Mitsuhana Okiya is a new Geiko house to Second Life. We say Geiko rather than Geisha as we are from Kyoto, of Gion Higashi Hanamachi. Mitsuhana Okiya was started by Akahana Ueta, my Okaasan, our Motto is to bring as much of the real Karyukai to Second Life as possible.
To be honest, Mitsuhana isn't the first Okiya I have belonged to. Recently, Naka no Shima Okiya in Hosoi was my home. However, much had occurred and changed. As a result, I followed several of my older sisters to this new Okiya. We have high hopes for the future~
In a way, it is a fresh start for everyone. My former Okaasan is starting anew as a Minarai, eager to learn. Being a Minarai means to learn by watching, a Minarai may go to the tea houses and observe her older sisters behavior, conversing with patrons, entertaining thru song or dance... Minarai also have a lot of classes. Their kimono is very elaborate and is meant to do the talking for them. Though at night they get to be silent and sit patiently, it may be for the best as they have many difficult classes taking up their days! A minarai is the second stage of a girl training to be a Geiko. I am at the lowest stage, a Shikomi.
A Shikomi is essentially a maid. We are not allowed to entertain in the tea house yet, we really shouldn't even go. I help patrons find their shoes and bid them konbanha "Good evenings" or oyasumiyasu "Good byes," when they arrive or take leave. I say "Please favor us," O tanomo shimasu.
Back in the okiya, there are many floors to scrub and many chores to be completed. I help replaces the fusuma doors as the seasons change and I bring in hot water for my Older sisters. If I do a good job, and I complete my many classes, I will go on to be a minarai.
In my free time, I enjoy painting. I am thankful that I have good relationships with my sisters who enjoy my creativity. In return, I bask in their talent, observing what I can and savoring the approving smiles they give me. My greatest wish is to make my Okiya proud.
That being said, I would like to say my thank yous to you for reading. I hope that in the future you favor me as I grow. O tanomo shimasu! Ookini!
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