おめでとう 菊つるさん \(^o^)/

Congratulations to Kyoto's newest geiko, Kikutsuru!

Plum Rain

Takahiro, a maiko in her second year of service in the Gion Kobu district of Kyoto, enjoying the cherry blossoms along the Shirakawa stream from beneath her oiled paper umbrella.

It's been raining all day. Not like an Irish style 'soft' rain, a full on, harcore, plum rain. I'm not complaining, in fact, I quite like it. I'm just trying to keep everyone updated (and use it as an excuse to post this image). (^-^)

Kamogawa Odori: Finale

Hisacho

Ichikiku

Hisacho

Ichiemi

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