Casual kimono for women. Includes; sculpted collar, obi, sleeves, zouri and Miyagi Kago.
$175L Modify/Copy/No Transfer
This literally means "small print". This term applies to any kimono with a print covering the entire surface of the kimono, with no particular direction or layout. The actual design can be any kind of pattern or weave -- "komon" is only an umbrella classification.
Komon are the most informal silk kimono. They are always informal. You can wear them at home, for traveling, shopping, etc.
This kimono is suitable for wear by maiko/minerai when out of make-up, shikomi and ladies of all ages.
The okiya is the lodging house a maiko or geisha lives in during the length of her nenki, or contract or career as a geisha. A young woman's first step toward becoming a geisha is to be accepted into an okiya (boarding house), a geisha house owned by the woman who will pay for her training. The proprietress of the okiya is called okaasan (the Japanese word for "mother"). The okiya normally pays all expenses, including for kimono and training. The okiya plays a large part in the life of a geiko or maiko, as the women in the okiya become her geisha family, and the Okaasan manages her career in the karyukai (flower and willow world). Plaques like the ones featured in the image tell which maiko and geiko live in which okiya.
The Ochaya (tea house) is where all of the patron activities take place. here, we would find our Maiko and Geiko entertaining by; telling tales, dancing, singing, or making presentations about Japanese culture. As a general rule; a first time customer is never allowed inside of the ochaya "Ichigensan" without a proper introduction. On our sim, we welcome anyone and do not discriminate.
Inside of the Ochaya you will find a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere. A stage dominates the room with golden screens; for our Maiko and Geiko to perform for you. Each lacquered table features sake, tea and the most delicious treats for the honorable guest.
Every ochaya room has a tokonoma also referred to simply as toko, is a Japanese term generally referring to a built-in recessed space in a Japanese style reception room, in which items for artistic appreciation are displayed. In English, tokonoma is usually called alcove. The items usually displayed in a tokonoma are calligraphic and/or pictorial scrolls and an arrangement of flowers. Bonsai and okimono are also often displayed there. The scroll featured in this image has the kanji of "iki" which is the Japanese aesthetic all Geiko follow
Welcome to your SIM Tour, below are links to important locations within Pontocho. To view them please click the appropriate links. Many places are not posted because of the private use of the Maiko and Geiko
Sanjo Bridge
Kamogawa River
River Restaurant
Kaburenjo Theatre
Mall Area
Postbox
Yasaka Jinja
Ochaya
Mainstreet
Okiya
Onsen
Public Park
Tree viewing Lane
Video footage from Pontocho Hanamachi events via Second Life. Please follow our youtube channel for future videos!
http://www.youtube.com/user/pontochosl
• Avatars must be at least 30 days old though one may join underneath 30 days as a "potential"
• Avatar must know how to use the program properly, open/read and save notecards, interact with environment equipment, IM, text chat.
• Avatars must have a sense of fashion to customize their avatar correctly and learn how to change clothing, hair and accessories.
• We run on SLT (PST) time between 4PM - 9PM SLT TIME. Classes and on site training take place during this time.
• This is a full time dedication. We cannot have you offline for long periods of time. If you find that you have a conflict, PLEASE IM.
• Full time means your other SL priorities are put to the side for the okiya.
• Tardies, lateness and not showing up without a valid reason is NOT acceptable. Once again, notify in advance if such occurs.
• This is no place to casually roleplay. We go under rigorous training to aspire to which we want to be here.
• To train as Geisha here means that
1) You are emotionally and mentally prepared to take on this challenge
2) You have the humility and manners to learn. Understand that you must learn these well in order to move on.
If you already have the Second Life program please locate us here
Here are the answers to the most common FAQ we get asked as Geisha of Second Life, some questions also apply to Geisha in a general sense.
What is a Geiko/Geisha?
Geiko are traditional, female Japanese entertainers whose skills include performing various Japanese arts such as classical music and dance.
The most literal translation of geisha into English would be "artist" or "performing artist". Another name for geisha used in Japan is geiko, which is usually used to refer to geisha from Western Japan, including Kyoto. Apprentice geisha are called maiko. Maikos' white make-up and elaborate kimono and hairstyle is the popular image held of geisha. A woman entering the geisha community does not have to start out as a maiko, having the opportunity to begin her career as a full geisha. Either way, however, usually a year's training is involved before debuting either as a maiko or as a geisha. A woman above 21 is considered too old to be a maiko and becomes a full geisha upon her initiation into the geisha community. However, those who do go through the maiko stage can enjoy more prestige later in their professional lives. Throughout history, geisha often began the earliest stages of their training at a very young age, sometimes as early as at 3 or 5 years. The early shikomi (servant) and minarai (watching apprentice) stages of geisha training lasted years, which is significantly longer than in contemporary times. Modern geisha still live in traditional geisha houses called okiya in areas called hanamachi, particularly during their apprenticeship. Many experienced geisha are successful enough to choose to live independently. The elegant, high-culture world that geisha are a part of is called karyūkai (花柳界 "the flower and willow world").
Are you real Japanese women and real Geisha?
We can dream can we? Absolutely not. We have many guests visit us from Japan but none of our staff is from Japan. We are spread out around the US. A real Geiko wouldn't have time to play herself on the internet!
Is this a Roleplay?
No. The difference between what we do and a roleplay is; You build your own characters life story etc. and have no sort of education or background of what you are pretending to be. What we do is an immersed education into the Geiko culture giving you the tools to progress and refine yourself. It is much of a real life experience as well as a virtual one.
Do you involve yourself in prostitution?
As over asked as this is the answer is; no. Geisha are regarded as prostitutes by many non-Japanese. Geisha have been confused with the Edo-period's high-class courtesans known as Oiran, from whom they evolved. Like geisha, oiran wore elaborate hairstyles and white makeup, but oiran knotted their obi the front, wore exaggerated hair and Uchikake kimono compared to the Geiko susohiki. It has been commonly thought the obi was tied that way for easy removal, though anthropologist Liza Dalby has suggested that it was because it was the practice of married women at the time.
Can I be a Geisha too?
In reality no foreigner stands a chance at entering an okiya except for those on occasion who have for research but, we offer the possibility to learn the same customs as real Geiko do in a virtual setting.
What do I do to begin?
Firstly you must make an account on Second Life and download the program, afterward you can find Pontocho by clicking here and finding either a staff member or the application box.
What will I learn at Pontocho Okiya?
Under the direction of the okiya you will be put to work from day one. Students will be assigned classes with different instructors (also students) who either specilize in the taught craft in real life or have a strong desire to teach it in world. Lessons range from costuming to etiquette and even handling your own teahouse banquet.
What hours would I need to be available to work?
We run under PST time (Pacific Time Zone). Most of our staff is available between 4pm - 8pm PST. Joining the okiya means you are giving a full dedication and cannot be absent for long periods of time.
What is the Staff like?
Our staff is a tight-knit group of geisha enthusiasts and generally very welcoming and helpful to those new faces. They are approachable with any questions you may have and will try their best to help with any bumps in the road.
What do you do outside of being a virtual Geisha?
Our real lives remain mysterious for our own protection. We do normal everyday activities you might do and dabble in Japanese culture in the mix.
Geiko are traditional, female Japanese entertainers whose skills include performing various Japanese arts such as classical music and dance.
The most literal translation of geisha into English would be "artist" or "performing artist". Another name for geisha used in Japan is geiko, which is usually used to refer to geisha from Western Japan, including Kyoto.
Apprentice geisha are called maiko. Maikos' white make-up and elaborate kimono and hairstyle is the popular image held of geisha. A woman entering the geisha community does not have to start out as a maiko, having the opportunity to begin her career as a full geisha. Either way, however, usually a year's training is involved before debuting either as a maiko or as a geisha. A woman above 21 is considered too old to be a maiko and becomes a full geisha upon her initiation into the geisha community. However, those who do go through the maiko stage can enjoy more prestige later in their professional lives.
Throughout history, geisha often began the earliest stages of their training at a very young age, sometimes as early as at 3 or 5 years. The early shikomi (servant) and minarai (watching apprentice) stages of geisha training lasted years, which is significantly longer than in contemporary times.
Modern geisha still live in traditional geisha houses called okiya in areas called hanamachi, particularly during their apprenticeship. Many experienced geisha are successful enough to choose to live independently. The elegant, high-culture world that geisha are a part of is called karyūkai (花柳界 "the flower and willow world").
I first visited Pontocho back in September of 2009 when I was looking for ideas on how to develop my own market and ochaya sim. I was very impressed with Pontocho, specifically I liked the machiya style architecture and closed in streets, it really gave the feeling of being in Kyoto. The Maiko and Geiko I've met were very professional and friendly - I instantly felt at ease talking with them and appreciated their style and attention to detail. Minarai Tsukimi was very helpful in showing me around the sim and explaining to me the history of Pontocho.
-Jin Inaka
It's been well over a year now since my first visit to Pontocho. I had been visiting several tea houses, but was still looking for that 'second home' feel. The architecture was very authentic and beautiful. I took several friends with me just to look at it all. We got lost several times in the narrow streets. One of my friends especially loved when new things intruded on the old, he felt that was very accurate picture of the Pontocho of the present. The Maiko and Geiko of Pontocho are the best! They are friendly and entertaining, all while showcasing their considerable skills. I found the 'second home' feel I was looking for because of their caring attitude towards their patrons. I met Jr. Maiko Koyuki Kimagawa in a Japanese marketplace. She spoke to me as I passed her, and we began talking about tea houses. She gave me a landmark and tag to Pontocho. The next event posted, I headed over and have never lost my love for the place. Hard to say what I enjoy most. If I have to pick though, it would be the regular ozashiki. I enjoy teasing and playing with the Maiko, and like the company of the other patrons. I had only been looking for someplace I could 'feel' at home. However, I found a family. I come back to be with them, celebrate their growth in their profession, and relax in their acceptance and care. Okasaan maintains very high standards. She is extremely diligent in the look and authenticity of everything, from the buildings to the kimonos the girls wear. She applies this same attitude to their training. At Pontocho you do not have the feel of being in a roleplay. You have actually stepped into a Japanese Teahouse -- you lucky dog!
-Beowulf Windlow
I first visited Pontocho about a year ago. I was very impressed of its architecture and surroundings.The maiko and geiko I have met are always a great pleasure and always a joy to be around. I do enjoy the maiko and geisha most of all, they keep me coming back along with Maiko Koyuki's storytelling art.
-Spot Barthelmess
Full SL Name: Koyuki Kimagawa
Joined Pontocho Hanamachi SL: 12/2008
Geimyo: Koyuki
Geimyo Meaning: Little Snow
Minarai Period: 12/2008
Misedashi: 1/18/09
Your Onesan: Koneko
Activities within Pontocho/duties: Ozashiki, Wagei Iemoto, studying Onoe, Chanoyu, Ikebana
Other Interests outside of Okiya: Koi keeping, writing stories.
Pontocho is my home. My soul sang a happy tune the day I began my studies with Okaasan and I have loved every minute of it. These girls are truly family to me. I love you all!
Full SL Name: Korei Umino
Joined Pontocho Hanamachi SL: 01/09
Geimyo: Korei
Geimyo Meaning: Little Dragonfly
Minarai Period: 3/09- 9/09
Misedashi: 9/18/09
Your Onesan: Koneko
Activities within Pontocho/duties: performing, dancing, instrument playing (koto), story telling
Other Interests outside of Okiya: video games, anime, manga, reading, drawing, panting
I have loved every minute I have spent in Pontocho.
Full SL Name: Koneko Kimono
Joined Pontocho Hanamachi SL: 1/2009
Geimyo: Koneko 小猫
Geimyo Meaning: Little Geisha, Little Shamisen, Kitten
Onesan: Komaki Yuitza
Activities within Pontocho/duties: Teaching sisters, Jikata to those in need of music
Other Interests outside of Okiya: Shopping, Visiting SIMs and other Okiya, Building.
Kitty Pidgeon
Okasan of the Pontocho Okiya
Former Geiko Komaki
Proprietress of Pontocho Hanamachi & Mall
I started my Geiko path in 2006 at Ayumi's Geisha house. After realizing that this wasn't traditional, I have guided my way into the Karyukai Okiya. Rising up through all stages of geisha training to head Geiko, I've striven to be as educated and precise in the Geiko arts as possible. I have created my very own online educational system for members of past and my current okiya. I resigned from Karyukai Okiya November 2008 and created Pontocho Hanamachi, a replicate of the RL Geiko district.
Click on the links below to read the profile of each individual Pontocho Geiko!
Koneko Kimono
Click on the links below to read the profile of each individual Pontocho Maiko!
Maiko Kosumi
Maiko Korei
Maiko Koyuki
Seasonal kanzashi for January 2010. Featuring swallows and bamboo for Jr. Maiko and plum, pine and bamboo for Sr. Maiko. Both sets included in one package with momigara New Years rice ear. modify and Transfer to give to your younger or older sister!
No Copy/Modify/Transfer L175$
Happy New Year from Tenran! January Momigara kanzashi are worn for the new years period (Jan 1-7) and features unhusked rice, momo flower and dove. Comes with Maiko and Geisha complements. Transfer only! $50L
Posts
