Obon 2017

When August is in its peak, every child knows that it is time for Obon celebrations in Kyoto Kagai sim. What can be better than dressing up in a nice cotton yukata, tying a colorful obi sash and admiring the fireworks, accompanied with horror stories? Definitely nothing!
That is why every year Kyoto Kagai sim holds Obon where everyone can come and participate and learn about this traditional feast. First of all, there was a Bon Odori or "Bon Dance", a sacred dance performed only on this special occasion. After the dance, guests could take a snack at the near-standing food stalls, or participate in festival games: catching a goldfish, shooting, darts etc. This year, our guests and patrons could compete with maiko members of Hanafusa okiya. As fun progressed, Maiko Kikutsuru led everybody through the channel and park into a small house where the horror stories were told. Shivering! One of our guests, after the event, stated that she saw the ghost from the story...
I hope that you have enjoyed this years Obon and i hope you will join us on the next celebrations as well. If you want to receive information about the events invorld, please contact Maiko Kikumaru(belliebeth) inworld.

Yukatakai in Kyoto Kagai sim

On Sunday 27th(august) Geiko and Maiko of Hanafusa okiya will perform in the Summer odori - Yukata Kai
You are welcome to come enjoy this 4 act performance.

Time of arrival: 10.55 am slt
Time odori begin: 11 am slt
Time odori ends: 12 pm slt

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

(Tomorow)Obon celebrations at Kyoto Kagai sim

What can be better than an event where you can play games, win different prizes, eat delicious fatty and sweet stall foods, dance an ancient dance and when night comes gather with friends and tell scary stories?! Yes, its August and time for Obon celebrations in Kyoto Kagai sim.
This year celebrations are going to be enormous! Sooo many things to try, so many games to play and soo many stories to hear from memeber of Hanafusa okiya or maybe you know one as well?
Date: Sunday 20th of August
Time: 11 am slt
Taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Midnight%20Sun/95/173/25

(Saturday 12th of August) Ozashiki at Gion Higachi Ochaya

Konnichiwa dear guests and patron of Kyoto Kagai sim,
as a celebration of Midsummer we are hosting a ozashiki in Gion Higashi ochaya this Saturday. This ochaya is located in Gion Higashi district of Kyoto Kagai sim, with a veranda upon the water channel As well as the beautiful view, you will feel the refreshing breeze scented with waterlily scent coming from the channel - best relaxation during hot summer days.
Time: 11.00 am slt - 12.00 pm slt(second life time)
Dress code: visiting clothes
Taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Midnight%20Sun/153/179/25
You are welcome to enjoy some nice conversations and entertainment by the Geiko and Maiko of Hanafusa Okiya

Tanabata celebrations at Kyoto Kagai sim

As we are continuing to progress through summer, we would like to welcome you to our Tanabata celebrations on Tuesday 8th 10.30 am slt.
As well as continuing the thousand year tradition of celebration the union of two loving hearts, you will get a chance to interact with maiko san from Hanafusa okiya while admiring the gorgeous illumination along the banks of the river. And do not forget to hang a colorful stripe of paper with hand-written wish ^_^
Taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Midnight%20Sun/38/147/26

Hassaku 2017

Maiko Kikuyae(blue), Maiko Kikumaru(pink), Maiko Kikutsuru(green),
Maiko Kikune(orange), Minarai Kikuteru(purple)

1st day of August is always one of the most busy and important days for Hanafusa okiya members as this is day of Hassaku. It is similar to greeting round in winter(Shin Aishatsu) but, of course, there are several differences. Every year on this day, all okiya members dress up in their casual komon or iromuji and go on rounds, paying respects to teachers and establishments. Indeed it takes time to visit all important places 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.
So what do maiko san and geiko san wear for Hassaku rounds?(This is an answer to question of Anonymous, who typed his question in comments)
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).

Hanafusa Maiko standing in the front of Hanafusa okiya

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.

Summer picnic in the gardens of Kyoto Kagai sim

End of June - August has always been the hottest part of summer. Even koi fish want to hide deeper, where cooler waters are.
In Kyoto Kagai, there is a perfect summer spot where you can hide and enjoy and relax some. It is located in the Kytot Kagai sim's gardens. The blanket with several zabutons is placed in the shade of big trees as well as near the small river to help our guests forget about the hot sun and crowded streets.
This time, Maiko Kikune held a picnic, first time this year. She was accompanied by other maiko san from her okiya. By serving refreshments, summery foods and tasty snacks as well as by entertaining with smart conversations, Maiko from Hanafusa okiya bring the refreshing change, not only into the bodies but also into the hearts and souls of visitors...
Next time we meet, will be very special event - misedashi(debut) of a new maiko! So do not be shy, and visit us anytime you like. Our sim and hearts are open for everyone :)

Picnic in the gardens of Kyoto Kagai sim

Dear friends and patrons,
This Saturday Kyoto Kagai will hold a picnic. For those who is tired by summer heat and dull routine, we offer a cooling shelter under the shade of garden trees accompanied by delicious summer treats and refreshing drinks. As a highlight of the evening, you will be entertained by Maiko san of Hanafusa okiya alongside with soon maiko-to-be minarai Kikuteru.
Date: Saturday 29th
Time: 12 pm slt
Taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Midnight%20Sun/42/155/26
This event is not formal so please feel free to wear your casual clothes or yukata

Konchiki Ondo on Yasaka Jinja

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. After the Hanagasa Junko parade, Maiko san from Miyagawacho performed 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 festival and the Yasaka shrine.
After the dance, guests were able to make memorable photos with Maiko san from Hanafusa okiya.

This years performers :

❀ Maiko Kikutsuru
❀ Maiko Kikumaru
❀ Maiko Kikune
❀ Maiko Kikuyae
❀ Minarai Kikuteru (soon to debut as maiko)

Konchiki ondo at Yasaka Jinja(Sunday 23rd of July)

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: Sunday 23rd of July
Time: 11.30 am slt

After the performance photos with Maiko san can be taken :)

Taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Midnight%20Sun/193/138/27

Have you ever dreamed of becoming a maiko?

Have you ever dreamed wearing elaborate kimonos and learning new about Japanese culture? Have you ever dreamed of walking the Kyoto streets in high wooden okobo?
If yes, than Hanafusa okiya is for you:)
You are provided with a near real life course or training in Japanese History and culture. You will learn how to be a Geiko ( term for Geisha in Kyoto)
At the moment we have open space for 4 Shikomi.
Ready to give it a try? Contact  Maiko Kikutsuru of Hanafusa (Miehina resident) if you are interested in starting your journey in a close family such as Hanafusa, that focus on realism and quality.
Taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Midnight%20Sun/144/105/25

(Saturday 15th of July) Ozashiki at Gion Higachi Ochaya

Konnichiwa dear guests and patron of Kyoto Kagai sim,
as a celebration of Midsummer we are hosting a ozashiki in Gion Higashi ochaya this Saturday. This ochaya is located in Gion Higashi district of Kyoto Kagai sim, with a veranda upon the water channel As well as the beautiful view, you will feel the refreshing breeze scented with waterlily scent coming from the channel - best relaxation during hot summer days.
Time: 12pm - 1.00 pm slt(second life time)
Dress code: visiting clothes
Taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Midnight%20Sun/153/179/25
You are welcome to enjoy some nice conversations and entertainment by the Geiko and Maiko of Hanafusa Okiya

Kyo mai & Q&A with Maiko

Maiko Kikuyae(dark blue), Maiko Kikumaru (light blue with willow),

Maiko Kikutsuru(pink), Maiko Kikune(blue), Minarai Kikuteru(yellow)

 Yesterday, Kyoto Museum of Art and Culture held an event for patrons as well as those interested in Japanese culture. Young as well as veteran Maiko from Hanafusa okiya performed kyo mai dance and self written story. After guests we able to ask questions.
The main idea of this event is to spread the knowledge about Japanese traditional and modern culture as well as Kyoto's geiko tradition. Guests can also ask questions regarding hairstyles, types of kimono used in the performance, difference between rankings etc.This is good event for those interested in applying as a trainee as you can ask senior members of the okiya the questions that interest you.

In case you have not been able to come this time, do not worry! These events are usually held once or even twice a month. In case you whant to be informed about any kind of events held in Kyoto Kagai sim, Please contact Maiko Kikumaru(belliebeth) so that to be added into the group in-world as well as follow our blogs on Google plus and Blogspot. Don't forget about the thumbs up :)

Evening ozashiki at Oume

Ozashiki

Another ozashiki took place in Kyoto Kagai. This evening Maiko Kikutsuru was a musician and created a relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere with her skillful play on the koto. After the guests have settled, Maiko Kikuyae brought the tray with Kyoto Kaiseki dishes while Kikuteru san brought sake and expensive wines. It is important to for Minarai Kikuteru to watch and learn how every inch of work is done as she is quite soon to debut as

Maiko Kiktsuru playing the koto

Maiko. 

As well as enjoying their meal and good music, guests were delighted to speak with intelligent young Maiko. Starting clever conversations and keeping it alive is one of the hardest assets in Maiko and Geiko work as it requires knowledge in different aspects - traditional and modern art, Japanese culture, literature(Japanese as well as other), important events, politics, philosophy etc. I do not count the knowledge of Karyukai traditions as it is simply a must. As well as smart, ozahsiki conversations are to be relaxing rather then debates. Hard job, ne? :) Nevertheless, starting from early stages, maiko in Hanafusa okiya learn how to create an ideal conversation using all her knowledge and sense of humor to provide quality entertainment in Second life realm. 

After last ozashiki, the proprietress of the Oume received many requests from the visitors of her Wine Bar asking for more day and evening ozashiki. She has contacted Okaasan Kikuyu of Hanafusa okiya so to plan the ozashiki with maiko san of Hanafusa okiya, and it was decided that there will be 1 or 2 weekly, depending on the month. 

(Sunday 9th of July ) Kyo mai & Q&A with Maiko

Maiko from Hanafusa okiya during the annual Kyo Odori
performance. 

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.

❀ When? Sunday 9th 10.20 am slt
❀ 1hour duration
❀ Dress code - informal ( but not shorts or tank tops full clothing)
❀Taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Midnight%20Sun/212/174/25