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