Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Christmas in Japan

Last week, Shinmachi's Tsukinoya and East Asian Events proudly showcased their joint performance "Christmas in Japan" at Keisei (on Thursday) and at Sengoku (on Sunday). Christmas in Japan was a fun dance show / concert performance which featured the seasonal music of Japanese vocaloids and famous pop artists. During the show, we showcased Japanese versions of songs like Jingle Bell along with a few typical J-Pop songs like Hatsune Mi-Christmas.

I've included a few pictures of the shows below for you to enjoy. This show was the last event for both Shinmachi and EAE for the year. Both groups look forward to entertaining you in 2015!

The Winter Wonderland stage, during the cold open of
the Japanese version of "All I Want for Christmas is You"

Winter Wonderland again, this time with all four
performers dancing in unison. From left to right: Kaminari
of Tsukinoya, Len of EAE, Hamayu of Tsukinoya and
Kara of EAE. 

Hamayu as Hatsune Miku and Len as Kagamine Len
performing White Christmas. 


All 4 performers as Vocaloids: Kara is Kagamine Rin and
Kaminari is Gumi.

Kaminari and Hamayu during Silent Night.

The final stage: the three girls took center stage while
Len rocked out on the guitar. 

The finale!

Monday, December 15, 2014

Madam White Snake

Last Sunday (December 7th), the Lihai Lily Salon held it's grand opening event: a story telling session with a Chinese tea ceremony. I managed to take a few pictures of the event, but was too captivated by the story to take more. Though the stage was opulently decorated, the true flower and center piece was Lady Lily herself (the proprietress of the salon) who played the pipa while sharing the tale of Madam White Snake. Afterwards, she stayed and chatted with the guests before they departed to enjoy all of Keisei.

Lady Lily welcomes her guest with a brief overview of the
Salon and of the upcoming performance. To the left, you
can see the tea set used during the tea ceremony. 
A picture of Lady Lily playing the pipa for her guests. It was
a packed house, and I believe everyone was as enthralled with
the story as I was. 
A front shot of Lady Lily playing the pipa, and a little dragon,
which is quite possibly the cutest tip jar I have ever seen!


Monday, December 8, 2014

An Afternoon with Tsukinoya

Tsukinoya, Shinmachi's oiran group, held a performance which offered guests a brief glimpse into an afternoon with the ladies of the house, as they prepare for a night of entertainment at the local ageya. I managed to take a few pictures of the show, but was admittedly too enthralled with the performance to remember to snap more shots. Enjoy!

Oiran Kaminari addresses the audience directly, while
shinzo Hamayu brushes kamuro Lyn's hair, and shinzo
Kara lounges and watches the fish bowl. 

Oiran Kaminai contemplates her eventual fate as a
courtesan. She wonders what will become with her - in
what state will she eventually leave the pleasure quarters?

Kaminari-san, far left, applies her makeup while her
three attendants practice their dance for the evening's show.

The Oiran has departed to finish preparing for the evening.
The two shinzo practice their duet for the dance at the ageya.

Kaminari-san makes her grand re-entrance into the lounge,
looking every bit the part of an oiran of the highest class.

A full shot of the Oiran's resplendent kimono.



Thursday, November 27, 2014

Anniversary Celebration Recap, Part 2

This final part of our anniversary celebration recap contains the reflections from 4 of the groups within the Shinmachi District. Please enjoy.

Shinmachi District, Overall








Ever changing winds,
the bamboo bends, unbreaking
and we are grateful
swaying in the strong tempests
this ‘new town’ stands, unbroken
-Aisya Destiny, Director of Shinmachi

"Bamboo swept by the elements, remaining pliant and strong, rich and flourishing, despite its battering, returning always to upright growth.” – Barnhart


After six years of operations, all I can say is thank you to everyone who has supported and believed in Shinmachi. Despite our ups and downs, Shinmachi remains committed to bringing the elegant arts of traditional Japanese and Chinese entertainers to Second Life. And so we will continue on into our seventh year of operations, staying as flexible and as strong as the elegant bamboo. 

Tsukinoya















A nightingale's song;
Through a thicket of bamboo,
The moon, grown full, shines brightly.
-Kaminari Mai, Lead Oiran of Tsukinoya

Reflecting back on six years in secondlife has yielded many thoughts on the numerous changes Shinmachi as undergone. And yet, just as the bamboo, we remain strong. And just like the moon, we continue to shine brightly, from the ladies of Tsukinoya, Shinmachi's House of the Moon.

Shinmachi School
A new bamboo shoot,
struggling; but the winds change
and lessons begin
-Aisya Destiny, Sensei of the Shinmachi School


The Shinmachi School is very much a work in progress, but has already started to train students inside and outside of the Shinmachi District in the basics of Japanese RP and performance. As Shinmachi moves towards its seventh year of operations, we plan on seeing an impressive expansion of the school’s work within and outside of the district. We can’t wait!

Yuugana Fuji










In this time of beautiful Autumn day comes celebration.Through the years the Shimachi has grown, yet still remains strong, much like bamboo that flourishes. Continuing with this theme "Bamboo swept by the elements" I have a poem and a picture to share with everyone, please enough.

Bamboo through the Seasons
Sweeping away the lingering snow fall,
gentle spring blooms throughout the land.
Trees regain their greenery and a special few began to bud
While the soft sakura blooms bloom and fade one plant remains true...
The bamboo remains, and continues to grow steadfast
It's slender shoots aim towards the heavens.

Behold Summer in all it's slender,
bold vibrant colors replace the gentler ones of spring
Charming Azaleas, rich purple colored Iris',
even the peony began to bloom
Standing a mist the slender,
the bamboo remains, still growing
undaunted by the summer's heat and sporadic storms

Now, come Autumn in all it's glory,
ending summer's long standing rein.
The leaves begin their downward journey in brilliant shades of  golden rod, orange and rouge
Yet the bamboo remains a stunning green,
growing strong despite the colder winds.

Vibrant colors quickly fading,
the north winds usher in the winter season
Most of the trees' leaves have fallen,
And like the strongest evergreen tree,
the bamboo continues to strive
It's leaves  remaining even during the heaviest snow fall

Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter.... through all four seasons the bamboo remains strong.
It survives the winds, the rain, heat... and even a few heavy snow falls
May our charming Shinmachi hanamchi continue to survive,
like the bamboo against the elements.
-Kaguyama 香具山, Lead Tayuu of Yuugana Fuji

     




Sunday, November 23, 2014

Anniversary Celebration Recap, Part 1

This past week, we were honored to celebrate the beginning of our seventh year of operations in Second Life and to debut our new location in Keisei. While we continue to pack our furnishings and move into our new land (which is amazing, special thanks to Dow-sama for literally moving mountains for us!), you can see a recap of our celebration below.

Fireworks Odori
We began the celebration with a bang, and held our fireworks odori in the theater at Keisei.
Kaguyama-san, Lead Tayuu of Yuugana Fuji, performs
a solo as part of the fireworks odori.
A shot of all four dancers in the odori; from left to right: Aisya
of the Shinmachi School, Kaminari and Kara of Tsukinoya,
Kaguyama of Yuugana Fuji.
After the odori, we celebrated with some real
fireworks right outside the theater. Lead oiran of
Tsukinoya, Kaminari-san, stands next to her patron.

An Evening of Tanka and Haiku
Our next celebratory event was an evening of tanka and haiku, hosted by the lead tayuu of Yuugana Fuji at the Sengoku Teahouse. Unfortunately, I was too caught up in the beautiful (and occasionally humorous) poetry to take a picture.

An Afternoon with Tsukinoya
The ladies of Tsukinoya took center stage in our next event, and held an amazingly emotional performance titled "An Afternoon with Tsukinoya" in their home in Keisei. In this show, we were given a small glimpse into the lives of the four women within Tsukinoya, and how they prepare for an evening of entertainment.

Oiran Kaminari-san contemplates her eventual fate as a
courtesan within the district.
Oiran Kaminai-san stands center stage, addressing the
audience, as her attendants (Lyn, Kara and Hamayu)
prepare for the evening ahead.
The two shinzo of Tsukinoya (Kara and Hamayu) dance along
side the now fully dressed Oiran, signifying that they are
all headed out for the evening.
Farewell to Autumn Tea Ceremony
We closed our celebration quietly, with a well performed tea ceremony by Kaguyama-san in the Shinmachi Garden. With the tea ceremony, we bid farewell to autumn 2014, and welcomed the start of our seventh year in this virtual world.
Kaguyama-san of Yuugana Fuji prepares tea for those gathered.

Friday, October 17, 2014

Pan Yuliang Art Exhibit at Lihai Lily Salon

Have you seen this yet? The Lihai Lily Salon of the Shinmachi District has an amazing art display on featuring Pan Yuliang. You can learn more about it below, and see a few pictures. You should definitely stop by the salon and see all of the amazing pictures yourself!


Pan Yuliang was a female painter known in China more for her legendary life than her artistic achievements. She will have a small comeback during an amazing art exhibit event at the Lihai Lily Salon .

"Born in 1895, Pan was sold to a brothel at 13 where she later met Pan Zanhua, a customs official. Pan bought her out and married her as a concubine. She started learning painting from their neighbor and was admitted to Shanghai Art Institute, becoming its first female student. After studying in Paris, Pan returned in 1929 after receiving an invitation to teach at Shanghai Art School. She left Shanghai for France again in 1937 and settled down in Paris. She was selected by the overseas Chinese artists in France to be the chairman of the Chinese Art Association. She died in 1977 in Paris, and her works were sent back to China in 1985. Her works are now in a collection at China National Art Gallery in Beijing and Anhui Provincial Museum in Hefei." - Lihai Lily



Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Hunter's Moon Odori this Weekend!

What: Hunter's Moon Odori
When: Sunday, October 12th at Noon SLT
Where: Sengoku Teahouse

This Sunday, the Shinmachi School will host a moon odori to celebrate the Hunter's Moon (visible tonight!) and the shinto moon god known as Tsukuyomi.We last performed this dance during our Moon Viewing festival in September of last year, and we've decided to make this dance an annual tradition. With this new tradition, we can be reminded each year of the relation traditional courtesans, geisha and actors have to the moon's guidance and protection.

The Moon Odori is a performance in five parts, matching with five phases of the moon: new moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous and the full moon.  It begins with our ode to the new moon, shingetsu, the beginning of the month according to the old Japanese calendar. The moon is beginning its journey around the earth and we are given pause to reflect on what the new month will hold.

By the light of the waxing crescent, we are able to see the first glimpses of an oiran and a geisha in all her beauty. Under the first quarter and reveling in half of the moon’s light, the youngest performers of the Shinmachi District will come out to play. With nearly full illumination from the waxing gibbous, the younger ones rest, and the apprentices (the shinzo and maiko) will take the center stage, hoping that the moon's light will lead their lost love to them. Finally, our performance concludes with a celebration of Tsukiyomi and the magnificence of the full moon.

We hope you can join us for this performance, featuring amazing music, and traditional dance and costumes of Japanese courtesans, geisha and their apprentices.

- Aisya

Shinmachi Update

Wow, so it's been awhile since we've posted to the blog. We've been hard at work at revamping Shinmachi and are finally getting settled into our new status as a functioning district, expanding beyond our initial setup of being a group dedication to oiran and tayuu arts. Shinmachi is now made up of the following five houses:

Tsukinoya, House of the Moon
Leader: Kaminari Mai, Oiran
Location: Keisei Mountainside
Tsukinoya is an exclusive house that adheres to the standards of old: there’s only one Oiran in the house at a time. The ladies are women of accomplishment and beauty who are more than happy to offer ozashiki services, private tea and other ceremonies, and teahouse or theater performances.

Yuugana Fuji
Leader: Aisya Destiny (temporarily, currently hiring an apprentice to train and take over)
Location: Adjacent to the Shinmachi School at Keisei
Yūgana Fuji, or Graceful Wisteria, derives its name and crest from the new and the old: The Interlocking Rings are the crest of the sole remaining tayuu house, the Wachigaiya of Shimabara. These rings are also a link to the Fujiwara period of rule (during the Heian era), when Japanese courtesans first began to show their cultural refinement and ties to the elite of society. As such, the women of Yugana Fuji are expected to exemplify the cultural refinement of the past, have an appreciation for history and enjoy the freedoms of the modern era.

Lihai Lily Salon
Leader: Lihai Lily
Location: Center of Keisei
Lihai Lily Salon in the public domain is a traditional Chinese entertainment hall that specializes in
old storytelling forms. Including shuoshu (storytelling) and shuochang (storysinging) accompanied with instrumental ensemble typically stringed pipa, sanxian or even simple percussion. All include basic pantomime and various symbolic hand props for expression such as fan, cloth, zhiyu (jade mallet) etc.

Izumo Kabuki House
Leader: Jinchi Haiku
Location: Near the Shrine at Sengoku
The Izumo Kabuki House was named after Izumo no Okuni (1572? - ?) the originator of kabuki
theater. The Izumo Kabuki House performs kabuki and other plays in Second Life. These performances are often very complex, with wonderful dances and music. For information on training or events contact Jinchi Haiku.

Shinmachi School
Leader: Aisya Destiny
Location: Oceanside at Keisei
The Shinmachi School is the central training hub of the district, offering formal training in Japanese
and Chinese arts, artists and culture. The current primary focus of the School is to provide formal training for those training to be tayuu, oiran, or geisha within the District. Outside of this focus, the School seeks to develop a comprehensive library containing a wealth of accurate, well researched information concerning East Asian culture.


Lastly, we're interested in getting our geisha house up and running. While we have the framework, we are in the process of hiring an apprentice to spend 2 - 3 months training as an Okaasan to take it over. Below is the overview, and IM Aisya Destiny if you're interested or want to learn more.

Harusame Okiya (start up)
Leader: (currently looking to hire an apprentice to train and become the Okaasan)
Harusame Okiya, or Spring Rain, is based on the ideal that geisha and maiko embody the essence of spring. This seasonal poems forms the basis of Harusama's Okiya's existence, along with the goals for the geisha and maiko who train within - they are "the essential experience of spring beauty.*" As the night falls, the maiko and geisha of Harusame begin their work, lovely flowers drifting along the streets towards their destinations, infusing the areas they visit with their beauty. Like the gentle willow, when the dance they are fluid and flowing with the wind. And like the spring rain, Harusama Okiya women utter soft, enchanting whispers that cause patrons to stop, listen and lean in to hear more.

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Yume-chan's Shinzo Debut, part II

Recently, we held a debut celebration to honor the work of Yume-chan (formerly, Six Juriya) as she completed the lessons and tasks necessary for her to become a furisode shinzo of Shinmachi. She is now a courtesan in her own right, but continues her studies in hopes of becoming one of the illustrious tayuu (or oiran) of the district.

Please enjoy these pictures of the event.



 


Friday, June 13, 2014

Yume-chan's Shinzo Debut

  _____________________________

日の目見ぬ冬の椿の咲にけり
hi no me minu fuyu no tsubaki no saki ni keri

without seeing sunlight
the winter camellia
blooms


Please join us Saturday, June 14th at 6pm SL so celebrate the debut of our brand new Furisode Shinzo, Yume-chan.


The debut will be held at the winter kissed land of Sengoku, in their charming  tea house. We will celebrate the blossoming of a new Shinmachi flower through song and poetry. This will be Yume-chan's first performance as a furisode shinzo. We will end the event with polite conversation, giving everyone a chance to chat with the debutante.


Arigato gozaimasu,
Kaguyama of Shinmachi
   
   
   _____________________________

You also see a map, leading you to the location of the debut: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Ocarina%20Beach/93/51/24

Saturday, May 10, 2014

Kaguyama's Tayuu Debut Recap

This evening 
on Heavenly Kagu Mountain, 
the mist is trailing. 
It seems that spring has ended.

Kaguyama-san, in her debut kimono, standing in
front of the Nekkido Theater.

This past week, we had the distinct honor of celebrating the debut of Kaguyama-san, the newest tayuu of the Shinmachi District. Please enjoy these few pictures of the momentous event and be sure to congratulate the new tayuu on her hard work and accomplishments. 

Sponsor Event: Fuubutsu- Dou Ozashiki
During this ozashiki, held in the beautiful Fuubutsu- Dou sim, we served sake, chatted with a few good friends, enjoyed a lovely performance and played a fun game of Yakuza.

Rai-sama's head is blocking the view of the other guests!

You can see Kaguyama-san's ohaguro here.

Onsen Event
No pictures were taken during this clothing optional event. We had a lot of fun hanging out in Keisei's amazing onsen (really, it's the best in SL), and even got in a game of truth or dare. I can't wait until we hold another event just like it - just to give us another reason to gather and enjoy the hot springs.

Sponsor Event: Bamboo Cutter for Sengoku
Kaguyama and Six-chan worked together to organize the Bamboo Cutter performance for the Sengoku Teahouse. Kaguyama-san designed an amazing stage for her solo dance while Six-chan did a great job providing music on her koto.

Kaguyama-san dancing on the stage at Sengoku. 

I absolutely love the way she transformed the teahouse!

Parade and Formal Debut
The debut ended with a formal oiran dochu (the courtesan's slow parade) and a two part performance in Nekkido. In this case, pictures speak louder than words regarding the awesome spectacle that is a high ranked courtesan's debut.

Lining up for the oiran dochu. Do you see Dow-sama?
He had the best view of the dochu!

Here's a far shot of the oiran dochu.

A much closer shot. Six-chan is in front, holding
Kaguyama-san's tabako-bon. Mase-san provides a
shoulder for Kaguyama-san to lean on as she does the 

difficult figure 8 step. Fuu-chan and I trail in behind her. 

Kaguyama-san takes center stage during the two
part performance.

An amazing shot of daytime fireworks!

And night time fireworks to end the celebration!

Pictures are courtesy of Kaminari Mai, Jinchi Haiku, Six Juriya and Fuu-chan (Ornamental Amethyst). Special thanks to Daddio Dow, Nya Alchemi, Deci, Wishi Wahwah and Vera Johnson for all of their help in making Kaguyama-san's debut a success. We couldn't have done it without you!

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Public Invitation to Tsuyu's Tayuu Debut

春の日うららかな今日このごろ…
In this time of beautiful spring days…


On that far mountain
On the slope below the peak
Cherries are in flower.

Oh, let the mountain mists
Not arise to hide the scene.

-- Ōe no Masafusa


We kindly request the pleasure of your company! Please join us as we celebrate the debut of Tsuyu-san, the newest tayuu of Shinmachi.

In the upcoming days, we are going to commemorate the rare occurrence of a new tayuu/oiran while enjoying a bit of entertainment. The respective events are to take place in the beautiful towns of Keisei, Fuubutsu Dou, and Sengoku.

For your convenience, we have included the schedule of her debut proceedings along with maps to each of the location.

We would be honored if you could join us for this joyous occasion!

Arigato gozaimasu
Tsuyu of Shinmachi


Debut Schedule of Events:

Sponsor Event: Fuubutsu- Dou Ozashiki
Time: 6pm SLT
Date: Sunday, April 27th
Overview: A relaxed Ozashiki in the beautiful Fuubutsu- Dou Ozashiki.

Onsen Event
Time 6pm SLT
Date:  Monday, April 28th
Overview: A day to relax, enjoy a cup of chilled sake with the charming ladies of Shinmachi at the amazing onsen of Keisei.

Sponsor Event: Bamboo Cutter for Sengoku
Time: 6pm SLT
Date: Wednesday, April 30th
Overview:  The story of a bamboo cutter that finds a tiny heavenly maiden in a stalk of bamboo in the stately Sengoku Teahouse.

Parade and Formal Debut
Time: 4pm SLT
Date: Thursday, May 8th
Overview: Tsuyu's debut concludes with a formal oiran dochu, leading into the Nekkido Theater. Directly following this performance will be a two part performance, celebrating the new tayuu's accomplishments in the group.