#geimaiko

Maiko Nihongami 101: The Ofuku (おふく)

The second hairstyle a maiko wears in her apprenticeship is the Ofuku (おふく). From the front, the senior maiko Ofuku is very similar visually to the junior maiko Wareshinobu. However, the back of the hairstyle is different. Instead of the large circular red fabric cushion (the Arimachi Kanoko (ありまち鹿の子)) that prominently displays the Mage (髷) aka the bun of hair on the back of the Wareshinobu, the Ofuku lacks any cushions or supports. The bun goes from circular and raised to a subdued, naturally volumed half moon shape. Additionally, instead of the flashy, bejeweled, valuable Kanokodome (鹿の子留め) pin stuck in the center of the of the Wareshinobu mage, the Ofuku is simply decorated with a triangular piece of cloth called the Tegara (手柄). Tegara come in many different patterns done in silver, gold, black, or even other colors- the design on the Tegara fabric is up to individual Maiko and Okamisans. However, the base color of the Tegara fabric is codeified. Upon being promoted to senior status and changing over to the Ofuku hairstyle, a maiko will wear a red Tegara initially. Over the course of 6-12 months, she will change to a pink Tegara. Finally, as the closing years of her apprenticeship pass, Tegara with base colors like blue, green, orange, lavender, yellow, and more will appear. 

While the Wareshinobu and the Ofuku hairstyles are the standard hairstyles for junior and senior maiko respectively, there are numerous other hairstyles worn for special occasions like Setsubun and Gion Matsuri.

Tune in for the next episode of Maiko Nihongami 101:

Maiko Nihongami 101: The Osome (お染)

Setsubun hairstyle number two is the Osome (お染). This style is usually worn by junior maiko during Setsubun, but you see it on seniors as well. Tayuu wear a larger, more extravagant version of this hairstyle as well during Setsubun.

The Osome hairstyle looks similar to the Wareshinobu but has a small strip of hair left hanging at the bottom of the mage bun. Additionally, instead of the jeweled pins, most Osome kanokodome are shaped like butterflies or other seasonal motifs. Sometimes miokuri (見送り) or strips of decorative paper are added at the bottom of the mage but not always. Like many other nihongami styles, the Osome was likely named after a courtesan who created the hairstyle.

Tune in for the next episode of Maiko Nihongami 101:

Maiko Nihongami 101: The Katsuyama (勝山)

So we’ve covered the two “standard” maiko nihongami styles, the junior’s Wareshinobu and the senior’s Ofuku. Time to get into the special styles only worn during certain events/during certain months! First up is one of my favorites: The Katsuyama (勝山) hairstyle!

The Katsuyama hairstyle is worn only during the month of July by senior maiko to celebrate Kyoto’s magnificent Gion Matsuri. Gion Matsuri (祇園祭) is a festival held in the Gion district of Kyoto over the entire month of July. The festival’s beginnings go back as far as the 860s CE, but it did not become a regular, annual event until 970 CE. In the course of that roughly 1000 years Gion Matsuri has only been canceled or have certain events canceled a few times. This year one or two days of the festival had to be canceled due to the extreme heatwave that rocked Japan in the Summer of 2018, making this year’s an anomaly in the history of the festival. The Gion Matsuri is most known for its enormous wooden floats and the special performances by the geisha of the five kagai.

The Karyukai celebrates Gion Matsuri in their own way by allowing their senior maiko to wear the Katsuyama hairstyle for the month of July. The Katsuyama hairstyle traces its origins to a popular oiran by the name of Katsuyama during the Edo period who invented the hairstyle, as is the origin of many nihongami hairstyles for women. The hallmark of the style is roll shaped, silver flower kanzashi that is inserted between the bun called the Bonten (梵天). Each Bonten follows a general shape and form but possesses small, unique traits such as varying types/colors/amounts of flower ornaments. Wrapped with the Bonten and bun is a strip of cloth much like the Ofuku’s Tegara, though not triangular in shape. This strip of cloth can be customized to each maiko in terms of colors, patterns, and the material the cloth is made of. Lastly in the Katsuyama’s unique traits is the bridge (also called the Katsuyama) that lays atop the maiko’s head/the root of the bun. This bridge kanzashi is styled to look like crystals and jewels with silver detailing and kanzashi ornaments. This is paired with a special custom kanzashi that is uniquely designed and crafted for each Gion Matsuri with no two years being the same. This year’s was a glorious combination of fireworks, streams/rivers, clematis flowers, silver butterflies, silver sakura blossoms, and egret feathers that also adorned the bejeweled Katsuyama bridge kanzashi as well. The colors varied between seniors and juniors but were universally a fan favorite amongst the Geisha Fandom online this year.

Tune in for the next episode of Maiko Nihongami 101:

When an okiya in Mukojima becomes inactive, its status shifts into a state of decline, with its interiors gathering dust, tatami mats losing their pristine condition, and its once-thriving presence in the hanamachi fading. To restore its former glory, a special public event called "帰還式典" (Kikan-Shikiten, Returning Ceremony) will be held. This event allows danna, VIPs, and patrons to contribute to the okiya’s revival by helping with renovations, cleaning, and other necessary updates. Their support ensures that the okiya remains a cherished part of the karyūkai while also demonstrating their dedication to preserving its traditions. In return, those who assist in the restoration may be honored with a special private ozashiki once the okiya is fully operational again.

However, when an okiya returns, it often finds itself with few or no geigi and hangyoku left, as they would have moved on during its inactive period. This means the okiya must recruit new apprentices, making the Kikan-Shikiten not just a restoration event but also a chance for fresh talent to enter the karyūkai. Players eager to become part of the okiya will have the opportunity to apply, allowing them to experience the journey from an aspiring performer to a fully recognized geigi. This cycle of decline and revival adds depth to the game, ensuring that Mukojima remains an ever-changing and immersive world.

(Futaba -

Okaasan -

Liya and FREAKNOMENAL

Geigi - None currently

Hangyoku -

Kimochi (Senior)

Shikomi - Bella

EX MEMBERS / RETIRED :

Me!! )

(Hanaichi - Only Otou-san Daveyy )

(Sakaeya -

Okaasan - Luna

Geigi - Sukima)

(Sakinoya -

Okaasan - Akazuki

Shikomi - Umi)

heya !! im sukima, a geigi from sakaeya okiya in mukojima (東京) roblox 🌸✨ training under my okaasan luna rn !! u’ll probs see me at ozashiki, performing or playing games w guests at the ochaya 🪭 mukojima has its own charm fr, super excited to bring its traditions to life in the game !! if u ever visit, come say hi (and maybe challenge me in konpira fune fune 👀) !! game coming out in 1 - 2 months ~ !!! join our discord! MUKOJIMAS DISCORD : https://discord.gg/KSThsH3ZF9

JOIN OR I'LL EAT UUU /j

Hey anon ^-^

Thank you so much for your sweet message. I totally agree with you about the dreamlike vibes of the Kamishichiken Nocturne. There are some full versions around but sadly none from the Kitano Odori as you mentioned. I did want to post the mammoth vid that features a full version with lots of Kamishichiken Geimaiko from that Roppongi Hills Arena event for your enjoyment. It also features the other Kagai Geimaiko and their sets so an absolute must see for all Karyukai enthusiasts.

Kamishichiken's turn is at the 10:15 mark and the analytics show that it's the most replayed part of the 30 minute video. Personal sidenotes to that segment in particular are: Gosh i miss seeing Naokazu dance, she's one of my faves and has been for since i can remember. Love love love Umechika's very Kabukiesque eyebrows on this blessed day and wasn't Umewaka such a unique Geiko? She was something else for sure, i hope she's doing very well in life.

It has been a wish of mine too to look into the Odori traditions so i'm glad others enjoy my posts too.