#umegiku

March 2017: Maiko and Geiko of Kamishichiken dancing the Kamishichiken Yakyoku, the finale dance of the Kitano Odori.

From left to right: Geiko Umeharu, Maiko Umechie (Umeno Okiya), Geiko Umegiku, Geiko Naosome (Nakasato Okiya), Maiko Katsuna (Daimonji Okiya) and Geiko Katsuya (Daimonji Okiya).

Kitano Odori 2017: Geiko Umegiku (Ichi okiya), Umeka (Ichi okiya), Naosome (Nakasato okiya), Umeshizu (Ichi okiya) Maiko Umechie, Maiko Katsuna (Daimonji okiya)

April 2017: Maiko Ichikoma (Ichi Okiya), Geiko Umegiku and Geiko Ichitomo (Ichi Okiya) of Kamishichiken performing at the 8th World Bonsai Convention in Saitama City, while JIkata Geiko Ichisumi (Ichi Okiya) plays the shamisen and sings.

Today in Kamishichiken: Misedashi of Minarai Ichigiku from the Ichi Okiya!

Somewhat suprisingly, Ichigiku is the imouto of natori Geiko Umegiku (present in all three pictures), who she inherited the last part of her name, -giku (ぎく). Umegiku also has close ties to Ichi, so it’s not entirely shocking for her to act as an onee-san to one of their girls, and I personally find the name Ichigiku, meaning first chrysanthemum, quite lovely!

Umegiku is a very well respected member of her community. She had her Misedashi in 1980 and her Erikae in 1985, so she has been a active in Kamishichiken for 38 years at this point and has build up a great reputation. Having an older sister as well connected, respected and accomplished will be of great help for Ichigiku’s career!

As for Ichigiku herself, her debut as a Minarai at the beginning of the month was a very pleasant surprise, as Ichi hasn’t had any new debuts since Ichiaya’s in November of 2016, and only had one Maiko after Ichitaka’s Erikae in spring. Ichigiku is quite pretty and unique, and it’s just good to see a new addition to the Ichi family and Kamishichiken as a whole.

There are many good news from Kamishichiken right now, finally! They have suffered many major losses recently, with Geiko Ichitomo, Geiko Ichimomo, Maiko Ichikoma, Geiko Katsuna, Maiko Naoai and Maiko Umechie all having retired this year, so it’s relieving to see that there are still a lot of new Misedashi happening.

Congratulations on your debut Ichigiku, and all the best wishes for your career!

Source 1: MOSAIC MACHIYA KSK on Instagram

Source 2: 上七軒  あだち on Instagram

Spotlight on: Umegiku 梅ぎく

Umegiku is a natori tachikata (master dancer) geiko. She debuted as a maiko from Ichi okiya in the early 1980s; at one point she was the only maiko in Kamishichiken! She had her erikae in 1984 or 1985 and is not currently associated with any okiya or ochaya in Kamishichiken. Umegiku is oneesan to geiko Umeharu. Umegiku is reportedly an excellent conversationalist and has quite the sense of humor. She usually plays a lead role in the Kitano Odori and has a solo or partnered dance in the Kotobukikai. You can see her dancing in this video (she’s wearing the green and yellow costume).