3 August 2013

Hanagasa Junko 2013 #2

Kanoyumi, portrait


Difficult to select my favorite shot from Hanagasa this year, but I like this beautiful smile from Kanoyumi from Gion Higashi.

24 July 2013

Hanagasa Junko 2013 #1

 

Hanagasa dance performed by Geiko from Pontocho


As every year, Hanagasa parade concludes Gion Matsuri festival. This year Maiko and Geiko from Pontocho and Gion Higashi participated to the parade and performed the Hanagasa dance on Yasaka temple stage for a wonderful finish.

20 July 2013

Gion Matsuri 2013 #4

Satsuki chan, portrait



She looks stunning. I remember seeing Satsuki when she was still Luna, a minarai early 2011 (see here). She already looked great but I couldn't imagine she would become such a beautiful Maiko. And again, I am so grateful to her, she is so patient and friendly despite of all requests.

An angel

19 July 2013

Gion Matsuri 2013 #3

Geiko Kyouka, Gion Matsuri


Geiko Kyouka waiting for the next hoko. This time she didn't take her camera.
Great to see her. Always friendly, accessible and full of energy! As always, I am grateful to her as well as Sayaka and Satsuki for their kindness and wonderful photo series.

18 July 2013

Gion Matsuri 2013 #2

 Carrying the Mikoshi, Gion Matsuri


Festival participants carried the (heavy) wooden portable Shrine from Yasaka through Gion and its neighbouring districts. Shop owners (including Ochaya) wait for them to greet them and to distribute some refreshment (mainly beer and sake).

They all looked exhausted but probably felt much better in front the Ochaya Ichiriki (below).


Maiko Chisako

17 July 2013

Gion Matsuri 2013 #1

Toshimana, attending Gion Matsuri main parade

So good to be back to Kyoto for a short break after 2 years. And on July 17, there was only I place I wanted to be to see Gion Matsuri main parade : Shinmachi. This is also where I watched the parade 2 years ago (see here)... and the year before, with Maiko & Geiko cheering the participants who were pulling the heavy hoko.

16 February 2013

A day in Bangkok

Maiko Mitsuna, Hisasuzu and Geiko Ichifuku
Feb 2013


It's been a while... So great to see Maiko Mitsuna and Hisasuzu with Geiko Ichifuku. The excellent restaurant Tensui in Bangkok organized this event: Dance, chat and Chakai (tea ceremony). After the dance, I asked them for a short session in the garden. They kindly accepted although it was 35.C in BKK today...

-to be continued-