Aki no Odori coming soon!

Date: Sunday 22nd of November

Time: 10-11 am slt

Lm: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/TheaterOn%20The%20Hill/193/162/37

Hanafusa okiya in cooperation with Theater on The Hill are proud to present - Aki no Odori. This 4 scenes autumn-themed odori performed by geiko san and maiko san does not only display eloquent, authentic Japanese mai-style dances but also proudly presents poetical talents of Hanafusa okiya members.

We sincerely welcome You to come enjoy an elegant performance of Japanese classics, performed first time at magnificent Theater on the Hill by maiko and geiko.

*Maiko are young ladies in training to become Geiko (i.e. Geisha). 

Their studies include history, language, poetry, dancing, music and manners. Hanafusa Okiya is their training house. The various geisha districts in Kyoto are called flower towns, hence "Hanafusa" means "bunch of flowers," which these young ladies certainly are. They have been trained carefully by their Okaasan, Geiko Kikuyu. In Second Life Hanafusa it set in the Miyagawacho district in Kyoto, Japan.

November Kitsuke

Geiko Kikutsuru

For November Geiko Kikutsuru has chosen solid beige kimono with a matsu(pine) design. Perfect kimono for autumn! Her obi is eye catching as it features strips of painted silk prepared for a kimono appearing from the dark background. Obiage and obijime are of red color and go well with the flowers on the juban.

Geiko Kikumaru

Geiko Kikumaru this month has decided to wear solid purple semiformal kimono with autumn water scenery - the pattern is located under the waist line and features water stream, maple leaves and golden bell-flower design. It is tied with exqusite orange obi that featured golden clouds.  

Her Katsura (wig) is decorated with a small momiji (maple)

Maiko Kikune 

Maiko Kikune's November kitsuke consists of gorgeous gradient hikizuri that has maple leafs hand painted on the lower part the hikizuri, black obi with tucked in obiage and obijime that is holding precious pocchiri. The eri (collar is is white from the embroidery on it yet at the back there still is a red part). Also she has her hairstyle is decorated with seasonal kanzashi that feature momiji (maple leafs)

Maiko Kikushino

In November you can spot Kikushino san wearing hikizuri of regal, deep purple color - a silk masterpiece kept in Hanafusa okiya warderobe. You can see momiji(maple leaf), ougi (fan) and kiku(chrysanthemum). It is held with light beige obi that has leaf design. Both kimono and obi give us feeling of autumn. The juban Kikushino san is wearing has pine needle pattern. 

October Kitsuke

 Autumn has fully conquered Kyoto Kagai sim - the trees are now dressed in beautiful brocade of red and orange while grasses have turned into yellowish hay. Maiko and and Geiko from Hanafusa okiya already performed at the annual autumn dance - Mizuekai, so now they have more time to focus on the weekly events on the sim. Only chrysanthemums, symbols of October, are quietly reigning in gardens and parks

Geiko Kikutsuru(purple) and Geiko Kikumaru(black)

Geiko Kikutsuru this month has chosen a solid purple semiformal kimono with bamboo and decorative clouds - the pattern is located under the waist line and is a perfect autumn design for a Geiko. It is tied with light silver obi, that was woven maple tree branch. Obiage and obijime are of red color and go well with the momiji leaves on the juban

Geiko Kikumaru wears striking black kimono with a matsu(pine) design. Her obi is eye catching and features Himeji castle (also known as "White heron" castle),one of the most famous castles in Japan, surrounded by autumn foliage. Her hair is decorated with metal chrysanthemum. A very stylish combination for October!

Maiko Kikune is wearing subtle beige hikizuri with green leaves, Pampas grasses and Kiku (chrysanthemums). It is tied with gorgeous black 7 meter Darari obi, that holds the kimono closely ties to the body. As she is senior maiko, she has hair hair decorated with single chrysanthemum flower, kushi(comb) and small maezashi upon the bira bira pin.

Maiko Kikushino is wearing solid green hikizuri with Chrysanthemum and Bell flower hand painted on the precious silk. It is tied with obi that has crane motif on it. In her hair you can see colorful triple chrysanthemum hanakanzashi, flowerbridge and a petit chrysantemum maezashi pin. We can see that Kikushino san is slowly switching to more senior style of kanzashi and kimono therefore it might be a sign that she is close to becoming senior maiko.

Halloween Night & Spooky Story Time - 10:00 am slt, 28th Oct.

 "In the graveyard something stirs, giggling goblins, hungry ghouls, skeletons rising from their tombs and witches on their flying brooms, silhouetted by the pale autumn moon" .. Yay! its Halloween : ) 🎃

We invite you to join us for an Autumn, Halloween treat, with games, spooky stories and delicious party food this Wednesday 28th Oct at 10:00 am.

🎃Your Halloween Uber: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/188/58/31

Mizuekai 2020

On October 18th Miyagawacho Kaburenjo theater opened its doors to those who came to enjoy the annual Mizuekai odori  - autumn dances and poems created by Hanafusa okiya Geiko and Maiko.

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

Act 1 Mizuekai Opening "Otsukimi"

This year we begin Mizuekai with a dance and story dedicated to Otsukimi celebrations. From the nobles of the Heian era to the samurai families of Edo, the moon-viewing celebrations are rooted deeply in the Japanese community. Let's continue this ancient tradition together …

Written and Choreographed by Geiko Kikumaru

Act 2 "Let's Celebrate Autumn "

Enjoy an Autumn dance while listening to the Autumn themed Poems written by each Geiko and Maiko of Hanafusa Okiya, let their movements bring you closer to changes within the Autumn Months..

Choreographed by Geiko Kikumaru

Act 3 "Kiku no hana Hiraku"

A small tale about the Japanese people's obsession with Kiku or chrysanthemums involving the members of Hanafusa okiya as they celebrate the mid autumn times, also known as Kiku no hana Hiraku. But do chrysanthemums grow better if you sing to them?

Written and choreographed by Maiko Kikushino

Act 4 "Tsukimi Matsuri"

Through this poem we view the celebrations of Tsukimi Matsuri - the Moon viewing festival. Sit back and let the words of this story fill your mind with vivid pictures of the Moon, and tsukimi dango to be enjoyed with family and friends while searching all of the moons little dark areas, on the search for the Rabbit on the Moon.

Written and Choreographer by Maiko Kikune

Act 5 "Manzai Odori"

There is no Mizuekai without the traditional Manzai Odori, this marks the end of the 2020. Autumn dance performed in Miyagawacho.

Choreographed by Geiko Kikutsuru

Members of Hanafusa okiya would like to thank our guests, patrons and friends for coming to our Mizuekai 2020. We hope that you have enjoyed our performance as much as we did and we hope to see you next year

Mizuekai 2020 coming soon!

Dear guests and readers of my blog,

Kyoto Kagai Sim is proud to present annual Autumn performance - Mizuekai. This very popular six scenes odoriperformed by geiko san and maiko san from Miyagawacho hanamachi is not only display eloquent, authentic kyo mai dances but also proudly present poetical talents of Hanafusa okiya members.
We sincerely welcome You to come enjoy an elegant performance of Japanese classics, performed by maiko and geiko who have trained diligently all year for this recital

Date: Sunday 18th of October

Time: 11 am slt

Taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/188/205/31

For those who are visiting my blog for the first time, Mizuekai (みずゑ會)  is the event at which the Miyagawacho geiko and maiko display the traditional performance techniques of the Wakayagi style of Kyomai dance, to the study of which their daily lives are devoted. Traditionally, the Mizuekai was the testing ground of the skills of apprentice dancers, and in comparison with the Kyo Odori dance event held in spring, it has a strong feeling of a recital at which the participants present the fruits of their committed training. As a result, it attracts large numbers of true aficionados of traditional dance, allowing visitors to appreciate performances of an even higher standard.

We sincerely welcome You, Your friends and family to enjoy the autumn performance.

In case you need any additional information or you would like to have Mizuekai 2020 posters, please contact Geiko Kikumaru(belliebeth resident)

Late Summer celebrate friendly bonds between Japan and Italy

“Friendship knows no color, nationality, race and social level, friendship knows no age and gender, friendship knows no distance...” - Luis Alexandre Ribeiro Branco

Several days ago Hanafusa okiya geiko and maiko were invited to perform at the Grand Opening of the Camp Italia Gateway area, dedicated to friendship between the Italian and Japanese people. The performance consisted of 2 dances: "Hydrangea" (poem and dance by Geiko Kikumaru) and "Story of friendship between Japan and Italy" (story and dance created by Maiko Kikune and Maiko Kikushino).

Camp Italia sim has a beautiful museum with interesting information and historical photos. Moreover, different buildings in addition to the stage, have been used for exhibitions, exhibition rooms, relaxation, entertainment and gastronomy. Asia san, who is the host, created an amazing atmosphere that does feel like Edo. Please visit this amazing sim for different lessons, events and of course art exhibitions

(Your taxi to camp Italia: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Camp%20Italia/127/64/23)

Have you ever dreamt 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  Geiko Kikutsuru (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/Kyoto/63/205/31

Geiko and Maiko of Hanafusa okiya performing at annual Yukatakai

Walking around Kyoto Kagai sim: Gion Higashi Chaya

 Gion Higashi chaya is one of many tea houses located in Kyoto Kaga sim. During summer and early autumn months it holds ozashiki(banquets) on the kawadoko(water platform) upon the Shirakawa river and local Maiko and Geiko are invited to entertain guests. 

LM: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/69/169/31

This weekend (Saturday, 12th of September) we invite you to the one of the last summertime ozashiki of 2020. The relaxing atmosphere of the tea house accompanied by traditional Japanese entertainers, Maiko and Geiko, will definitely make you feel the upcoming switch of seasons 

Walking around Kyoto Kagai sim: Shinbashi Dori street

Shinbashi Dori is a street located both in RL Kyoto and SL Kytot Kaga sim. There are lots of traditional Japanese kyoto-style houses known as machiya, restaurants, retro cafes and meeting places for everyone in Gion. And of course there are tea houses where Maiko and Geiko entertain. Wo knows, maybe when you visit, you will see one quickly passing by?...

 LM for Kyoto Kagai sim: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/107/155/31

Summer picnic in Momiji/Ume park -Sat Sept.5th @ 11:00 a.m.

Summer is slowly coming to and end but you can still enjoy a relaxing picnic in the park with Geiko and Maiko. We invite you to join us for a brief time among the hydrangea, butterflies and a cheerful stream. We look forward to meeting new and old friends soon

Time&Date: Saturday 5th of September, 11 am slt

Taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/92/49/30

September Kitsuke of Hanafusa Geiko and Maiko

Autumn is around the corner, yet in Japan September is considered a Summer month. So do not hesitate to visit Kyoto Kagai sim to enjoy the last warm summery days and as well as the company of Geiko and Maiko from the Hanafusa okiya.

Now lets talk about the September  kitsuke of Hanafusa okiya ladies :)

Geiko Kikutsuru and Geiko Kikumaru

Atatori of Hanafusa Okiya Geiko Kikutsuru has chosen subtle navy blue kimono with design featuring summer flowers. It is tied with obi that has distinctive pattern known in japanese as "Kikko Mon". This pattern is a geometric pattern made up of many regular hexagons. It is considered auspicious as it resembles the geometrical pattern of the tortoise shell and tortoise are conspired to be the symbols for wisdom, luck, protection, and longevity; old beliefs mention that "Kame" unites heaven and earth, with its shell representing heaven and its square underside representing earth.
Her Katsura is decorated with white rabbit maezashi (as soon there will be "otsukimi" or moon viewing festival) and kushi. At the back there is Tama with nephrite.

Geiko Kikumaru is wearing dlicate 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 peonies, chrysanthemums, momiji and other plants and flowers is more of combined design, that can be worn from late spring till autumn. The green obi with golden geometrical pattern goes well with the kimono and is tied in a taiko musubi knot.
Her hair is decorated with Asagao hairpin, that is flower symbol of September. 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 and Maiko Kikushino

For September Maiko Kikune has chosen subtle white hikizuri. The design is Susuki or pampass grass and is worn from August to October. It is simple but elegant grass that is an essential decoration for otsukimi, the mid-autumn moon viewing festival. It is tied with bright green darari obi that goes well with hikizuri. Obiage is tucked into the obi - it is custom in Miyagwacho for their Maiko to start tucking obiage right after becoming Senior. 

Her hair is styled in Ofuku - Senior Maiko hairstyle and is decorated with big Kikyou hanakanzashi, kushi, smaller kikyou maezashi, bira bira kanzashi, hirauchi and nephrite tama.

In September you can see Maiko Kikushino wearing light hikizuri with colorful "tonbo" or dragonfly design all over the kimono. Another old name for dragonfly is “katsumushi” - victory insect, which made dragonflies symbols of courage, strength, and happiness. As a seasonal symbol, the dragonfly is associated with late summer and early autumn. The Darari obi, worn by Maiko Kikushino, is bright orange with dancing fan motif. 

Her hair is styled in Wareshinobu (this hairstyle is only worn by minarai and junior maiko) and is decorated with fashionable seasonal kanzashi(this month it is Kikyou or Chinese bellflower). 

Walking around Kyoto Kagai sim: Tatsumi Shrine

In ancient city of Kyoto, on the Shirakawa-minami-dori street, famous for its expensive and luxurious tea houses, a small shrine is located. Local legend tells that centuries ago locals had big problem with tanuki(racoon dog), who lived under the Tatsumi bridge nearby. Tanuki caused used to attack those who were passing by and made them fall into water of the Shirakawa channel. It was decided that a shrine could be a solution therefore a small shrine was built beside the bridge. And the funny thing is that after the shrine was built, there were no problems with tanuki what so ever. The name of the shrine is Tatsumi Jinja.

Nowadays, Tatsumi bashi (bridge) and Tatsumi Jinja are considered to be one of the most picturesque places in Kyoto and even Japan. If you are lucky, you can spot a maiko or a geiko walking to their appointments

Second life hosts a copy of the Tatsumi Jinja and other scenic places located in Kyoto Kagai sim. 

LM to Tatsumi shrine and Kyoto Kagai sim: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/67/203/31

Historic tour around Miyagawacho Hanamachi (Saturday 29th 11 am slt )

 Deep in the heart of Kyoto Kagai lays Miyagawacho hanamachi, one of the 5 geiko (Kyoto word for geisha) districts in Kyoto. This Saturday we invite You, Your family and friends to join Maiko Kikune (Hanafusa okiya) for a relaxing historical tour around Miyagawacho Hanamachi, its history and traditions ^_^ 

Taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/231/247/31

Ghostly story time coming this Wednesday 👻

When the summer evenings get too hot, it is time for Japanese ghost folklore. Just imagine - you enter an old house that seems empty yet you can feel that there is somebody watching your every move...Come and join us for Ghostly story time this Wednesday👻

Date&Time: August Wed.19th, 10 am slt

LM: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/77/46/32