Lucky Gaijin!

Did my brother like Kyoto? You better believe it! Here he is pouring some sake for Katsugiku-san.

Kitano Odori

Ichimame in Kamishichiken's Kitano Odori.

The geiko Umeshizu performing the role of otemae, preparing the tea.

The Kitano Odori is an annual performance of traditional songs and dances by the geiko of the Kamishichiken entertainment district near the Kitano Shrine dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane and has been presented since March　1952. Geiko are indispensable as hostesses in traditional banquets, but an　essential part of their duties are performances of traditional music in such　tyles as Nagauta, Tokiwazu and Kiyomoto, mastery of instruments like the　shamisen and tsuzumi hand-drum, and classical Japanese dance. They also　must　know traditional popular songs, which are an important part of the culture　of the entertainment districts. Constant study and practice are vital to mastering these art forms and the Kitano Odori began as a recital to show　off these performance skills, as well as being an entertaining show.

(Excerpt from Ichimame's blog)


Young Ichiteru in the role of ohikae, delivering tea to the guests in the ceremony before Kitano Odori.


Ichimame (front) and Naokazu.

Ichimame (front) and Ichifumi.



Naozome

Naosuzu

Kyo Odori: Finale

Kyo Odori: Maiko of Miyagawa

Fukunao

Satoai, Fukuya, and Fukuhina

Fukuya

Fukuya and Kimika

Yasuha

Miehina
Satoai and Yasuha

Fukunao and Fukuyuu

Kyo Odori: Irises of Heian Shrine

The elegant, classic beauty, Kimina.

Toshihana and Fukunami with a senior geiko.

Kimina and Fukunami

Kyo Odori

Kikutsuru

An Introduction to Kyo Odori ( from the Kyo Odori Programme)

With the arrival of another beautiful spring in the ancient capital, we are again staging the brilliant annual Kyo Odori. The 58th event of the traditional spring dance performance presents the seven scenes of Miyako no Shiki no Mai Ogi (expressing the four seasons in Kyoto through dancer's fans). The Miyagawa-cho Geiko crew provides a tour of many Kyoto attractions, depicting the manners and customs of Kyoto people and performing a powerful and majestic dance inspired by an old legend.

By holding the Kyo Odori performance every year, we at the Miyagawa-cho Kabukai aim to help refine our performing skills even further and develop new talents for traditonal Miyagawa-cho entertainment.

We are convinced that our sustained devotion and passion for traditional dance will enable us to meet your expectations. . .

Fukuaya, Kikutsuru, and Komomo

Kimigiku

Well, I certaintly wasn't disappointed (^_<)

Coming Soon: Kyo Odori

The stunningly beautiful Kikusturu performing the tea ceremony before her final Kyo Odori as a maiko. This summer, she will turn her collar and become a full-fledged geisha.