Last May ozashiki in Hahahusa ochaya

During last  spring ozashiki, Geiko, Maiko and Minarai of Hanahusa ochaya entertained guests with beautiful dances and kouta(lyrical songs).  Firstly, Maiko Kikutsuru(purple hikizuri), Maiko Kikuyumi(subtle pink hikizuri) and Minarai Kikune(green hikizuri) performed Gion Kouta and Maiko Kikumaru (White hikizuri) accompanied their beautiful dance with skillful play on shamisen. Than Maiko Kikumaru put away her instrument and under accompaniment of Geiko Kikuyu performed a dance "Under the gorgeous Fuji tree" with young Minarai Kikune. It was amazing evening and farewell to the Spring!

Relay for Life odori

Very special event took place on May 6th in Miyagawacho Hanamachi. In the event of supporting Relay for Life Hanafusa okiya held an odori ( dance performance) in 4 acts each representing one season. The dance depicted the four seasons, and a story about “Letting go” of once extra “Luggage” and burdens. Our beautiful dance was performed by the maiko and minarai of Hanafusa okiya in our kaburenjo in Miygawacho Hanamachi. We would like to thank Kyoko san who narrated before, between and after the dances. Also we would like to thank those who came and those who donated to Relay for Life. Cancer is a worldwide problem, lets fight it togather!

Participants: Sr Maiko Kikutsuru, Sr Maiko Kikumaru, Jr Maiko Kikuyumi, Minarai Kikune

Sunday 15th of May - Kyo mai & Q&A with Maiko

Have you dreamed of ever becoming a maiko? or enjoying the beautiful dance and culture?
we welcome you to a relaxing hour with us in our Museum of art and culture. The maiko of Hanafusa will perform for you and after you may ask them questions about their career and choice to become a maiko, geiko apprentice.

10.20 am slt
1hour duration
dress code - informal ( but not shorts or tank tops full clothing)

Here's your riksha: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Nadine/109/134/28

Heian Jingu Reitaisai Hono Buyo in Miyagawacho Hanamachi

This was a very busy week! Right after the debut of Minarai Kikune, Miyagawacho Hanamachi hosted Heian Jingu Reitaisai Hono Buyo where maiko san and minarai from Hanafusa okiya took part. It was also the very first dance event that included little Minarai Kikune, who, although scared a bit of audience, danced beautifully. 

Jr Maiko Kikuyumi(blue hikizuri), Sr Maiko Kikutsuru(marsala hikizuri) and minarai Kikune(purple flowerly hikizuri)

Minaraia of Kikune of Hanafusa okiya

 On April 15th Hanahusa ochaya hosted very special event - Minaraia of Kikune chan. It was first time that little flower of Hanafusa okiya appeared not as shikomi Kokoro, as she was known before. Earlier that day Maiko Kikutsuru was appointed to become Kikune chans's oneesan or older sister ("maiko-guardian"). With her hunger for learning  and with such good and famous oneesan as Kikutsuru san, minarai Kikune has nothing to worry about.
Minaraia celebrations were announced to publicity and many our patrons came and greet new member of the Kagai and wish her good luck on her hard road on becoming Geiko san in Second life.

Jr Maiko Kikuyumi(blue hikizuri), Sr Maiko Kikutsuru(marsala hikizuri),
Sr Maiko Kikumaru(green hikizuri) and Minarai Kikune(purple flowery hikizuri)

"We are all happy to congratulate minarai Kikune with her first steps on becoming beautiful flower of Karyukai. We also like to remind her about continuing hard work and practicing her conversation and shamisen skills. Omedeou san dosu Kikune chan!" - commented her older sisters from Hanafusa Okiya

Kyo Odori coming soon!

Spring is now in full bloom so we would like to invite you and your friends to this years 4th annual Kyo odori. Kyo odori is a beautiful dance event in Miyagawacho Hanamachi. Every year, in end of April, Maiko and Geiko welcome Spring with their beautiful dances and poems at Miyagawa-chō Kaburen-jō Theatre. 

This year, Maiko and Geiko  of Hanafusa okiya will be honored to entertain you on April 30th at 11 am slt - 12.30 pm slt! 

Welcome the Spring in Miyagawacho Hahamachi Kabuenjo!

Minaraia no Kikune

Dear guests and patrons,

It is a pleasure for me to announce the Minarai debut of new minarai Kikune, most of you have known her as Kokoro a shikomi the last six months time. 

Her debut will be held this Friday 15th of April

between 11 and 12 pm slt.

You are welcome to attend and congratulate this new flower on her first step into the world of the Geiko.

Applications open to Hanafusa Okiya

As the Spring the season of rebirth and new beginnings is over us, we are accepting applicants to our okiya. In the hope Spring may be a good time to begin an apprenticeship filled with luck and good weather.

Training process:

• Probation 
• Shikomi
• Minarai
• Junior maiko ( several stages)
• Senior maiko ( several stages)
• Geiko ( 1 - year 5)
• Geiko ( 5 year +)

If you are interested you may contact: 

Atotori Kikutsuru - Miehina resident

(Here's your riksha to Miyagawacho Hanamachi)

Ozashiki in Hanahusa ochaya(Fridath 8th, 11am-12am)

Dear Guests and Patrons of Miyagawacho Hanamachi,
It is with great pleasure to invite you to the springtime ozashiki of Hanahusa ochaya on Friday 8 April 2016. Come and celebrate the breathtaking but short lasting beauty of blooming sakura trees with the shamisen music and the sound of silk sleeves. You'll be offered special Miyagawacho "flying" sake and delicious green tea served by maikos of Hanafusa okiya.
Time of arrival: 11.00 am slt
Departure: 12.00 pm slt
dress code: Semiformal
Hanahusa Ochaya in Miyagawacho Hanamachi

Shikomi Kokoro passed her exam!

Photo by Isoldel san

Dear guests and patrons,

I am honored to announce that today shikomi Kokoro passed her Dance exam and theory. Soon she will be known under a new name… Kiku… have a guess if you like. Her Minarai debut is yet to be announced but i bet it's going to be really soon :)

Omedetou san dosu Kokoro chan!

Your okaasan, oneesan and neesan wish you luck and prosperity and promise to help you on you path of becoming a beautiful flower of Karyukai!

Hanami 2016 at Miyagawacho Hanamachi

Hanami or flower viewing is the Japanese traditional custom of enjoying the transient beauty of springtime flowers. Yesterday Miyagawacho Hanamachi hosted hanami celebrations for its humble patrons.
Our Hanami celebrations involved eating and drinking, and playing and listening to music. Some special dishes were prepared and eaten during that special occasion, like dango and bento. As refreshment maiko-san poured houjicha and sake, as part of the festivity. Also, to entertain guests, Maiko Kikutsuru and Maiko Kikumaru danced  spring dances with fans and sakura branches, while shikomi Kokoro continued to serve refreshments to guests.

Enjoying the kabuki performance with sisters :)

Ladies of Hanafusa okiya on their trip to the CCB kabuki performance in regards of their 1st anniversary. It was amazing and enjoyable performance :)
(sitting from right to left: Atatori Sr Maiko Kikutsuru, Sr Maiko Kikumaru, Jr Maiko Kikuyumi and shikomi Kokoro)

Last ozashiki of March

Enjoying incredible guests during last ozashiki of March. Okasan Kikuyu entertained guests with her skillful play on shamisen while Maiko Maiko Kikutsuru, Maiko Kikumaru and Maiko Kikuyumi served famous Miyagawacho sake along with hot houjicha. Maiko Kikumaru was especially delighted to serve lady Inkmancer-san, famous and talented hikizuri painter.

Shikomi Atsuko

        Watashi no namae wa Atsuko desu

My name is Atsuko. I am 16 years old, born and raised in the small fishing village of Funaya in the Yosa district. My Obāsan (grandmother) was all I had. Sadly she suddenly fell ill last autumn and passed away in December. She left an empty place in my heart that can never be replaced. Obāsan told me exciting stories about the Edo period and the beautiful geisa and maikos living in the okiyas. The culture captivated me. I used to paint my face and dress up as a geisha dreaming away many afternoons in the house of my beloved Obāsan.  Before her death she encouraged me to follow my dream and apply for shikomi. She knew I would be provided for by the Okaasan if I got accepted. In March I started my training as shikomi under the strict guidance of Okaasan Kikuyu at Hanafusa Okiya, Kyoto. During the probation period I am not allowed to leave the hanamachi.  A new journey has begun and I am excited and ridden with fear entering the mysterious 'flower and willow world'.

Hanafusa Okiya training application open

Have you dreamed of becoming a Geiko ?

or maybe you know us as Geisha?

Are you interested in Japanese culture and performing?

Hanafusa Okiya is now open to look at your application!

You will find a application form at the posted that say Hanafusa in the landmark below.

*GMT timezone

For any questions please contact Kikuyuu resident - Okaasan Kikuyu or Miehina resident - Maiko Kikutsuru