Hanagasa junko 2014

Satsuki, portrait

Everyone was talking for over a year about seeing Satsuki during Hanagasa Junko. And here she was. And no one was disappointed.

Geiko Miharu

Geiko Miharu

I had not seen Miharu since 2010 (click here) when she was still a -shy- Maiko.

She became a lovely Geiko, full of energy and a real entertainer.

I am grateful to her for the great pictures and portraits. Here is my favorite one where she was trying not to laugh...and eventually failed.  Enjoy!

Gion Matsuri 2014 #2

Geiko Koyoshi

I had not seen Koyoshi as Geiko yet. Great to see her on Hanamikoji while waiting for the Mikoshi to be carried from Yasaka shrine.

Gion Matsuri 2014 #1

Satsuki, watching the parade

I enjoy Gion Matsuri every year as much as I did the first time. It's always impressive, a unique atmosphere and a beautiful parade.

But again today, there was a chance to see Satsuki chan attending the parade. So when it comes to taking pictures, I mainly focused on her rather than on the parade...

Last year pictures here
And the same in 2011

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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-

Momiji - Koto-In

Fountain at Koto-In temple

Kyoto 2011

Here we go. Fabulous autumn colors, everyone wants to enjoy the momiji (red maple leaves).

Green variation

Inner garden, Ginkakuji

Kyoto 2011

Same series as this post.

Party in Gion

 Enchanting capture

Kyoto 2011 

Another timeless & stunning scene in Gion. Suzuko and other Geiko dressed up and getting excited by the parade to come. For some reason, I didn't take any picture of the parade. My focus was on this beautiful crowd.

Satsuki chan

Satsuki's smile

Kyoto 2011

Hi Everyone, it's been a while. So I thought it could be a good idea to post this lovely portrait of Maiko Satsuki. Some energy for the day!

Fine colorful handicraft

Soy Sauce dipping bowls

Kyoto 2011

Geiko Kosen, black & white & red

Geiko Kosen, erikae

Kyoto 2011

What was she thinking about on her erikae, one of the greatest day of her career ?
Gion narrow streets enable to get this stunning natural light that enhance her white, black and red.

The Sato girls

The Sato Girls 

Kyoto 2011 

Always pleasant to see the Sato girls, the wonderful Maiko trio from Kamishichiken, here heading to Gokagai.

Ichimomo portrait

 

 Maiko Ichimomo, portrait

Kyoto 2011

Maiko Ichimomo from Kamishichiken.

Maiko Kyouka, photographer of Gion Matsuri

Maiko Kyouka, eye of a photographer

Kyoto 2011

Now I can say that I have something in common with Maiko Kyouka: Photography. She also took many pictures of Gion Matsuri main parade. We laughed looking at each other camera. I don't know about her pictures, but I am really glad about this one. 85mm, focus set on her eye.