Konchiki Ondo 2020

Dear reader of Hanafusa okiya blog,

As in rl Kyoto Kagai, our sim as well as it's maiko and geiko members, take part in Gion Matsuri celebrations. Every year after the Hanagasa Junko parade, Maiko san from Miyagawacho perform a dance called Konchiki ondo. The name of the dance comes from distinctive Konchiki chain of Gion Bayashi folk music. They wore special white thin kimono with hakata obi (obi sash with hakata-ori textile) which was pink against a white background in Ushiromi musubi (a way of knotting the obi sash) style. In their hands they hold an uchiwa fan with crests of the Gion festival and the Yasaka shrine.

This year Maiko Kikushino was spotted wearing Yakko Shimada for the first time. This hairtyle is reserved for the senior maiko but in Miyagawacho, when a girl is close to her mizuage she can get a special permission to start switching to more senior kimono and hanakanzashi. Her main hairstyle will remain Warshinobu until after the mizuage.

After the dance, guests were able to make memorable photos with members from Hanafusa okiya.

This year's performers were Geiko Kikutsuru, Geiko Kikumaru, Maiko Kikune and Maiko Kikushino

Storytime this coming Wednesday at 7 am slt (^_^)

We invite you to come and enjoy refreshing moment with us on the river as an ancient tale of life under the sea is presented by Kikushino chan. The soothing sounds of the Kamo river will enhance the stories effect. We hope you will be able to join with us on this underwater tale.  We are very excited to see you all ^_^

DATE & LOCATION:
Wednesday, 29th July @ 7:00 a.m.
Kamo Kawa Riverboat - Kyoto Kagai

LM: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/38/121/27

Gion Matsuri (Konchiki Ondo) coming this week!

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: Friday, 24th of July

Time: 10.30 am slt
After the performance photos with Maiko san can be taken :)

LM: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/167/237/34

P.S. If you would like to have poster, please contact Geiko Kikumaru(belliebeth) in Second Life, she will be happy to help you. For this year's Gion Matsuri poster was chosen Maiko Kikushino of Hanafusa okiya (SL).

Yukatakai 2020

Yesterday Miyagawacho Kaburenjo theater held summer odori, know as Yukatakai. For those who do not know, this is annual event, in which maiko and geiko of Kyoto kagai sim participate in. 

For those honorable guests and patrons who couldn't come but extremely wished to, here is a small description of the acts. Please enjoy :)

Act 1: "Hayashi"

Once a year the Karyukai showcase their Musical skills on instruments that is seldom seen during the weekly events held in the Hanamachi

Scene 2 "Tanabata no Ondo"

A precious memory has been saved during this dance, as we follow the Hanafusa family celebrating Tanabata - the Festival of the Stars

Scene 3 "Kyo no Natsu"

In this dance a memory from each of the Geiko and Maiko of Hanafusa Okiya is written in a poetic form to be shared with you

Scene 4 "Obon Odori"

Obon the festival of the ancestors is celebrated each Summer in Japan. This dance brings you to the celebrations of the Hanafusa family, from the time they wake up in the morning until the fireworks have lighted up the streets in the evening

Scene 5 "Natsu wa Hotaru"

Marking the end of this years Yukata Kai, the Geiko and Maiko of Hanafusa okiya is performing together a Summer dance using a Summer fan known as  Uchiwa with the crest of their Okiya and their names painted on

July Kitsuke

Hanafusa Okiya Members in their July's semiformal attires

👘 Geiko Kikutsuru is wearing gorgeous gradient kimono with morning glory flowers on the fence design. Morning Glory is one of the few flowers today that is instantly recognized as a summer motif in Japan. Her obi is eye-catching and is a unique piece, created by weaving beige and golden threads and created specially for her Erikae. Also her juban undergarment has blue summer flowers Nadeshiko, which is also a unique piece. In her hands she's holding a kago basket of pink color that resembles the color of some Asagao (morning glory flowers) on her kimono's hem. On her feet you can notice Rikyu Geta, and not the most commonly worn Atomaru geta
👘 Geiko Kikumaru's July semiformal attire consists of light blue kimono with golden clouds and colorful botan (peonies) and a golden woven obi that goes perfect with the kimono. Classically, botan is associated with summer (especially early summer) as that is when the flowers bloom naturally but there are some types that bloom in Autumn and even Winer. As all geiko in Kyoto she is wearing a wig styled in Geisha Shimada style. It also needs to be appropriately decorated - Kikumaru san has chosen a transparent silver comb depicting waves and a small gold peony maezashi pin. For July she has chosen Rikyu Geta as well as her oneesan, Geiko Kikutsuru
👘 In July you can spot Maiko Kikune wearing a gradient kimono that goes from pink at the top to blue at the hem - a beautiful summer creation from the Isomesh kimono shop. Carefully hand-painted water lily design are located on the sleeves and under the waist, reminding us that this piece can only be worn by a senior maiko. It is ties with a subtle green Ro obi. Her hair is decorated with same hanakanzashi as her younger sister's Kikushino except at the back Kikune san is wearing Kushi(comb) while Kikushino san - hanagushi (flower bridge).
👘 Maiko Kikushino is wearing 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 during her misedashi - it has her name  kanji embroidered with silver. Kikushino san's 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, Kikushino san is an embodiment of summer!

Yukatakai 2020 coming soon!

On Saturday 18th of July Geiko and Maiko of Hanafusa okiya will perform in the Summer odori - Yukata Kai. You are welcome to come enjoy this 5 act performance.

･:*:･ﾟ☆   Time of arrival: 10.15 am slt

･:*:･ﾟ☆　Time odori begin: 10.30 am slt

･:*:･ﾟ☆　Time odori ends: 11.50 am slt

･:*:･ﾟ☆    Your taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/188/205/31

Pictures after are to be taken in the room between exit and theater audience room. Maiko will attend photo shoot. During performance you may take pictures as long as they do not interfere the performance.

In case you would like to receive a poster, please contact Maiko Kikumaru(belliebeth) inworld.

Storytime with Maiko Kikushino on Kamo river

We have now entered summer which means that more events will take place outdoors. Storytelling is one of the event most favored by our guests and last week it was decided to take place on a boat. Just look at the irises, lanterns and fireflies around it? What can be more magical than this?

You are welcome to visit our Kyoto Kagai sim for an alternative day out
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/39/116/28

Our stores: Kiku no Iki

"Kiku no Iki" is a shop that specializes on kimono and obi texture HUDs for Isomesh Bento Geiko/Maiko models so be sure to get it first. It houses two brands - 'Tsuru's aftereffects", who's designer is Geiko Kikutsuru and newly established "Hanagumo", where Geiko Kikumaru is a designer. 

No matter who you are - minarai. junior maiko, senior maik, geiko or someone who likes kimono models from Isomesh - you will definitely find the perfect HUD for yourself. 

To receive news about new releases please join or group - Kiku no Iki

Locations of Kiku no Iki shops around Second life: 

Main Shop is in Kyoto Kagai - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/162/177/31, 

Little Yoshiwara - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Milarepa/109/141/44, 

Karyukai - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Gion%20Kobu/119/224/22, 

Hamamura - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Serenity%20Forest/199/147/26, 

Kiyomizu - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Nepessing/136/165/107

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. So be sure to visit Kyoto Kagai sim this month :)

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

Geiko Kikutsuru has chosen to wear subtle pink kimono with flowers on uchiwa (summer fan) and a river design. Kawa(river) or winding stream represents continuity and the future. It also has a cooling affect on the viewer. Uchiwa with peony, chrysanthemums, momiji and other plants and flowers is more of combined design, that can be worn during late spring till autumn.
The obi is black with Gion Matsuri float design coming from the dark. Though this festival will happen in July, Maiko and geiko tend to wear designs that are to come in the near future - this is considered to be very "iki" or stylish (tradition that comes from Edo).

Geiko Kikumaru's June semi-formal attire consists of subtle green ro kimono and checkered obi that also has asagao (morning glory) design on it. "Ro" is a type of thin waved fabric used for natsumono (summer kimono) and you can easily distinguish it from others by its translucent stripes. This very classy way to weave silk is most popular and even be used for formal scenarios.
Her hair is decorated with Asagao hairpin, that resembles the ones on the obi. Morning glory flower is one of the few flowers today that is instantly recognized as a summer motif in Japan and can be seen on the kimono and pins from June till September.

Maiko Kikune is wearing one of the newest creations from Isomesh. The hikizrui is gradient, from blue at the top to almost white at the hem. The main design is Ayame(Iris/Shoubu) and kimono with this flowers can be worn from April till June. It is worth mentioning that traditionally iris is linked to Boy’s Day due to fact that the leaves resemble swords and the name shoubu is a homonym for militarism. Therefore you can often spot Irises on boy’s kimono as well. It is tied with Hakataori obi.
He hairstyle is Ofuku and it is decorated with seasonal June kanzashi that feature Ajisai (hydrangea) though sometimes senior maiko wear special willow kanzashi as well.

This month you can spot Maiko Kikushino wearing white hikizuri with fuji(wisteria) design. This common flower motif symbolizes longevity, peace and harmony therefore you can spot it on the bridal kimono. Wisteria plants are known to have very long lifespans, one of the oldest wisteria trees in Japan is 144 years old! The light purple color of the wisteria goes perfectly with the vibrant Yanagi (willow) kanzashi in her Wareshinobu hairstyle. The obi is black and has geometrical motif on it and holds the kimono close.

Flea market at Tenmangu-ji (June 1st - 7th)

A small flea sale is taking place this week on the ground of Tenmangu-ji temple where you can find different types of gacha, old and new, japanese and non japanese for a really good price.

Also! There is a promotional HUD for Isomesh Bento Geiko Model that has 2 ro kimono, 1 hakataori obi and a summer ro juban for the promotional price - 299l$ (by Hanagumo brand, Kiku no Iki store)

Here is your taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/68/46/31
Be the one to get the best things ♥

Great opening of the Tomiyo Ochaya (Sat. 30 of May)

As the final cherry blossoms fall off its branch being replaced by wisteria trees, we are honored to welcome you to the Grand opening of Tomiyo ochaya located in the Higashiyama ward.
During the opening you will be welcomed by Geiko and Maiko san of Hanafusa okiya. Being served the best delicacies Kyoto has to offer, while enjoying the exquisite dance and poetry skills of Geiko and Maiko san. We hope to see you on May 30th for this rare and special event :)
Date: Saturday, 30th of May
Time: 10.30 am slt
LM: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/22/220/31

Dear friends and patrons, please join us on this special occasion and please feel free to bring your
friends and family with you

Date Hyogo Hair & Date Hyogo Kanzashi Set (by Kisetsu)

Amazing news from Kisetsu store especially for those who role play as beautiful Oiran, SL Kabuki actors and just admirers of Japanese hairstyles - Date Hyougo Hair & 5 styles of Date Hyougo Kanzashi will be presented at Enchantment event. Be first to get this amazing creation of Nix san as it is definitely worth it. I have not seen a better version of this hair in SL ever!

Interesting information about this hairstyle: Date Hyogo was only worn by Oiran (top rank yujo). With its big chignons and lavishly decorated ornaments, from pins to combs and golden ropes, this hairstyle was the most gorgeous of all

So what you get in the Hair pack? An extremely accurate Date Hyogo and hud for hair color. No Kanzashi are included but no worries as you can wear this mesh hair on its own - it's gorgeous. As always, a beautiful creation worth getting even especially if you adore Japanese coiffure.

So what you get in the Kanzashi set? When i have opened the Torstoise set I was dazzled - there were 24 hairpins!! AND the greatest thing is that you can wear them either all together or individually or even mixing and creating a perfect style of your own. Isn't it great?!

Hair/Wig: Date Hyogo Hair (Hair Only!)

Kanzashi: Date Hyogo Kanzashi Set (No hair in the pack, only hair decorations!).There are 5 styles of kanzashi sets available: Guided, Kitsune, Tortoise, Sakura and Lacquer. 

Creator: Kisetsu (Nix Marabana)

Available at Enchantment - Kitsune Tails event (May 12 - 31st):

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

30 L$ Saturday at Kisetsu store!

The 30L Saturday Sale item is the kisetsu Noren - Red, These are copy and modify. And a full set! Doorway (Static and Animated) and a Hanging Noren. Come and get them in the store now!

Here's your riksha to the shop: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Multitudes/128/129/17

When you visit the shop take a chance to win some goodies - check out the Lucky Letter Boards and let the luck be with you(Group Only).

Don't miss the Stay at Home Club Gift! Also in the store (No Group Needed!) 

May Kitsuke of Hanafusa okiya memebers

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. Please enjoy reading my post about the May kitsuke of Hanafusa okiya Geiko and Maikos.

Geiko Kikutsuru

This month you can spot atatori(heiress) of Hanafusa okiya wearing deep green kimono with bamboo design. Bamboo, or ‘Take’, is deeply entrenched in Japanese culture. It is said to symbolize purity and innocence due to it’s unadorned and simple structure. Bamboo is also said to symbolize prosperity, strength and longevity. These ideas come from the fact that bamboo is an extremely strong plant. It is tied with white obi that has golden design on it. On her feet Kikuntsuru-neesan is wearing Senryoo geta.

Geiko Kikumaru

For the last month of spring Geiko Kikumaru has chosen pale yellow, should i say, even cream semiformal kimono with hand-painted irises and willow. Iris or Kakitsubata is the flower of May and you can see many of those all around Japan. Her obi is green with golden geometrical design on it. Willow is always considered as the symbol of Geiko world (courtesans were "flowers")

In her hands,as well as in the hands of her sisters, 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 Kikune

During May you can see most senior maiko in Hanafusa okiya, Maiko Kikune, 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 that was gifted to her on the day of her misedashi. Her hairstyle is Ofuku and is decorated with seasonal iris kanzashi that resemble irises on the hikizuri.

Maiko Kikushino

On May 15th Maiko Kikushino will step into her last stage as Junior Maiko - Nininmae. Omedetou san dosu ^_^

May is also month when kimono with peony motif, for example one that will be worn this month by Maiko Kikushino - on the sea green silk are light purple peonies, bell flowers, green leaves as well as some plum blossoms that are carried by the stream. Also known as the ‘King of Flowers’, the peony is a symbol of good fortune, bravery and honor. 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.

from left to right: Geiko Kikutsuru(green), Maiko Kikushino(teal), Maiko Kikune(subtle green) and Geiko Kikumaru(beige)

Springtime ozashiki at Daimasa ochaya

The first ozashiki of May took place yesterday at Daimasa ochaya (Kyoto Kagai sim). The local gardens are already in full bloom, encouraging guests to enjoy long walks before and after ozashiki.
It is a blessing that Second life has no quarantine restrictions and everyone can enjoy a sophisticated gathering and conversation with Maiko and Geiko from Hanafusa okiya, who continue to hold events no mater the weather :)

After the meal and a nice conversation with Maiko and Geiko, the koto (Japanese stringed musical instrument) was brought in. During yesterdays ozashiki the role of tachikata or dancer belonged to Geiko Kikumaru, while the accompaniment was  performed by her imouto Maiko Kikushino

 Geiko Kikumaru's self-written poem "In the spring..." was about a young woman facing with the challenge to choose between two paths that would determine her future (a challenge that we all might have faced during our lives) and in the end she expresses a wish that next spring everything with settle down as she had chosen the right path...

The next event will take place on Sunday at Maiko Theater 10 am slt and it will be a great opportunity for those interested in choosing a path of a Geiko as during the event you will be able to ask Geiko san and Maiko san questions about their career and life. Here is your taxi for the event (http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/232/241/31), please come with your family and friends :)