August 23, 2017

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.

August 22, 2017

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

August 19, 2017

(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

August 9, 2017

(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

August 7, 2017

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

August 2, 2017

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.