#onshukai

[missmyloko]

Hello Justine, do you have any updates regarding 2024 calendar? Thank you very much

Right now I don't have any concrete dates for the fall as it's too early for them and nothing goes on during the summer as it's too hot, but I do know that Mameaya in Gion Kobu will be having her erikae this fall, likely following Onshukai in October ^^

[geisha-kai]

October 2017: geiko Ichitomi, Chiyoko, Eriha, Katsue, Katsuhina, Katsutomo, Masaki, and Mameroku backstage of the Onshukai (Autumn dances) by  kyotogokagaigeimaiko on Instagram

New blog is up! Visit HERE  🌟 🌟 🌟

༼ つ ◕◡◕ ༽つ  Geisha-kai on P a t r e o n || Instagram

[geimei]

October 2017: Geiko Ichitomi (Nakagishi Okiya), Chiyoko (Nishimura Okiya), Eriha (Tama Okiya), Katsue, Katsuhina, Katsutomo (Odamoto Okiya), Masaki (Minoyae Okiya) and Mameroku (Arai Okiya) of Gion Kobu dressed for their roles in the Onshukai, Gion Kobu’s fall odori, which runs from October 1st to October 6th.

Source: 五花街芸舞妓撮影会 on Instagram

[kaelula-sungwis]

Onshukai #20 by Onihide

[ichirikiteahouse-blog]

Ayano as a Maiko at an Onshukai evening

[okiya]

Maiko Mamesaku, Maiko Mamefusa, Maiko Takahina

Kyoto (by LivAnon)

[missmyloko]

I saw Erika wearing Ofuku, she debuted back in 2021. Why could tat be?

I haven't seen her wearing ofuku, but I know that she was wearing a white collar recently for Onshukai and would be wearing a white collar soon before she switches to ofuku as is the tradition in Gion Kobu. However, I since I can't confirm whether or not she's wearing ofuku right now or not I can't really comment on it ^^;

[missmyloko]

Hi, can you explain how are the daily routine of a girl who debuted directly as a geiko? What type of songs and dances they learn first? They are allowed to participate in Miyako Odori, Gokkakai and Onshu-kai in their first years? How much time these girls take to become Jimae? And in these cases, they can have onee-san? Every geiko who debuted directly will be jikata? Thank you so much and sorry for many questions.

The daily routine of someone who debuted directly as a geiko is no different than a regular geiko's day. They get up around 10am, go for lessons, come back around 2pm, have lunch, go around and thank the people who helped them the previous day, prepare for the evening, start entertaining around 5pm, and finish around 12am. The songs and dances that they learn first are the maiko ones. For the ones in Gion Kobu they will perform in the Miyako Odori and Onshukai in their first year, but it's unlikely that they'll perform in the Miyako No Nigiwai gokagai dances as the roles are reserved for natori geiko and senior jikata geiko. They become jimae in the same amount of time as any other geiko of their kagai. In many cases they'll end up having an onesan, especially if they're a jikata geiko ^^

[missmyloko]

Hi Myloko! I want to plan a trip to japan in sept/oct and I really want to see a dance rectical as I missed it when I went to japan last time. Can you tell me which time period would be the best time to go, approximately? Late/early/mid october? Around when will the dates be announced? And are there any touristy things to do in the karyukai now that maiko theatre is closed? Thank you!

Onshukai always takes place from October 1st to 6th, but Mizuekai, Kotobukikai, and Suimeikai change every year. The dates aren't usually announced until late summer, which will be pretty late for your trip planning, so you'll just have to take a chance. If you're determined to see the dances then aim for the beginning and Onshukai. However, if you're more inclined to be hopeful about landing one of the others, I'd recommend going towards the end of the month so that you can catch the Jidai Matsuri on the 21st. Gion Corner just opened back up after being on hiatus for a few years, so you can check out their shows there once again as something touristy to do ^^

[missmyloko]

Onshūkai 温習会 - 2019

For the first time in decades the date for Onshūkai has changed! Onshūkai will be held from October 3rd to 8th at the Kyoto Prefectural Center for Arts and Culture at The Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine. Participants Natori Geiko: Mamezuru (まめ鶴), Koman (小萬), Sonomi (そ乃美). Mamehiro )(豆弘), Takazuru (孝鶴), Mameka (豆花), Korin (小りん), Fukue (フク愛), Mamechizu (豆千鶴), Terutoyo (照豊), Mameryō (豆涼), Fukuha (福葉), Satomi (里美), Mameya (まめ弥), Kokimi (小喜美), Kogiku (小菊), Mamesuzu (まめ鈴), Koai (小愛), Mihoko (美帆子), Mao (真生), Yukako (有佳子), Makiko (槇子), Ichiyuri (市有里), Koyō (小耀), Kosen (小扇), and Sayaka (紗矢佳). Geiko: Mayuha (満友葉), Koyoshi (小芳), Mamemaru (豆まる), Fumino (章乃), Satsuki (紗月), Katsutomo (佳つ智), Masaki (真咲), Mameroku (豆六), Katsuhina (佳つ雛), Eriha (恵里葉), Ichitomi (市十美), Katsue (佳つ江), Shino (紫乃), Ichiharu (市晴), Marika (茉利佳), Mamesumi (豆純), and Mameryū (まめ柳). Jikata Geiko: Emiji (恵美二), Kimiya (君彌), Komomo (小桃), Danyū (だん祐), Mamechiyo (豆千代), Yoshimame (芳豆), Kimizuru (君鶴), Danka (だん香), Fukunami (福奈美), Masuho (ます穂), Yukizono (幸苑), Danmitsu (だん満), Mahori (まほ璃), and Emino (恵美乃). Maiko: Mameharu (まめ春), Koeri (小衿), Katsuhana (佳つ花), Mamekinu (まめ衣), Mitsuki (美月), Tomoko (朋子), Kohana (小花), Konami (小なみ), Mametama (豆珠), Tatsuha (多都葉), Yuriha (ゆり葉), Mamesaya (豆沙弥), Katsuharu (佳つ春), Katsumomo (佳つ桃), Mizuno (瑞乃), Mameyo (豆誉), Nanoha (菜乃葉), Asuka (あす佳), Ichihiro (市紘), Konatsu (小奈都), Mariko (槇里子), Katsuemi (佳つ笑), Miwako (美羽子), Mameyui (豆結), Mameju (まめ樹),  Suzuno (鈴乃), Kosumi (小純), Mameaya (まめ彩), Asako (亜佐子), and Masako (槇沙子). Shift 1: October 3rd and 6th Scene 1: Shiki San Basō (四季三葉草) - Three Grass/Leaves of The Four Seasons Dancers Sennen/1,000 Years (千歳): Mameya (まめ弥) Okina/Old Man (翁): Mameryō (豆涼) San Basō/Third Dance Expression (三番曳): Satomi (里美) Joruri Singers Kiyomoto Nobuhatsuma (清元延初磨), Kiyomoto Nobukiyoe (清元延清恵), and Yoshimame (芳豆) Shamisen Kiyomoto () and Emiji (恵美二) High Pitch Shamisen  Kimiya (君彌) Scene 2: Hime Sanja (姫三社) - Three Shrine Princesses Dancers Mizuno (瑞乃), Katsuharu (佳つ春), Konatsu (小奈都), Miwako (美羽子), Mameyo (豆誉), and Mameyui (豆結) Singers Kimiya (君彌), Danka (だん香), and Danmitsu (だん満) Shamisen Masuho (ます穂), Yukizono (幸苑), and Mahori (まほ璃) Scene 3: Yuki Tsuki Hana (雪月花) - Snow Moon Flower Part 1: Yuki (雪) - Snow Dancers Chūbei (忠兵衛): Mamesuzu (まめ鈴) Umegawa (梅川): Ichiyuri (市有里) Singers Komomo (小桃) and Masuho (ます穂) Shamisen Danyū (だん祐) and Fukunami (福奈美) Part 2: Tsuki (月) - Moon Dancer Mamechizu (豆千鶴) Joruri Performers Mamechiyo (豆千代) and Danka (だん香) Shamisen Emiji (恵美二) and Kimizuru (君鶴) Part 3: Hana (花) - Flower Dancers Yukiko/Snow Child (雪子): Mihoko (美帆子) Kōko/Happiness Child (幸子): Koyō (小耀) Miyoko/Mysterious Child (妙子): Makiko (槇子) Joruri Performers Uji Haru (宇治はる) and Uji Shiho (宇治しほ)  Shamisen Uji Oto (宇治をと) and Uji Han (宇治はん) Scene 4: Yukari No Tsuki (由縁の月) : Acquaintance of The Moon  Dancer Mamezuru (まめ鶴) Musicians Komasu (小ます), Danyū (だん祐), Masuho (ます穂), and Yukizono (幸苑) Scene 5: Musume Dojoji Yori (娘道成寺より) - An Excerpt From Musume Dojoji Dancers Geiko (芸妓): Fumino (章乃), Satsuki (紗月), Mameroku (豆六), and Katsutomo (佳つ智) Maiko (舞妓): Tomoko (朋子), Yuriha (ゆり葉), Mametama (豆珠), Mameharu (まめ春), Tatsuha (多都葉), and Mitsuki (美月) Singers Komomo (小桃), Danka (だん香), and Yukizono (幸苑) Shamisen Danyū (だん祐), Kimizuru (君鶴), and Kogiku (小菊) Shift 2: October 4th and 7th Scene 1: Hime Sanja (姫三社) - Three Shrine Princesses Dancers Katsuemi (佳つ笑), Katsumomo (佳つ桃), Ichihiro (市紘), Mariko (槇里子), Nanoha (菜乃葉), and Asuka (あす佳) Singers Kimiya (君彌), Danka (だん香), and Danmitsu (だん満) Shamisen Masuho (ます穂), Yukizono (幸苑), and Mahori (まほ璃) Scene 2: Kiku No Sakazuki (菊の盃) - Chrysanthemum Sake Cup Dancers Mameka (豆花), Fukue (フク愛), and Terutoyo (照豊) Joruri Performers Mamechiyo (豆千代), Fukunami (福奈美), and Emino (恵美乃) Shamisen Emiji (恵美二), Tokiwazu Mitsumi (常磐津三都貴), and Kimizuru (君鶴) Scene 3: Hōshō (老松) - Old Pine Tree Singers Komomo (小桃), Mamechiyo (豆千代), Fukunami (福奈美), and Emino (恵美乃) Shamisen Masuho (ます穂), Kimizuru (君鶴), Mahori (まほ璃), and Danmitsu (だん満) Fue Makiko (槇子) Kotsuzumi Koyoshi (小芳), Mamemaru (豆まる), and Sonomi (そ乃美) Otsuzumi Yukako (有佳子) Taiko Mao (真生) Scene 4: Yukari No Tsuki (由縁の月) : Acquaintance of The Moon Dancer Koman (小萬) Musicians Komasu (小ます), Danyū (だん祐), Masuho (ます穂), and Yukizono (幸苑) Scene 5: Suki No Otaue (主基の御田植) - The Rice Planting Festival Dancers Tanushi/Main Rice Planter (田主): Mayuha (満友葉)   Saotome/Young Rice Planters (早乙女): Shino (紫乃), Katsue (佳つ江), Mamesumi (豆純), Marika (茉利佳), Eriha (恵里葉), Ichiharu (市晴), Mameryū (まめ柳), and Ichitomi (市十美) Singers Mamechiyo (豆千代), Yukizono (幸苑), and Yoshimame (芳豆) Shamisen Danyū (だん祐), Kimizuru (君鶴), and Emino (恵美乃) Shift 3: October 5th and 8th Scene 1: Shiki San Basō (四季三葉草) - Three Grass/Leaves of The Four Seasons Dancers Sennen/1,000 Years (千歳): Kogiku (小菊) Okina/Old Man (翁): Kokimi (小喜美) San Basō/Third Dance Expression (三番曳): Fukuha (福葉) Joruri Singers Kiyomoto Nobuhatsuma (清元延初磨), Kiyomoto Nobukiyoe (清元延清恵), and Danka (だん香) Shamisen Kiyomoto Shiba (清元紫葉) and Emino (恵美乃) High Pitch Shamisen Kimizuru (君鶴) Scene 2: Momiji Gari (紅葉売) - Selling Red Maple Leaves Dancers Mameaya (まめ彩), Suzuno (鈴乃), Kosumi (小純), Masako (槇沙子), Mameju (まめ樹), and Asako (亜佐子) Singers Yukizono (幸苑) and Emino (恵美乃) Shamisen Komomo (小桃), Fukunami (福奈美), Fumino (章乃), and Satsuki (紗月) Scene 3: Yuki Tsuki Hana (雪月花) - Snow Moon Flower Part 1: Yuki (雪) - Snow Dancers Chūbei (忠兵衛): Mao (真生) Umegawa (梅川): Kosen (小扇) Singers Komomo (小桃) and Masuho (ます穂) Shamisen Danyū (だん祐) and Fukunami (福奈美) Part 2: Tsuki (月) - Moon Dancer Sonomi (そ乃美) Joruri Performers Mamechiyo (豆千代) and Yoshimame (芳豆) Shamisen Emiji (恵美二) and Kimizuru (君鶴) Part 3: Hana (花) - Flower Dancers Yukiko/Snow Child (雪子): Sayaka (紗矢佳) Kōko/Happiness Child (幸子): Yukako (有佳子) Miyoko/Mysterious Child (妙子): Koai (小愛) Joruri Performers Uji Haru (宇治はる) and Uji Shiho (宇治しほ) Shamisen Uji Oto (宇治をと) and Uji Han (宇治はん) Scene 4: Kiku No Sakazuki (菊の盃) - Chrysanthemum Sake Cup Dancers Mamehiro (豆弘), Takazuru (孝鶴), and Korin (小りん) Joruri Performers Mamechiyo (豆千代), Yukizono (幸苑), and Emino (恵美乃) Shamisen Emiji (恵美二), Tokiwazu Mitsumi (常磐津三都貴), and Komomo (小桃) Scene 5: Musume Dojoji Yori (娘道成寺より) - An Excerpt From Musume Dojoji Dancers Geiko (芸妓): Koyoshi (小芳), Mamemaru (豆まる), Masaki (真咲), and Katsuhina (佳つ雛) Maiko (舞妓): Konami (小なみ), Mamekinu (まめ衣), Mamesaya (豆沙弥), Kohana (小花), Koeri (小衿), and Katsuhana (佳つ花) Singers Komomo (小桃), Yukizono (幸苑), and Danmitsu (だん満) Shamisen Danyū (だん祐), Kimizuru (君鶴), and Koyō (小耀). Notes About Scenes Shiki San Basō (四季三葉草) - Three Grass/Leaves of The Four Seasons This one is a bit complicated as it’s taken from a very old piece that has multiple parts to it. Each part is portrayed by the specific dancer (Sennen, Okina, and San Basō). This piece traditionally opens the bunraku puppet shows, so think of it as the opening warm up act ^^ Hime Sanja (姫三社) - Three Shrine Princesses I’ve covered this one before, and you can read my breakdown here.  Momiji Gari (紅葉売) - Selling Red Maple Leaves A very simple piece that’s danced at ozashiki in the autumn, it’s about a woman selling maple leaves.  Yuki Tsuki Hana (雪月花) - Snow Moon Flower This is another three part dance, although I can’t find much information on either part. Kiku No Sakazuki (菊の盃) - Chrysanthemum Sake Cup Based on a poem by Matsuo Basho, it is the story of a chrysanthemum cup whose imagery brings to mind that of a waterfall. I have no idea how this will be translated into dance though. Yukari No Tsuki (由縁の月) : Acquaintance of The Moon This one tells the story of a courtesan who thinks back on her lover and the time when she had to part from them, which lead her through a marshy field while the moon was bright in the sky. She does so while gazing on the moon in the present. Hōshō (老松) - Old Pine Tree This piece is used purely as a vocal intermission and tells the story of an old pine tree. Suki No Otaue (主基の御田植) - The Rice Planting Festival This piece is based on a real event that takes place annually in Kagawa and features brightly dressed participants who plant the first rice of the year while other participants dance around the field to keep things extra lively! Musume Dojoji Yori (娘道成寺より) - An Excerpt From Musume Dojoji Musume Dojoji is a very famous kabuki play about the dance of a maiden while at Dojoji Shrine. It’s very lively and playful, so it will be interesting to see how the Inoue School interprets it, especially with so many dancers on stage!

[missmyloko]

Onshūkai 温習会 - 2018

Since the kaburenjo is still undergoing retrofitting and other upgrades, Onshūkai will be held from October 1st to 6th in the Shunjūza Theatre at the Kyoto University of Art and Design.

Set 1 - October 1st and 4th

Scene 1: Haru Asobi (春遊び) - Spring Frolicking

Dancers: Tomoko (朋子), Mametama (豆珠), Katsumomo (佳つ桃), Mamekinu (まめ衣), Katsuharu (佳つ春), Mameaki (まめ章), and Koeri (小衿).

Jikata Singers: Koemi (小恵美), Yukizono (幸苑), and Danmitsu (だん満).

Jikata Shamisen: Masuho (ます穂), Fukunami (福奈美), and Mahori (まほ璃).

Scene 2: Miyo No Hajime (御代の始) - The Beginnings of The Imperial Reign

Dancers: Korin (小りん) and Terutoyo (照豊).

Jikata Singers: Kimiya (君彌), Danka (だん香), and Yukizono (幸苑). Jikata Shamisen: Danyū (だん祐), Masuho (ます穂), and Kimizuru (君鶴).

Scene 3: Miho No Matsu (三保の松) - The Three Guardian Pine Trees

Dancers: Mameka (豆花) and Mamehiro (豆弘).

Jikata Joruri Singers: Mamechiyo (豆千代), Komomo (小桃), and Yoshimame (芳豆).

Jikata Shamisen: Emiji (恵美二) and Tokiwazu Mitsuki (常磐津三都貴).

High Pitched Jikata Shamisen: Koemi (小恵美).

Scene 4: Azusa (梓) - The Spider Woman

Principal Dancer: Mamezuru (まめ鶴)

Kamuro (禿): Shino (紫乃) 

Jikata Singers: Komasu (小ます), Komomo (小桃), and Fukunami (福奈美).

Jikata Shamisen: Danyū (だん祐), Masuho (ます穂), and Yukizono (幸苑).

Jikata Koto: Umetsuji Rie (梅辻理恵)

Scene 5: Goshiki Zarashi (五色晒) - Bleaching Five Colors

Dancers: Mikako (実佳子), Satsuki (紗月), Mameroku (豆六), Chisako (千紗子), Sayaka (紗矢佳), Katsugiku (佳つ菊), Koyoshi (小芳), Ichitomi (市十美), Fumino (章乃), and Mamesome (豆そめ).

Jikata Joruri Singers: Yoshimame (芳豆), Komomo (小桃), and Mamechiyo (豆千代).

Jikata Shamisen: Tokiwazu Mitsuki (常磐津三都貴), Danyū (だん祐), and Kimizuru (君鶴).

Set 2 - October 2nd and 5th

Scene 1: Shōjō (猩々) - Orangutans

Sake Peddler (酒売): Koai (小愛)

Orangutans (猩々): Satomi (里美) and Fukuha (福葉).

Jikata Joruri Singers: Mamechiyo (豆千代), Yoshimame (芳豆), and Danka (だん香).

Jikata Shamisen: Kiyomoto Shiba (清元紫葉), Emiji (恵美二), Kimizuru (君鶴), and Koemi (小恵美).

Scene 2: Shinkyō No Shiki (新京の四季) - Four Seasons of The New Capital

Main Dancers: Mamechizu (豆千鶴), Mayuha (満友葉), and Yukako (有佳子).

Assistant Dancers: Mameryū (まめ柳) and Mameharu (まめ春).

Jikata Joruri Singers: Komasu (小ます), Komomo (小桃), Danka (だん香), and Fukunami (福奈美).

Jikata Shamisen: Danyū (だん祐), Emiji (恵美二), Koemi (小恵美), and Yukizono (幸苑).

Scene 3: Tsuru Kame (鶴亀) - Crane and Tortoise

Jikata Singers: Komomo (小桃), Koemi (小恵美), Danka (だん香), Danmitsu (だん満), and Yoshimame (芳豆).

Jikata Shamisen: Masuho (ます穂), Kimizuru (君鶴), Yukizono (幸苑), and Mahori (まほ璃).

High Pitched Jikata Shamisen: Fukunami (福奈美).

Fue: Mameaki (まめ章)

Kotsuzumi: Ichitomi (市十美), Katsuhina (佳つ雛), Fumino (章乃), and Ichiyuri (市有里).

Ōtsuzumi: Tsuruha (つる葉)

Taiko: Koyō (小耀)

Scene 4: Ebira Genta (箙源太) - Genta’s Quiver of Arrows

Dancer: Koman (小萬).

Jikata Joruri Singers: Mamechiyo (豆千代), Komomo (小桃), and Yukizono (幸苑).

Jikata Shamisen: Emiji (恵美二), Tokiwazu Mitsuki (常磐津三都貴), and Masuho (ます穂).  

Scene 5: Mai Ōgi Sono No Sei Ume (舞扇園生梅) -  Dancer’s Fan in The Plum Garden

Princess (姫): Kokimi (小喜美).

Assistant Dancers: Katsuemi (佳つ笑), Ichihiro (市紘), Mariko (槇里子), Nanoha (菜乃葉), Mameyo (豆誉), Asuka (あす佳), Mameyui (豆結), Miwako (美羽子), Konatsu (小奈都), and Mizuno (瑞乃).

Jikata Singers: Kimiya (君彌), Yoshimame (芳豆), Danmitsu (だん満), and Mahori (まほ璃).

Jikata Shamisen: Danyū (だん祐), Kimizuru (君鶴), Fukunami (福奈美), and Mamewaka (豆わか).

Set 3 - October 3rd and 6th

Scene 1: Haru Asobi (春遊び) - Spring Frolicking

Dancers: Tatsuha (多都葉), Konami (小なみ), Yuriha (ゆり葉), Mitsuki (美月), Mamesaya (豆沙弥), Kohana (小花), and Katsuhana (佳つ花).

Jikata Singers: Koemi (小恵美), Yukizono (幸苑), and Danmitsu (だん満).

Jikata Shamisen: Masuho (ます穂), Fukunami (福奈美), and Mahori (まほ璃).

Scene 2: Shōjō (猩々) - Orangutans

Sake Peddler (酒売): Mamesuzu (まめ鈴).

Orangutans (猩々): Mameryō (豆涼) and Mameya (まめ弥). 

Jikata Joruri Singers: Mamechiyo (豆千代), Yoshimame (芳豆), and Danka (だん香).

Jikata Shamisen: Kiyomoto Shiba (清元紫葉), Emiji (恵美二), Kimizuru (君鶴), and Koemi (小恵美).  

Scene 3: Miyo No Hajime (御代の始) - The Beginnings of The Imperial Reign

Dancers: Takazuru (孝鶴) and Fukue (フク愛).

Jikata Singers: Kimiya (君彌), Danka (だん香), and Yukizono (幸苑).

Jikata Shamisen: Danyū (だん祐), Masuho (ます穂), and Kimizuru (君鶴).

Scene 4: Shinkyō No Shiki (新京の四季) - Four Seasons of The New Capital

Main Dancers: Sonomi (そ乃美), Mihoko (美帆子), and Makiko (槇子).

Assistant Dancers: Ichiharu (市晴) and Mamesumi (豆純).

Jikata Joruri Singers: Komasu (小ます), Komomo (小桃), Danka (だん香), and Fukunami (福奈美).

Jikata Shamisen: Danyū (だん祐), Emiji (恵美二), Koemi (小恵美), and Yukizono (幸苑).

Scene 5: Goshiki Zarashi (五色晒) - Bleaching Five Colors

Dancers: Marika (茉利佳), Katsue (佳つ江), Katsutomo (佳つ智), Chisako (千紗子), Koyō (小耀), Ichiyuri (市有里), Mamemaru (豆まる), Masaki (真咲), Katsuhina (佳つ雛), and Tsuruha (つる葉).

Jikata Joruri Singers: Yoshimame (芳豆), Komomo (小桃), and Mamechiyo (豆千代).

Jikata Shamisen: Tokiwazu Mitsuki (常磐津三都貴), Danyū (だん祐), and Kimizuru (君鶴).   

Notes on Scenes

Set 1 - Scene 4: Azusa (梓) - The Spider Woman

This is based on a kabuki play known as Kumo no Ito Azusa no Yumihari (蜘蛛糸梓弦), which translates to “The Spider’s String on The Cherry Branch Bow.” In the main story Minamoto no Yorimitsu, a very famous historical figure, is spending the night in his castle while his bodyguards, Sakata Shumenjo Kintoki and Usui Yukienojo Sadamitsu are guarding him in the next room. Suddenly a Kamuro (a girl in a courtesan’s returnee and would eventually become a courtesan herself), who they do not immediately recognize, appears to serve them tea which makes them sleepy. The kamuro then transforms into her true form, which is an evil spider who is planning to kill Minamoto no Yorimitsu, but is stopped by the bodyguards. The killer spider eventually takes the form of Usugumo (薄雲), Minamoto no Yorimitsu’s lover/oiran (info from here). I’m not too sure what the Inoue interpretation of these characters will be, so I can’t really go into much detail.

Set 1 and Set 3 -  Scene 5: Goshiki Zarashi (五色晒) - Bleaching Five Colors

The title eludes to the famous washing and bleaching of fabric in the streams around Kyoto. Again, I’m not too sure what this scene will be covering, but it will likely involve women who are dyeing fabric.

Set 2 -  Scene 4: Ebira Genta (箙源太) - Genta’s Quiver of Arrows

Based on a Noh play, it tells the tale of Kajiwara Genta Kagesue and how he snapped the branches from a plum tree and makes a bow and arrows.

Set 2 - Scene 5: Mai Ōgi Sono No Sei Ume (舞扇園生梅) -  Dancer’s Fan in The Plum Garden

From an older nagauta, it tells the story of a princess and her magical fan that displays a motif of plum blossoms while she dances in a grove of plum trees.

Set 2 - Scene 1 and Set 3 - Scene 2: Shōjō (猩々) - Orangutans

This is a more comedic piece about a duo of orangutans who steal some sake from a sake peddler. It’s also a bit of a pun as very drunk people are also called orangutans in Japanese.

[missmyloko]

Random Fact of The Week 29/9

Finishing out the month we have a fact that looks at the busy October schedule: All autumn kai, with the exception of Onshūkai, do not have fixed dates.  Onshūkai is fixed from October 1st - 6th, but Suimeikai, Kotobukikai, and Mizuekai change around each year. The only restrictions on dates are that they try not to schedule them at the same time as each other (or only have one day of overlap), and that Kamishichiken’s Kotobukikai does not interfere with the Zuiki Matsuri on October 4th.

[missmyloko]

Onshūkai 温習会 - 2017

The deban is out! Onshūkai will take place from October 1st to 6th in the Shunjūza Theatre at the Kyoto University of Art and Design, where The Miyako Odori took place in April. Unlike the Miyako Odori, Onshūkai features different dances by the different sets of performers. The maiko only dance in the first scene as Onshūkai is seen as a time to show off the talents of the geiko. Set 1 - October 1st and 4th Scene 1: Momiji No Hashi (紅葉の橋) - Bridge of Maple Leaves Dancers: Mametama (豆珠), Konami (小なみ), Mameaki (まめ章), Mitsuki (美月), Mameharu (まめ春), Mamekoma (豆こま), Mamechika (豆千佳), and Katsuhana (佳つ花). Jikata Singers: Kimiya (君彌), Danka (だん香), and Yukizono (幸苑). Jikata Shamisen: Kimizuru (君鶴), Kogiku (小菊), and Fumino (章乃). Scene 2: Shirozake Uri (白酒売) - White Sake Peddler Dancers: Mayuha (満友葉), Mamesuzu (まめ鈴), Mihoko (美帆子), and Koai (小愛). Jikata Singers: Mamechiyo (豆千代) and Danka (だん香) Jikata Shamisen: Danyū (だん祐), Fukunami (福奈美), and Koemi (小恵美). Scene 3: Hachikatsugi Hime (鉢かつぎ姫) - Princess Hachikatsugi/Pottery Princess  Dancers: Hime (姫) - Princess: Korin (小りん) Tono (殿) - Lord: Mameryō (豆涼) Tarōkaja (太郎冠者) - Lord’s Head Servant: Kokimi (小喜美) Jirōkaja (次郎冠者) -  Lord’s Younger Servant: Sonoe (その恵)  Jikata Singers: Rokukano Kineya (稀音家六加乃), Mamechiyo (豆千代), Yukizono (幸苑), and Yoshimame (芳豆). Jikata Shamisen: Atsuko Kineya (稀音家温子), Koemi (小恵美), and Masuho (ます穂). Scene 4: Chibukushima (竹生島) - Chibuku Island Dancer: Mamezuru (まめ鶴) Jikata: Komasu (小ます), Danyū (だん祐). Komomo (小桃), and Yukizono (幸苑). Jikata Koto: Masuho (ます穂). Scene 5: Shinkyoku Urashima (新曲浦島) - New Song of Urashima Dancers: Makiko (槇子), Tsuruha (つる葉), Mamemaru (豆まる), Sakiko (紗貴子), Chisako (千紗子), Koyō (小耀), Ichiyuri (市有里), Yukako (有佳子). Jikata Singers: Koemi (小恵美), Yoshimame (芳豆), and Danka (だん香). Jikata Shamisen: Emiji (恵美二), Kimizuru (君鶴), and Fukunami (福奈美). Set 2 - October 2nd and 5th

Scene 1: Momiji No Hashi (紅葉の橋) - Bridge of Maple Leaves Dancers: Tomoko (朋子), Tatsuha (多都葉), Mameryū (まめ柳), Yuriha (ゆり葉), Mamekinu (まめ衣), Mamesaya (豆沙弥), Kohana (小花), and Koeri (小衿). Jikata Singers: Kimiya (君彌), Danka (だん香), and Yukizono (幸苑). Jikata Shamisen: Kimizuru (君鶴), Ichiyuri (市有里), and Koyō (小耀). Scene 2: Ōmihakkei (近江ハ景) - The Eight Excellent Landscapes Dancers: Hanbei (半兵衛), also known as Shigeharu Takenaka (竹中重治) - A Famous Samurai: Mameka (豆花) Koina (小稲) - A Famous Courtesan: Mamehiro (豆弘) Jikata Singers: Komomo (小桃) and Mamechiyo (豆千代) Jikata Shamisen: Emiji (恵美二), Danyū (だん祐), and Masuho (ます穂). Scene 3: Oharame (大原女) - Female Peddlers Jikata Singers: Komomo (小桃), Koemi (小恵美), Danka (だん香), and Yoshimame (芳豆). Jikata Shamisen: Masuho (ます穂), Kimizuru (君鶴), Fukunami (福奈美), and Yukizono (幸苑). Jikata Fue: Mamesuzu (まめ鈴). Jikata Kotsuzumi: Koyoshi (小芳), Mamemaru (豆まる), and Kosen (小扇). Jikata Taiko: Kokimi (小喜美) and Satomi (里美). Scene 4: Matsu Hagoromo (松羽衣) - Hagoromo In The Pines Dancers: Hakuryū (伯了) - Nobleman: Fukue (フク愛)  Tennin (天人) - Heavenly Maiden: Koman (小萬) Jōruri Singers: Haru Uji (宇治はる) and Shiho Uji (宇治しほ). Jikata Shamisen: Oto Uji (宇治をと) and Kayo Uji (宇治かよ). Scene 5: Arashiyama (嵐山) Dancers: Katsutomo (佳つ智), Katsuhina (佳つ雛), Katsue (佳つ江), Masaki (真咲), Chiyoko (知余子), Eriha (恵里葉), Mameroku (豆六), and Ichitomi (市十美). Jikata Singers: Kimiya (君彌), Yukizono (幸苑), and Yoshimame (芳豆). Jikata Shamisen: Danyū (だん祐), Kimizuru (君鶴), and Fukunami (福奈美). Set 3 - October 3rd and 6th Scene 1: Kurokami (黒髪) - Black Hair Dancers: Mikako (実佳子), Ichiharu (市晴), Kiyono (清乃), Katsusen (佳つ扇), Marika (茉利佳), Mamesumi (豆純), and Shino (柴乃). Jikata: Komomo (小桃), Kimizuru (君鶴), Danka (だん香), and Fukunami (福奈美). Scene 2:  Hachikatsugi Hime (鉢かつぎ姫) - Princess Hachikatsugi/Pottery Princess Dancers: Hime (姫) - Princess: Fukuha (福葉) Tono (殿) - Lord: Satomi (里美) Tarōkaja (太郎冠者) - Lord’s Head Servant: Mameya (まめ弥) Jirōkaja (次郎冠者) -  Lord’s Younger Servant: Kogiku (小菊) Jikata Singers: Rokukano Kineya (稀音家六加乃), Mamechiyo (豆千代), Yukizono (幸苑), and Yoshimame (芳豆). Jikata Shamisen: Atsuko Kineya (稀音家温子), Koemi (小恵美), and Masuho (ます穂). Scene 3:  Matsu Hagoromo (松羽衣) - Hagoromo In The Pines Dancers: Hakuryū (伯了) - Nobleman: Terutoyo (照豊) Tennin (天人) - Heavenly Maiden: Mamechizu (豆千鶴) Jōruri Singers: Haru Uji (宇治はる) and Shiho Uji (宇治しほ). Jikata Shamisen: Oto Uji (宇治をと) and Kayo Uji (宇治かよ). Scene 4: Ōmihakkei (近江ハ景) - The Eight Excellent Landscapes Dancers: Hanbei (半兵衛), also known as Shigeharu Takenaka (竹中重治) - A Famous Samurai: Sonomi (そ乃美) Koina (小稲) - A Famous Courtesan: Takazuru (孝鶴) Jikata Singers: Komomo (小桃) and Mamechiyo (豆千代) Jikata Shamisen: Emiji (恵美二), Danyū (だん祐), and Masuho (ます穂). Scene 5:  Shinkyoku Urashima (新曲浦島) - New Song of Urashima Dancers: Kosen (小扇), Sayaka (紗矢佳), Koyoshi (小芳), Satsuki (紗月), Fumino (章乃), Katsugiku (佳つ菊), Mamesome (豆そめ), and Mao (真生). Jikata Singers: Koemi (小恵美), Yoshimame (芳豆), and Danka (だん香). Jikata Shamisen: Emiji (恵美二), Kimizuru (君鶴), and Fukunami (福奈美).

[missmyloko]

Hi Justine! I happen to be in Japan and my friend and I would like to see one of the geisha performances. Do you happen to know if the autumn dances are happening (I'm not sure if they are thanks to the pandemic) and how to obtain tickets? Thanks!!

Onshukai will be happening from October 1st-6th, the Kitano Odori will be happening from October 8th-22nd, Mizuekai will be taking place from October 20th-23rd, and the Gion Odori will be taking place from November 1st-10th. You should be able to get tickets through your hotel by asking at the front desk ^^

[missmyloko]

Has Asuka retired? I don't think she took part in Onshukai.

No, Asuka's name was not on the Onshukai deban as she has retired :(

[missmyloko]

Hi! Justine, hope you are well. I see Gion kobu had a lot of misedashi recently and Miyagawa-cho had one as well. How many misedashi can we expect from all kagai by the end of the year? And also how many shikomi are there at this time in each kagai?

Miyagawa Cho will have its first misedashi of the fall season soon with Koyori, but it's likely that they'll have more than one; we just don't know where they'll be coming from until they've made their debut as minarai. Currently Gion Kobu has two active minarai who will be making their debuts after Onshukai, bringing that district's total up to 6 for the fall season. As for any of the other districts, it's really unknown until someone debuts as a minarai. Shikomi are harder to count since they're often not photographed or even seen, so it's really hard to provide you with such a number ^^;