maiko Kikune

Summer has come to Kyoto, the butterflies are whispering secrets as their colorful wings flutter past, Geiko and Maiko are dancing at the Yasaka Jinja in their white odori kimonos. Their uchiwa and feet are dancing to the tunes "Konchiki, konchiki"

Act 3: "Odori no Aki"

from left to right: Maiko Kikushino(young lady), Maiko Kikune(bride), Geiko Kikutsuru(as maiko)
and Maiko Kikumaru(as Geiko)

Fall is beautiful, it colors the world in yellow, orange and red palate. We are getting the intimate thoughts of a Geiko in this act, her memories of her maiko days yet now times are difficult, will she decide to leave her profession and get married?

Act 4: "Ode to the Karyukai"

from left to right: Maiko Kikushino, Maiko Kikumaru, Geiko Kikutsuru and Maiko Kikune

Geiko and Maiko have dressed themselves in the formal black for this act. Going through thoughts of a maiko in her final time prior to becoming a geiko...So many thoughts, will she vow like her sisters before her and become the newest Geiko of the Karyukai?

Act 5: "Odori no Fuyu"

from left to right: Maiko Kikushino, Geiko Kikutsuru, Maiko Kikumaru, Maiko Kikune

Snowcrystals have covered the grounds of Kyoto and "old Machiya windows display an art form of frost". Geiko and Maiko of Miyagawacho Hanamachi warm the season with their dance as their fans flutter with their movements, their kimonos spread crystal-like chimes, as they welcome you to partake in a dance honoring snowfall. 

Act 6: "Miyagawa Ondo"

from left to right: Maiko Kikushino, Geiko Kikutsuru, Maiko Kikumaru, Maiko Kikune

Miyagawa ondo is a traditional ending of Kyo odori. Maiko in their bright spring costumes welcome spring in front of the miyagawacho Kaburenjo theater.

Memebrs of Hanafusa okiya would like to thank our guests, patrons and friends for coming to our Kyo odori 2019. We hope that you have enjoyed our performance as much as we did and we hope to see you next year.