Higashiyama Hanataro performance

Higashiyama Hanatoro (also written Hanatouro) is one of the two Hanatoro events held in Kyoto sim every year; the other one being Arashiyama Hanatoro in December. There is really a lot to see at Higashiyama Hanatoro, from dancing Hanafusa Maiko to Yasaka Jinja beautifully bathed in light. 

The event is a chance for you to see Kyoto Kagai sim in a new spring light surrounded with trees that are starting to bloom. Walk in the narrow streets of Higashiyama and hope that an apprentice geisha, maiko, comes by, or just go to see the maiko dance at Yasaka Shrine where you are guaranteed to see them!

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

Katsuyama hairstyle (by kisetsu) available at Orientilika event

This is one of my favorite hairstyles and it is not ordinary one - every July during the Gion Matsuri, senior Maiko wear  Katsyuama hairstyle with special Gion Matsuri kanzashi that represent summer.

Apart from the ordinary hanakanzashi at known as bonten that are placed in the middle of the mage showing through on both sides.

Yes, it is true - only several weeks in a year you can spot maiko wear this amazing hairstyle! 

The origin of this elaborate hairstyle can be traced back to 17th century Edo to a very famous tayuu who's name was - you guessed - Katsuyama san. She made it so poplar that it became widely worn  by married women, and only went out of fashion at the beginning of the Showa era.

Available at Orientalika Event (http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/BAROQUED/122/169/63) and after at the Kisetsu official shop (http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Multitudes/124/141/18)

March Kitsuke

Members of Hanafusa oiya posing in front of Hina Matsuri doll display
(from left: Maiko Kikune, Geiko Kikutsuru, Maiko Kikumaru, Maiko Kikushino and Shikomi Junko)

Geiko Kikutsuru is wearing deep blue kimono with hand-painted plum blossoms. Silver obi accompanies the kimono well and holds kimono close to the body. Coral mezashi decorates her geiko wig.
Maiko Kikumaru is wearing Marsala hikizuri with plum and sakura blossom design hanging upon a water flow. It is tied with long colorful darari obi. Her hair is decorated with Peony hanakanzashi, (another seasonal flower associatated with March).
In March you can see Maiko Kikune wearing subtle hikizuri, that gradates from light yellow at the top to light purple at the bottom. This piece features chou(butterflies), sakura and plum blossoms as well as spring grasses. Obi is made in Hakata style and fits the kimono perfectly. As she s a young Senior Maiko, she is wearing triple hanakanzashi with march seasonal flower - daffodil.
Maiko Kikushino, as the youngest member of the okiya, gets to wear pieces with more childish and lucky designs, such as this hikizuri with has plum blossoms, temari hand balls (mostly associated with Girl's Day) and itomaki (silk-reel bobbin, very spring-ish motif). Her hair is decorated with nanohana (rapeseed flower) hanakanzashi.
Shikomi Junko is wearing salmon color tsukesage with spring flowers (peony, plum blossoms, narcissus etc.). No elaborate hairstyle is worn by shikomi, just simple updos as they need to grow their hair for the future coiffures.

Are you ready for Hanami?

The first plum blossoms are already blooming and this means that spring is on its way. 

To celebrate the forthcoming revival of the nature, Kisetsu decided to spoil us with high-quality gacha such as this amazing bento gatcha. Just imagine - you wont need to go to restaurants and sit inside four walls while others enjoy walking under beautiful blooming trees. Get your Kisetsu hanami bento, find a perfect spot under the blooming sakura and enjoy delicious foods with your driends and family. 

The name of the creation is Hanami Bento Gacha

Creator: Kisetsu (Nix Marabana)

Available at Gatcha Garden event (Feb. 1-29): 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Gimme%20Gacha%20Productions/128/238/26

After the event you can find this delicious springtime bento in the Kisetsu shop, alongside with high quality Japanese footwear, bags, kimono, hairstyles etc: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Multitudes/122/141/18

February Kitsuke

Okaasan Kikuyu

Okaasan Kikuyu

During February you can see Geiko Kikuyu attending ozashiki and events wearing gorgeous stripe Marsala kimono.
It is tied with beige nagoya obi that has green and white geometrical pattern.
In her hands she is holding a purse of the same color a her kimono. Kago are mostly used with semiformal geiko and maiko outfits while purses like that with comon, iromuji, tomesode or tsukesage.
On her feet you can see white tabi and zori that are as well of marsala color.

 Geiko Kikutsuru

Geiko Kikutsuru 

Kikutsuru san if fully prepared for the spring, even more - she looks like a plum blossom herself . Her kimono has light pink background and features hand painted ume(plum). Plum Blossom is the first flower to bloom in the spring and is known as the ‘Flower of Peace’. A protective charm against evil, it also represents longevity, renewal and perseverance. How can you Identifiy one? Simply loot at it's petals - they are rounded.
Her eri collar is purely white and is symbol of a mature woman, rather than ones worn by her younger sisters, theirs still feature red color (symbol of youth, childhood).
It is tied with unique obi, that was specially commissioned for her during her erikae. This unique obi features "tsuru" or crane, which not only is part of Kiktsuru san's name (her name means "chrysanthemum crane") but also is a symbol of longevity and good luck because it is thought to have a life span of a thousand years.
On her fet she is wearing special geta called as Senryou geta and are worn only by Geiko san

Maiko Kikumaru

Maiko Kikumaru

This month Maiko Kikumaru will be wearing one of her oneesan's creations - light blue hikizuri with plum blossoms. I would like to mention that blue is a color which represents purity,calmness, stability and cleanliness (purifying blue water). It is considered a feminine color and is often worn by young women.
Her long golden Darari obi is tied in a very special way, worn only by maiko. On the obi you can spot a belt called obijime, which ties one of the most expensive objects worn by maiko - the pocchiri. These are made of incredibly fine materials such as gold and diamonds or emeralds, as well as very detailed enamel workmanship and are extremely expensive.
In her hands she is holding pink kago made from chirimen silk. In this small "bag" Maiko have everything they might need during ozashiki - Maioughi (dance fan), spare pair of tabi socks, special comb in case maiko san need to adjust her hair, maiko lipstick, white powder and, of course, meishi (business cards).
Her hair is made into Ofuku hairstyle and is decorated with seasonal plum blossom kanzashi.

Maiko Kikune

Maiko Kikune

In February you can see maiko Kikune in gorgeous red hikizuri with eye-catching design  -waves are carrying maple leafs, chrysanthemums and peonies almost like preparing the earth for the new flowers and leafs that will be born in spring.
Her obi is called Darari Obi and is almost 7 meters long and it is tied in way that it's ends are hanging down. This is done so to show the small stature of maiko as during previous centuries maiko san were children. Nowadays maiko san are between 15 and 20 years old, and erikae often take place when they are about 21.
Since January her hair is styles into Ofuku hairtyle and decorated with senior maiko kanzashi, which are more simple and mature. In February her hair is decorated with seasonal triple ume hanakanzashi at the front and a simple kushi comb at the back.

As she is senior maiko now, the stripes on her okobo are of pink color. As she progresses through her career as a maiko, she will be able to use blue, green, yellow and other colored stripes.

Maiko Kikushino

Maiko Kikushino

Maiko Kikushino looks so young and fresh, truly she's little spring flower. At the moment she is the youngest member of Hanafusa okiya, yet during this spring it will be 1 year since she has debuted. Hikizuri worn by her has a soft white background with little colorful plum blossoms on it. You can see that though maiko wear. As you can see, hikizuri with plum blossoms can be worn both by maiko and geiko of any rank, it mostly depends on the design. The more junior the maiko is, the more childish design will be on the hikizuri. Geiko and Senior maiko will wear smaller, mature and  more sophisticated designs
Her Obi is decorated with marvelous woven golden ornaments, that really suits the plum flowers on the hikizuri.
her juban is red and features spring flower pattern
As Junior Maiko, Maiko Kikushino, as well as her maiko neesan Maiko Kikune and oneesan Kikumaru, is wearing high okobo but with red stripes.

Setsubun matsuri - Sunday Feb. 3rd @ 11:00 am Slt

During Setsubun people throw beans, (mamemaki) to cleanse away all evil of the former year and to chase away disease causing spirits (Oni). Remember to shout "Demons out! Luck in! (Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!) At this event you will see the maiko and Geiko in gorgeous kimono performing two dances. This is a festival of the new year not to be missed. We hope you will help us to have a wonderful new year of good luck and health.

Your taxi - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/157/209/31

January Kitsuke

Geiko Kikuyu

Starting from the 2019 Kikuyu san has decided to switch to more natural looks and wearing oshiroi and trailing kimono only during special events and odori.
Now, during January okaasan Kikuyu has chosen to wear homongui of peach color, with a camellia and plum blossoms design. It is tied with woven golden obi that has bamboo and momiji leafs and small plum blossoms.
Her hairstyle is called Yōhatsu which literally means “Western Style” as it is modeled on Western up do's. It is decorated with stylish miniature kushi kanzashi at the back. Very refined!

Geiko Kikutsuru

Geiko Kikutsuru has chosen to wear gradient pink kimono with winter-spring motif: ume blossoms, pine, bamboo leafs. It is tied with elegant navy blue obi with snowflake design, blossoms and more bamboo.
Her juban is pink and features blossom pattern. Geiko also use red juban but mostly for the formal events where they wear kuromontsuki.
She is wearing a wig, styled in Geiko Shimada style also known as Chuu Taka Shimada. This is quite liberating as geiko can sleep on regular pillows as well as wearing western clothes. Maiko can do that too but no when having thier hair styled in Ofuku or Wareshinobu.

Maiko Kikumaru

Great news! On January 1st Kikumaru san has started second part of the last stage being maiko. This means that very very soon we might celebrate another erikae in Hanafusa okiya. Omedetou san dosu!

In January Kikumaru san will be wearing dark blue hikizuri with hand-painted plum tree and bamboo leafs covered in snow design. A truly winter masterpiece! Her obi has white background with golden "turtle" hexagon pattern known as kikko. "Kikko" pattern is symbol of longevity and is an auspicious pattern. It can be often seen on misedashi and erikae kuromontsuki ensembles.
As senior maiko, she continues to wear Ofuku hairstyle, decorated with seasonal kanzashi. This month kanzashi feature bamboo leafs, plum blossoms and pine needles. The only change is that from now on she can switch the cloth in the back of her hair into blue and green colors.

Maiko Kikune

Great news! Maiko Kikune is now Senior Maiko! Omedetou san dosu!

Starting from January Kikune san has switched her red eri collar and wareshinobu hairstyle of Junior to the white embroidered eri and ofuku hairstyle of Senior Maiko. In January she will wear solid purple hikizuri with pine trees, snowflakes and plum blossoms painted onto the silk.
As well as changing from junior to senior hairstyle, she has also changed kanzashi to more mature  ones. As she is a fresh "senior" maiko her tegara at the back of her hairstyle is red. After one year she will switch to pink and during final months of being a maiko she will be able to wear other colors as well.

Maiko Kikushino

Bright blue hikizuri worn by Maiko Kikushino reminds us that winter is in its peak - her hikizuri has hand painted peony flowers(a winter flower). Peony is the symbol wealth, high honor (nobility) and ageless beauty. They also embody romance and love, and are regarded as the omen of good fortune. Peony is known as the ‘King of the Flowers’.
Her darari is feature abstract geometrical golden motif on it.
Hairstyle of Maiko Kikutsuru is called Wareshinobu (special hairstyle that maiko start wearing when the become minarai until they are senior) and is decorated with special colorful January kanzashi.

Shigyoshiki in Kyoto Kaburenjo(2019)

Last week Kyoto Kagai sim hosted Shigyoshiki - annual traditional opening ceremony, that marks the start of another business year in the Karyukai. Geiko and Maiko of Hanafusa okiya gathered at Miyagawacho Kaburenjo theater, wearing most formal black kimono called Kuromontsuki and renewed their vows for the new year. This is one of the few occasions when patrons and guests can see all of Kagai members gathered together wearing full regalia.

At the beginning Okaasan Kikuyu welcomed guests as well as kagai members with an inspiring speech. After she welcomed maiko and geiko to enter the stage and present the vows. They entered in strict ranking: first geiko, than senior maiko, than junior maiko. Shikomi are still in training and do not pledge vows until after their official debut.
Interesting change as spotted during Shigyoshiki - Maiko Kikune was spotted wearing Yakko shimada hairstyle as well as Senior Maiko Kuromotsuki with white eri, which means she is now officially senior maiko.
Also, this year Okaasan Kikuyu decided to switch to formal tomesode, not Kuromontsuki.

After the vows were pledged, maiko and geiko offered sake and, specially prepared for this event, osechi (traditional Japanese New Year foods).
For those who couldn't come but yet are interested, i present formal Kitsuke outfits of Maiko and Geiko from Hanafusa okiya,which they wore for Shigyoshiki:

Geiko Kikuyu

Okaasan Kikuyu

As i have mentioned before, this year Okaasan Kikuyu has decided to wear tomesode rather than kuromontsuki. Geiko san do switch from trailing style kimono and distinctive oshiroi make up to iromontsuki/tomesode and natural looks with time. Her tomesode features different elements such as green momiji leaves, matsu, chrysanthemums, pampas grass making this tomesode perfectly fit for the season. This formal maru obi is pink with silver tied carefully into otaiko style knot worn only during formal okasions
Her hair is in Yoohatsu style which basically means "western hairstyle" and made from geikos own hair. It is not as complicating as Maiko san's wareshinobu or ofuku, rather some simplified and mature, yet still need to be done by a professional hairdresser. You can often spot geiko wearing this type of hairstyle during the day or some jikata geiko during the events.
No juban elements are seen and on her feet okaasan is wearing comfortable golden zouri.

Geiko Kikutsuru

Geiko Kikutsuru

It is first Shyoshiki for Kikutsuru san as geiko so as a fresh geiko is is wearing full geiko set with kuromontsuki and oshiroi. Her kuromontsuki is custom made and has pattern under the waist. The design is water and ships. The obi is woven made with golden and silver threads, perfect for important events. Geiko's obi (apr. 440 cm long) are bit longer than simple women's obi. Also, for geiko's obi, patterns are created upside down, so when it is tied in Geiko Taiko knot, the pattern will have the correct position, facing upwards.
The wig geiko Kikutsuru is wearing in Japanese is called Katsura, and it is styled in Geiko Shimada style. For formal events, kanzashi hairpins that are used for decorating katsura, are made from most precious and luxurious materials, such as tortoiseshell, gold, expensive stones etc. Tortoiseshell kanzashi are most unique and antique as nowadays the craftsmen that work with this material are almost non-existant. Kikutsuru san is wearing Bekko (tortoiseshell) comb that features mon of Hanafusa okiya, Bekko Kogai at the back and a traditional dove and rice maezashi (worn only a small period of time during January)

Maiko Kikumaru

Maiko Kikumaru

Kuromontsuki that Kikumaru san wore for Shigyoshiki featured tsuru(crane), waters, matsu, ume(plum blossoms), chrysanthemums - a perfect design for winter and springtime forma events. Tsuru represents good fortune and longevity, matsu - strength, ume - symbol of fore-coming spring and chrysanthemums - longevity, rejuvenation as well as it is mon of Hanafusa okiya.

It is tied with long Darari obi (apr. 6.8m) with auspicious chrysanthemum created with golden threads on light yellow background. This obi is very special as it is used during misedashi debuts. Unfortunately not seen at this picture, at the end of every maiko obi there is crest of the okiya girl belongs to. 

Her hair is styled in Yakko Shimada and decorated with valuable tortoiseshell hair pieces and seasonal pins. January daikan (front) kanzashi, are unique and new ones are commissioned at the beginning of the year. This years motifs are plum blossoms, bamboo leafs and matsu needles. Other decorations and pins are made from tortoiseshell.

Maiko Kikune

Maiko Kikune

During Shigyoshiki guest and patrons could witness Kikune san for the first time as senior maiko. Her Kuromontsuki has many lucky as well as multi-seasonal motifs that are hand-painted - ox-drawn carriages, chrysanthemums, waves, peonies, plum blossoms, pine, summer grasses etc. It is tied with golden Darari obi, that not only gives the finishing touch the ensemble but also supports the back of maiko, as the kimono, especially formal kuromontsuki, are extremely heavy. No obijime or pocchiri are worn with formal outfit.

Formal wear also means that Senior maiko will change from ofuku hairstyle to Yakko Shimada. This is also first time Kikune san wears this hairtyle. As well as geiko san, Maiko san too are given opportunity of wearing gorgeous and expensive kanzashi - if you look at the hair of Kikutsuru san, you can notice Bekko Kushi (comb) with Hanafusa okiya mon, Bekkou Hirauchi, Jade Tama, special January daikan (front) kanzashi, maezashi with bira oghi and small pin called bira dome. For Shigyoshiki both Junior and Senior maiko wear rice husk maezashi with eyeless dove - rice grains can be given to customers and are considered symbols good luck and fortune.

Maiko Kikushino

Maiko Kikushino

As the youngest maiko in the okiya, Kikushino san wears most colorful and elaborate kuromontsuki in the okiya. This exact piece features seasonal flowers, leafs as well as many good luck motifs - everything hand-painted on the silk by a skilled master. The obi was carefully selected for this special event as is created with beige and golden silk threads. As junior maiko, she ties obiage cloth on the top of the obi, rather than seniors who tuck it into. To add more, this is sister obi of the one worn by Maiko Kikumaru, oneesan of Kikushino.

As she is still young maiko, her own hair is styled, even during formal events as Shigyoshiki, into Wareshinobu hairstyle. Decorated with elaborate bekkou kushi, Bekkou Hirauchi with coral Tama, carefully selected maezashi with seasonal hanakanzashi, more colorful than senior maiko. As for the rice husk maezashi with eyeless dove - not only grains bring luck, but also the eyeless dove has its special meaning - maiko or geiko fill in one eye and ask guest/very special person they like to draw the other for good luck in the coming year. This tradition differs from hanamachi to hanamachi, nevertheless it is considered as lucky charm.

Big news! + celebration ozashiki(first one this year)

Maiko Kikune during Shigyoshiki

Dear readers and patrons,

Hanafusa okiya proudly announce that Maiko Kikune has officially switched to ofuku which means she is in now Senior maiko! 

Omedetou san dosu! 

The rumors have been circulating since the end of the year and finally, for the delight of the guests during Shigyoshiki, Maiko Kikune entered the stage wearing senior maiko attire. She is now 2nd Senior Maiko in the okiya and as a senior maiko she will have more duties and responsibilities in the okiya from now on.

The special celebrations will take place at the Oumi-E wine bar on Saturday 19th (start 11:00 am - 12:00 Pm SLT). 

We hope you can attend this special Mizuage event.  As always we look forward to seeing our esteemed patrons and to make new friends.

Here is your taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/217/218/31

New shikomi in Hanafusa okiya!

Shikomi Junko

Watashi no namae wa Junko desu
 ───────⊰🌸⊱───────
I am Shikomi on probation at Hanafusa Okiya in Miyagawacho Hanamachi. Geiko Kikuyu is my humble okasan. If you have any concerns or compliments regarding my behavior please direct them to her.

I was born in the countryside to a moderately wealthy family. They named me Junko, which means pure child.

My father was a high-profile businessmen and my mother was a clothing designer. Often we would travel to the city as a family, and occasionally on these trips my father would throw lavish banquet parties to impress his business partners. It was at one of these banquets that I realized my desire to become a geiko. I was captivated by the beauty and grace of these women, and I begged to be allowed to move to an Okiya to learn the ways of the flower and willow world. Much to the shock of my parents.

I left behind my old life to come to Hanafusa Okiya and learn to be a beautiful, graceful woman of art. I dream to one day be a source of pride for my sisters here.

Shigyoshiki 2019 at Kyoto Kagai sim

Konnichiwa dear guests and patrons of Kyoto Kagai sim,
Maiko and Geiko of Hanafusa okiya invite You to take part in one of the most important event in life of our sim - Shigyoshiki.
❀ Date: Saturday 12th of January
❀ Time: 11.00 am slt
Shigyoshiki is the annual (traditional) opening ceremony in Kyoto that marks the start of another year for Kyoto’s Geiko and Maiko. They gather in their local hanamachi wearing formal black kimono and renew their vows for the new year. The most successful members of the Kagai of the previous year for their district receive an award of excellence.
Following the ceremony, the Maiko and Geiko visit the local tea houses and business establishments to wish the start of an auspicious and prosperous new year.
❀ This years participants in Shigyoshiki are Geiko Kikuyu, Geiko Kikutsuru, Maiko Kikumaru, Maiko Kikune and Maiko ikushino
LM: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/190/199/31

Seasonal kanzashi - Matsu Take(December)

It's time for winter kanzashi and today i am going to talk about December seasonal kanzashi, why they look like this and why there are two small boards or maneki on it. So lets go!

The main event in December, that involves all 5 hanamachi in Kyoto, is Kaomise Soken. During the first week of this month, maiko and geiko from all hanamachi visit the Minamiza theater to watch kabuki plays. I need to mention, that this year the Minamiza theater was going though the earthquake proofing and was reopened in November, right before the Kaomise Soken. Now, this is the reason why maiko san, both junior and senior, have these blank makeki boards. After the play, they go behind the stage and have these boards signed by their favorite kabuki actors - black ink is used by the actors who perform male roles and red ink by those who perform as onnagata (female roles). So, before the play maiko san wear blank maneki on the hanakanzashi and after the event they proudly wear the signed ones. Side motifs on the kanzashi are pine, bamboo, lucky charms, event small makeni neko. Everything depends on the senority - juniors wear childish ones while seniors get the mature one, such as the style worn on the photo.

This December, Kisetsu has prepared 3 different styles of Pine/Bamboo Kanzashi - frost, green and soft. Each style consists of 3 pieces - Hana Kanzashi (the bigger piece on the right), small kanzashi and a kushi(comb) with a tiny pine needle. So elaborate!

Hair decoration: Pine/Bamboo Kanzashi

Creator: Kisetsu (Nix Marabana)

Available at Sanarae event: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Spring%20Morning/25/76/4012

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

In this photo Maiko Kkumaru is wearing Pine/Bamboo kanzashi(green) 

December Kitsuke

Dear readers and patrons,

This is last kitsuke post in 2018, next one will be in January 2019. Although this has been a hard year, i feel sad that it is ending. I hope that the Christmas Holidays and New Year celebrations will bring happiness and joy into your house, as well as a wish to meet You in the new 2019 year.

Now, let's return to the December kitsuke post.

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

Geiko Kikutsuru
It has been almost 2 months since Kikutsuru san has become geiko, and she is feeling more and more confident in her mature role. For November she wears black kimono with a matsu(pine) design. Her obi is eye catching as it features Japanese scenery with pagoda and a forest. If you look very close you can even see people.
Maiko Kikumaru
In the final month of 2018, Kikumaru san is wearing black hikizuri made in a shibori style. Most of the kimono made in this style are extremely expensive as it takes months to complete one piece. The kimono is tied with a green obi, that has golden geometrical design. The green on the obi goes beautifully with the green of the undergarment as well as green hanakanzashi. The Seasonal kanzashi for seniors most often feature pine, bamboo and most important - 2 small maneki boards.
Maiko Kikune
As her older sister, the kimono of Maiko Kikune features shibori motif such as butterfly as well as white snow on the black silk background. Obi is of bright orange color and golden design goes all over it. The kanzashi worn by maiko  Kikune during this month feature many good luck motifs as well as 2 maneki boards. This style is more for junior maiko.
Maiko Kikushino
Another shibori masterpiece is worn by Maiko Kikushino - very vivid red with is associated with youth on a black background. The obi that is holding the kimono closely has a green background with beautiful golden bamboo design. The kanzashi are the same as worn by her neesan, Maiko Kikune and have many lucky charms and winter holiday items(hagoita).

November Kitsuke

Geiko Kikuyu

For November, okaasan has decided to wear solid purple trailing kimono. This color is considered chic and very seasonally appropriate for autumn. During Nara and Heian period this color was worn only by noblemen and women as it was hard to make, but during the Edo it became extremely fashionable so the common people, who were banned from wearing vivid colors, avoided the ban by wearing a colorful linings. The kimono is tied with white obi, that is embroidered with silver thread design. Also, Kikuyu san has chosen a purple obijime, that firs the kimono and goes well with the obi.
In her wig she has red wooden kushi and a very exquisite maezashi pin that features mon(crest) of the Hanafusa okiya

Maiko Kikune(light green), Maiko Kikumaru(light purple), Geiko Kikutsuru(purple) and Maiko Kikushino (white shibori)

Geiko Kikutsuru

Freshly Geiko, Kikutsuru san is getting used to her new role in the okiya as well as the geiko style of clothing. This month she is wearing purple gradient kimono with multi seasonal design (it has sakura flowers, pine, bamboo etc). Obi is made with golden thread and resembles the gold the autumn leafs.
From now on, Kikutsuru san will be wearing wig or katsura, a small maezashi pin, comb in the front and two more pin at the back. No more colorful hanakanzashi, those are reserved for her maiko sisters.

Maiko Kikumaru

This month Kikumaru san will appear wearing light purple hikizuri with chrysanthemum design. Her obi color is the same of flowers on the kimono and features a design of a snow piles. He hair is decorated with seasonal Kiku(chrysanthemum) hanakanzashi and a small kushi comb.

Maiko Kikune

Maiko Kikune is wearing a light green solid hikizuri with wave and water wheel design. Although simple, this kimono is one of my favorite ones. In her hair she has colorful chrysanthemum hanakanzashi, flowerbridge and a petit chrysantemum maezashi pin.

Maiko Kikushino

Most colorful of all bunch, Maiko Kikushino chan wears a beautiful white hikizuri with blue star design and orange shibori. Her obi is orange and has a gold design. Seasonal kanzashi for the youngest Maiko are always most eye-catching as they feature dangling elements and many smaller flowers.

Photos from the Odori no Aki

Dear friends,
 We would like to thank everyone who came, we hope that you have enjoyed the perfomrance as much as we did. Hope to see you soon ^^

Your's faithfully,

Hanafusa okiya