Night fills the world, as Okaasan Mizuko hovers in the sky, and maiko’s Toshisono (jade sharkfin) and Toshiharu (akiko omizu) dance.

It was the start of The Rising Sun Performance by the Yume No Ukihashi Okiya and directed by the exquisite Okaasan Mizuko 水子 (Kai Serapis). This was the first of the Japanese New Year’s Celebration, or shōgatsu, a time of renewal. The performance was being staged at the great Kabuki Theater on the Kansai region of Hosoi Ichiba.

Each year I’ve attended the Hosoi Ichiba New Year celebrations, and each year it brought new delights. This year the program said, “Every year, the Japanese celebrate in many ways: by closing up shop, spending time with their loved ones and of course giving thanks to the special people who had guided them the year before. The image of the Rising sun represents the start of something new, something more spectacular then the day before. As we watched the sun rise on January 1st, we know this is yet another year for better beginnings.” So, I closed up shop, so to speak, and went in search of my own new beginning.

Before the performance, my friend Jr. Maiko Akiko Omizu told me this was a very complicated performance, and I puzzled at her comment. But once the show began I saw what she meant. I hope my photos will convey some of the magic of this show.

Geiko Toshiki and Sr. Maiko Toshisono brought lamplight and more dance into the night.

As dawn earliest morning rays peeked through the night sky, Okaasan Mizuko made and onstage costume transition (wow!), and continued the dance of renewal.

The Dragon can be seen and light pierces the into the morning haze and the full troupe, joined by Toshimaru, danced in the new dawn.

In the final seen, the lovely performers of the Okiya danced in the sunshine of a new year of better beginnings.

Okaasan ends show and starts a new year

I wish somehow I could have captured the amazing dance stylings which when coupled with a wonderful musical selection created this magical, immersive performance. Much congratulations to this outstanding okiya which includes: senior maiko Toshisono (jade sharkfin), junior maiko Toshiharu (akiko omizu), geiko Toshiki (josiane llewellyn) and junior maiko Toshimaru (casiopia marenwolf). What a truly wonderful group of ladies and an amazing okaasan (mother), Mizuko (kai serapis)!

NOTICE: Celebrations continue…

The Rice fields of Japan Chubu
Sunday, January 8th @ 1 pm SLT
Japan Chubu sim, Hosoi Ichiba