The 59th Kyo Odori 2012
The maiko Satonami performs in the opening scene with the geiko Chiyoe and Kanachisa.
With the passing of a winter that was more severe than most, the now-greening mountains and perfumed winds seem particularly glorious. In this refreshing season graced by gentle spring sunlight, we are once again proud to present our annual Kyo Odori.
We would like to express our gratitude to all of you who found time in your busy schedules to attend today's performance, which begins with a song-accompanied dance performed by our charming geiko and maiko in a traditional Miyagawa-cho zashiki room. Then performance then goes on to portray in a poetic manner each of the four seasons in Kyoto, with the beauty of the scenes to be found on mountains and in plains depicted through evocative dance.
Much assiduous practice and rehersal has gone into this year's event. After having viewed the fruits of our labor, any comments that you might have on our performance would be greatly appreciated...
I hereby express, on behalf of everyone at the Miyagawa-cho Kabukai, the sincere hope that you enjoy the wonderful spectacle that is the 59th Kyo Odori.
We would like to express our gratitude to all of you who found time in your busy schedules to attend today's performance, which begins with a song-accompanied dance performed by our charming geiko and maiko in a traditional Miyagawa-cho zashiki room. Then performance then goes on to portray in a poetic manner each of the four seasons in Kyoto, with the beauty of the scenes to be found on mountains and in plains depicted through evocative dance.
Much assiduous practice and rehersal has gone into this year's event. After having viewed the fruits of our labor, any comments that you might have on our performance would be greatly appreciated...
I hereby express, on behalf of everyone at the Miyagawa-cho Kabukai, the sincere hope that you enjoy the wonderful spectacle that is the 59th Kyo Odori.
(Excerpt from the Kyo Odori Program)
From left to right, maiko Kimiha, Satonami, and Miyoharu.
The maiko Satonami.
The maiko Tanewaka performs "A Brilliant Brocade of Chrysanthemums".
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Kimiharu, little sister to one of Kyoto's most popular and beautiful maiko, Kimika.
Kikutsuru performs in Kyo Odori for the first time as a geiko after turning her collar in 2012.
In a scene from the Tale of Genji, the geiko Fumimari dances in Heian period robes as Ukifune
The celebrated dancer Fumicho performs her solo, a constant in the Kyo Odori program.
The geiko Chizuru as an Edo period courtesean in "The Tale of Princess Takiyasha".
Maiko take center stage in a brilliant display of color, beauty, and grace during the Miyagawa-cho Ondo Song and Dance.
mboogiedown: japan
National Geographic Traveler's Blog!
Hisashiburi! It's been quite awhile since my last post. So long, in fact, that I'd be suprised if anyone was still out there...
But just in case, I wanted to share what may have been one of the biggest thrills of my lifetime: Seeing the iconic National Geographic header topping a page with one of my photographs on it! I know it's just the NatGeo Traveler's Blog, but it still gave me chills!
You may remember the fine people at National Geographic choosing one of my images for the Global Eye feature.
Check it out, and don't forget to add yout two cents. Share your own experiences in Kyoto, or add your take on the effec
t globalization has on travel
Actress Reese Witherspoon enjoys taking part in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, an activity thought to capture the spirit of healing the mind, body and soul.
Hollywood leading lady Reese Witherspoon was recently in Japan promoting breast cancer awareness as an Avon Global Ambassador. While in Tokyo she had the opportunity to participate in an intimate tea ceremony with breast cancer survivors, dressed in an beautiful powder blue kimono by Midori Yogi, who's family has dressed the Imperial Family for weddings since 1952.
I just wanted to share this beautiful kimono with everyone. I think the wistful color and playful design suited her perfectly.
As an after thought, isin't it slightly disappointing that even members of the Imperial Family can't dress themselves in kimono?
Why does it have to be so difficult? (>.<)
Ichiemi, now a high ranking maiko in the Pontocho district, greets the mistress of a teahouse during a small cherry blossom festival along the Takase Canal.
Ichiemi looks every bit the stylish, sophisticated young woman in this stunning lavender kimono ensemble. Even her adorably child-like cheeks have thinned out.
Ichiharu
The long, fluttering strands cherry blossoms hanging from Shinaju's hanakanzashi, or flowered hair ornament, testify to her low rank and inexperience as a maiko, appealing instead to her youth and child-like charm. Compare it with Ichiharu's above, who is of a slightly higher rank.
Hisano, now a geiko, and Ichiemi walk beneath the lacey veil of cherry blossoms along the Takase canal as sunlight falls in playful patterns along the pavement.
