Japonica 🌸 Behind The Scenes

GIVEAWAY

Leave a comment below for a chance to win a kimono like mine.

“Learn to light a candle in the darkest moments of someone’s life.

Be the light that helps others see; it is what gives life its deepest significance.”

― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart

Edo Komoriuta (Lullaby)

Hello Beautiful Second Life!

So here we have JAPONICA behind the scenes.

This is a part of this beautiful event that can only be seen if you venture outside the event's grounds.

This particular area is located behind the left-side booths as you enter the event.

It is a group of small different "backgrounds" put together by our designers.

There are poses available with each box or you can use your own.

They are beautifully perfect for pictures as you can see. ;)

I have decided that for this blog post, I will be giving away a kimono like mine, in any color-choice

to one winner randomly selected on July 19th at 12p.m. SLT.

The chance to enter this giveaway ends on July 18 at 12p.m. SLT.

Daru Yukata Kimono by [SHIFUKU] 

All you have to do is comment below (for this post only) and make sure to include your inworld name

so I can be able to contact you in case you are the winner. This opportunity is for both women and men.

Details On Woman Kimono

Details On Man Kimono

If I only get one comment, then the kimono goes to that person.

If no one comments, then I'll cry. :P 

It is something small I know but it is a way to show you my beautiful readers how thankful I am

for all your love and support. If I see a good response to this giveaway I might be doing more

in the future. We'll see. ;)

And NO!!! Steppenwolf is not allowed to enter this giveaway!!!

SHOO, GO AWAY! ♥

Now, whoever wins the beautiful kimono will still have two days to take beautiful pictures

behind the scenes of Japonica like I did. Good luck to everyone! ♥

:::BAROQUED:::Japonica/ORIENTILIKA/Gothical

(Moderate)

Closes July 21st.

Credits On Me

Platinum - "Irina" Hairstyle ● POISON ROUGE Momo Hairpin - White ● -XTC- Boho Brows ● Bare - Liver Liner EvoX (BOM)

SAXO - Cheek Blush V1 lel EVOX Unisex ● Fenom. Cleo Lipgloss [Lelutka HD] GIFT

[ VelvetVue ] Rouge Blush ● LIVIA::Petal Earrings ● [Onyx] Born to Die Tattoo

TEA TIME

PERSONAL UPDATE

 Hello Beautiful Second Life!

Tonight I went for tea and supper at the beautiful Geishas' tea house.

とし葉 (toshiha.magic) and としゑ美 (ame.ayashi) really made Paws Pawzouti (opinicus.extraordinaire),

their other guest, and I feel very welcomed and special. Many topics were covered in our

conversation and at the end they honored us with two dances and a flute musical performance.

Japanese Cherry Blossom Meditation

THE WELCOME

Mieha 美恵葉 (mieha.tsunenaga): "Welcome back Novo sama, and welcome to Keshiki Ochaya!"

Mieha 美恵葉 (mieha.tsunenaga): "Thank you so much for coming today. I am Mieha.

Please do leave your shoes in my care and I will show you to the ozashiki room."

Mieha 美恵葉 (mieha.tsunenaga) bows politely.

Lori Novo: Hello, thank you, bows politely :)

とし葉 (toshiha.magic) bows politely.

とし葉 (toshiha.magic): Welcome! おいでやす！

Toshiemi としゑ美 (ame.ayashi): oideyasu Novo-sama

Toshiemi としゑ美 (ame.ayashi): Welcome

Toshiha とし葉 (toshiha.magic): smiles, "Douzo, please, come in, Novo sama!"

Lori Novo: Thank you, bows politely :)

Toshiha とし葉 (toshiha.magic): "It's so nice to see you today!"

Lori Novo: Thank you, likewise :)

Toshiha とし葉 (toshiha.magic): "Today, we have set up some tables and chairs on the balcony!"

Toshiha とし葉 (toshiha.magic): "This way we can enjoy the sakura blooming!"

Paws Pawzouti (opinicus.extraordinaire): Ohhh. ^^

Lori Novo: Beautiful! :)

Toshiha とし葉 (toshiha.magic): "Please be welcome to choose a seat."

Lori Novo: Thank you very much!

Paws Pawzouti (opinicus.extraordinaire): Thank you. ^^

Toshiha とし葉 (toshiha.magic) smiles as Mieha brings in a tea tray and sake.

Toshiha とし葉 (toshiha.magic) & Toshiemi としゑ美 (ame.ayashi)

THE DOVE

Toshiha とし葉 (toshiha.magic): "It's a pleasure to see you again Novo sama, your blog was so amazing to read."

Toshiha とし葉 (toshiha.magic): Is that dove laughing?

Toshiha とし葉 (toshiha.magic) giggles

Paws Pawzouti (opinicus.extraordinaire): Doves do that. ^^

Toshiha とし葉 (toshiha.magic): It's so cute!!!!!!

Toshiemi としゑ美 (ame.ayashi): I never knew that!

Lori Novo: do they really laugh?

Lori Novo: doves?

Toshiha とし葉 (toshiha.magic): It sounds like a laugh, it's so cute.

Toshiha とし葉 (toshiha.magic): Novo sama, may I pour you some sake, rice wine, as well?

Lori Novo: yes. please thank you:))

Toshiemi としゑ美 (ame.ayashi) likes the chirps

Lori Novo: it's a happy dove

Paws Pawzouti (opinicus.extraordinaire): Ringneck doves are called Sky Puppies. :D

Lori Novo: she's happy to be here too

Toshiemi としゑ美 (ame.ayashi): hehehe

Lori Novo: :)

Toshiha とし葉 (toshiha.magic) pours a bit of sake along with tea in case she wants both.

Lori Novo: thank you :)

Mieha 美恵葉 (mieha.tsunenaga) opens the doors to admit tonight's meal, just arrived from one of the

nearby restaurants on delivery bike.

MY ATTIRE

Toshiha とし葉 (toshiha.magic): "I love your goldfish kimono, Novo sama~ very stylish!"

Lori Novo: Ty :)

Toshiha とし葉 (toshiha.magic): "And flowers in your hair!"

Lori Novo: I wanted something nice for the occasion :)

Toshiemi としゑ美 (ame.ayashi): ^͜^

Toshiemi としゑ美 (ame.ayashi): It's lovely!

Lori Novo: Thank you! :)

Toshiemi としゑ美 (ame.ayashi): I love when visitors go all out with style and wear kimono

:: Toshiha とし葉 :"Neee~"

Toshiemi としゑ美 (ame.ayashi): Paws-neesan gets trendy, too

Paws Pawzouti (opinicus.extraordinaire) suddenly feels almost naked. :D

Toshiemi としゑ美 (ame.ayashi): haha

Lori Novo: lol Paws

Toshiemi としゑ美 (ame.ayashi): Ookini.

Lori Novo: Paws you look splendid

Lori Novo: with all your golden feathers

Paws Pawzouti (opinicus.extraordinaire): Not a feather out of place. :D

Toshiha とし葉 (toshiha.magic): "Ah, majestic Paws!"

Lori Novo: Exactly! :)

Novo-Sama

WARNING: THIS IS A VERY, VERY LONG BEAUTIFUL BLOG POST

Hello Beautiful Second Life!

Yesterday afternoon, I attended the OKINAWA SAKURA MATSURI dance and musical

performance by the Geiko & Maiko of Kyoto Kagai. It was truly a very beautiful traditional

presentation by five beautiful geishas that kept us mesmerized.

Japanese Geisha Music

You are now at Sakura Matsuri, Ryukyu

Toshiemi としゑ美 (ame.ayashi): Welcome Novo-sama

Toshichiyo とし千代 (sooki.ying) bows respectfully.

Toshichiyo とし千代 (sooki.ying): Welcome Novo-sama

Lori Novo: Bows in return politely, thank you :)

Now, let me introduce to you the five beautiful ladies who were the stars of the show.

From left to right (info from their profiles).

Toshiritsu とし栗 (satoharu.nakamura)

Kayuukai bacxkstory: As of March 2024, I am not Toshiritsu, a minarai of Komayaka Okiya.

My mother is a retired geisha in Hakone, and my father a poor relation of a major family.

I strive to follow in my mother's footsteps.

LYW48:I am a member of a J-POP idol group "LYW48" serving at LYW48 Maid Cafe

regularly every 1st Sunday 6 am and every 3rd Sunday 6 pm SLT.

No romance, keep it PG, please. Landmark HERE.

Toshiemi としゑ美 (ame.ayashi)

· • —————————– ٠ ✤ ٠ —————————– • ·

「おおきに！としゑ美どす。よろしゅうおたのもうします。」

Pleased to meet you, I'm Toshiemi. Please keep me in your favor.

· • —————————– ٠ ✤ ٠ —————————– • ·

I'm a resident maiko at Komayaka okiya at the Kyoto Kagai sim. Landmark HERE.

I'm training in the traditional Japanese arts of the geimaiko. 

I have been on SL since 2008. This account started as an alt, but became my main.

My alt still logs in periodically, 

Toshichiyo とし千代 (sooki.ying)

とし千代どす、よろしゅ～おたのもーしますぅ～。　

SLの宮川町の駒屋花置屋の舞妓どす。

たいて京舞を踊ったりて、小歌を歌ったりて、日本語を勉強しています。

   　　　    ⊱✿　おきばりやす！✿⊰ 

   ⊱🌸 Maiko at Komayaka Okiya 🌸⊰ 

I'm training to become a geiko. I also run a humble store that sells Japanese products.

Geigi Store / Flickr

Toshiyue とし結 (yasuha.rieko)

 Maiko at the Komayaka Okiya. Misedashi May 11, 2022.    

My little shop selling my skins, eyes and kanzashi. HERE.    

                         

Tonight as I sleep alone 

I am on my bed of tears 

like an abandoned boat 

on the deep sea

Toshiha とし葉 (toshiha.magic)

I am a geiko (geisha) on Kyoto sim.

A Geiko (Geisha); which means Artist & Performer.

It is my goal to bring as much traditional Kyoto geisha culture as I can to Second Life and share it with others!

Teacher and okiya (geisha house) mother at Kyoto region, Kyoto Kagai.

Pre-SL: Studying geisha in RL since ~2004.

🍂 Owner of Zashiki-gi  - SL's only full geisha shop! HERE.

🍂 Okamisan & Geiko of Komayaka Okiya  

                                 

And while we waited for the performance to start...

Toshiemi としゑ美 (ame.ayashi) eyes brighten with anticipation.

Toshichiyo とし千代 (sooki.ying): (*•͈ ᴗ •͈*) ̑̑❀

Noa (noa.cloud)

Toshiha とし葉 (toshiha.magic): Noa san, has anyone ever told you you look like the vampire guy

in TrueBlood? XD

Toshiha とし葉 (toshiha.magic): You look like him! (Eric Northman)

Toshiha とし葉 (toshiha.magic) giggles

Noa (noa.cloud): ahaha

Toshiha とし葉 (toshiha.magic): Celebrity! 

Noa (noa.cloud): ありがとう

Noa Cloud: thank you

Noa (noa.cloud): 光栄です

Noa Cloud: I'm honored

Toshiha とし葉 (toshiha.magic): The clock ticks ever closer! :D

Toshiha とし葉 (toshiha.magic): Thank you all for waiting so patiently!

高橋あゆみ Takahashi Ayumi  (tandriar) - Miharu 美春 (haruefuji) - Nieru

I tried to photograph as many people as possible but it was hard. I also wasn't able to collect some

of the names of the people in my photos, sorry guys!

The performance begins with an introduction...

Toshiha とし葉 (toshiha.magic): お客様へ、本日の舞台にご参加いただきありがとうございます。私たちは京都シムの芸妓さんと舞妓さんです。よろしゅうおたの申します！

Toshiha とし葉 (toshiha.magic): "Dear friends, residents, and supporters, and new and familiar faces alike,

thank you for coming to see today's performance. We are the geiko and maiko of Kyoto sim.

Otano moshimasu; we are in your care."

 Toshiha とし葉 (toshiha.magic) bows politely.

Toshiha とし葉 (toshiha.magic): 芸者とは、歌や踊り、楽器演奏などの伝統芸能を学ぶアーティストです。お座敷だけでなく、舞台やイベントなどでも活躍しています。京都では、芸者さんのことを「芸妓」と呼びます。舞妓さんは、おおむね20歳未満の芸妓さんの見習い期間です。 華やかな着物とだらりの帯、かわいらしさが特徴です。

Toshiha とし葉 (toshiha.magic): "The profession of "geisha" sprung up in the Edo period (1603-1867).

Geisha are artists who learn traditional arts like singing, dancing, and playing musical instruments, and also

entertain through witty conversation and pleasant company. They perform not only in teahouses but in stage

productions and other events, too. In Kyoto, geisha are called "geiko." Maiko are the apprentice geiko;

they have quite long sleeves and long hanging obi."

Toshiha とし葉 (toshiha.magic): 今回は、そんな芸達者な彼女たちが実際に演じているバラードやダンスを4つご紹介します。京都シムの芸妓さんたちは、伝統的な芸者さんの芸をできるだけ忠実に再現し、お客様に楽しんでいただけるような舞台を目指しています。踊りも本番さながらに再現しています。歌は実際に京都の芸妓さんが歌っているものです。

Toshiha とし葉 (toshiha.magic): "Today we present to you four ballads and dances as they are performed by

these artistic ladies in real life. The geimaiko of Kyoto Kagai sim aim to give accurate-to-life performances so

their guests may experience the closest possible recreation of traditional geisha entertainment; thus the dances

themselves are recreations of the ones done in real life. The songs you hear are performed by actual Kyoto geiko."

Toshiha とし葉 (toshiha.magic): はじめに、「元禄花見踊」です。歌舞伎舞踊、通称「花見踊」「元禄風花見踊」。1878年（明治11）6月初演。上野の山の花見で，湯女，武士，若衆，町娘，奴，町人など元禄の風俗を写した総踊。二上りで花やかな元禄風の気分を旋律化し，外国にも有名な曲である。

Toshiha とし葉 (toshiha.magic): "Our first dance is "Genroku Hanami Odori". A kabuki dance first performed in

June 1878 (Meiji 11), it depicts a scene of festive sakura viewing ('o-hanami') in the mountains of Ueno, in the

Genroku era, including samurai, tradesmen and various townsmen and women. It is a song fitting for today's theme,

with a flowery Genroku-style mood expressed in the second part of the melody.

Genroku-hanami-odori/nihon-buyô (danse kabuki)

Bᴇʟʟᴀᴛʀɪx Nɪx (estertelles): Bravooo

Noa (noa.cloud): wonderful! ! Bravo!

Lily (lily88x): Applause***Applause***

Hinata (hinata.evergarden): ☆･*:.｡ ｡.:*･applause･*:.｡ ｡.:*･ﾟ☆

Jer (jeremy.aie) applauds

Moctezuma Nakamura CLAPS CLAPS

Heza (utsukushitamashi): applauds

Lori Novo: BRAVO!!! applause!!

nieru: cheer \o/

Şυღღεɾ ֆʊռֆɦɨռɛ Şϊլυεɾღϊşτ (summerr.easterwood): bravooo

丨匚卄丨サディスト (misan7hrope): CLAPS ^^

Noa (noa.cloud):   ✿◕‿◕✿ ✿◕‿◕✿

Noa (noa.cloud):     APPLAUSE!!!!!

丨匚卄丨サディスト (misan7hrope) - luc1fer92 - Bellatrix Nix (estertelles) - Danjiro San (danstannokas)

Toshiha とし葉 (toshiha.magic): 次は、「御所のお庭」です。元歌は京都御所の紫寝殿前にある右近の橘と左近の笹々を軽快でリズミカルに歌っています。

Toshiha とし葉 (toshiha.magic): "Our next piece is called Gosho no Oniwa, meaning Gardens of the Imperial Palace. It celebrates the beauty of the Heian-era Imperial Court and Palace in Kyoto. We have lyrics provided from here on so you can appreciate the song more, too!"

Sakura Matsuri 🌸 Second Life

Hello Beautiful Second Life!

I do love attending shopping events where you can't help but smile not only for how beautifully

they have been decorated, and the great exclusive items I can find and those surprisingly very low,

special deals that are so hard to resist, but most of all, by the beautiful people that I get to see, dressed

in their very best clothing. 

Welcome, this is the Sakura Matsuri festival (Moderate)

Uptempo Japanese Music - Traditional Japanese Music For Background Music & Ambience

Sakura Matsuri is the largest Japanese cultural celebration in the United States which celebrates the

coming of Spring. From April 13 through April 14, this beautiful Japanese street festival

will be celebrated with cultural performances, authentic Japanese food, martial arts, artisans,

and much more! It all happens in Pennsylvania near Capitol Hill I believe. You can read more

about this beautiful festivity HERE.

But as we all know, in Second Life we do enjoy early celebrations and so we have the opportunity

to attend now this beautiful festivity that opened on March 14th and will run all the way to March

31st. It is an open invitation by Team Okinawa to all to come and celebrate cherry blossom season

together at an event that has been so beautifully decorated in pink with beautiful surroundings of

Sakura trees and other beautiful areas if you venture outside the event's grounds.

Now, inside the event ground is just as beautiful as the outside, if not more festive I'll say.

I found the booths so nicely decorated and loved all the pink glowing confetti falling from the

sky and showering every attendee in pure cheerful joy, because really, who doesn't like to

be covered in confetti? I sure do!

These are just a few of my favorite booths at the event that offer beautiful exclusives

that are so hard to resist. I for sure broke the initial plan to go "just to see" but ended up returning

home with a few items that I bought and had to hide under the bed so Steppenwolf didn't see

that once again, I used his credit card on a shopping spree. :P

Now I do want to mention that one of the best parts of the event is the 65L$ items that are on sale.

Trust me when I tell you that they are the best. Very high quality and many come in Fatpacks and 

include new or retextured items. So make sure you look out for these 65L$ deals in every booth

while you are there, I am sure you won't want to miss them. ;)

However, [SHIFUKU] From Tonarino was my #1 favorite booth in all of the event,

not only for the beautiful exclusive but also for the 65L$ offered which is a must to get.

🌸 EVENT EXCLUSIVES 🌸

[SHIFUKU] SAKURA Shorts

[SHIFUKU] See-Through Dress with Top

Legacy(f), Perky, LaraX

 🌸 65L SALE!! 🌸

 [SHIFUKU] Lace Design Top (Sakura Matsuri)

Legacy(f), Perky, LaraX

Now, as you all already know, my favorite thing to see at any event, exploring, shopping, etc.,

is the people. I always find them as the most beautiful part of my Second Life journey.

I love saying hello and many times chatting with them if they have the time, and Sakura Matsuri had

so many of them, all beautiful that I couldn't stop from clicking my camera in every direction.

However, I saved all those pictures for future posts, three different blog posts to be exact.

Coming Very Soon!

OKINAWA SAKURA MATSURI

Traditional dance and music performances by the Geiko & Maiko of Kyoto Kagai

March 23 @ 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. SLT.

Sponsored by Zashiki GI

If I had to rate this event from one to ten I would give it a high ten for sure.

The overall experience during my visit was cheerful and very welcoming. The people were

very friendly and I loved how most were quick to return my hello's, something that always makes

me very happy and I appreciate very much. I also loved the exclusives created for the event by many

of my favorite Second Life designers, and not to forget the 65L$ deals that our great designers so

graciously have to offer out of their kindness, Thank You So Much! ♥

I remember very well a particular event that I loved very much years ago where every designer

would price one color from their exclusives at a great discount. Does anyone know what event I am

talking about? Mmm, I'll give you the answer on Read More. ;)

If only every Second Life event would provide great discounts for their customers we would be living

in a perfect virtual world. :P

This is all for now my beautifuls. Please make sure you check out this great event if you haven't yet.

And please feel free to leave me a comment, I would really love to hear from you.

Have a beautiful day everyone!

Much Love,

Lori Novo

♥

Credits On Me

Wasabi // Peyton Mesh Hair ● [SHIFUKU] See-Through Dress with Top - PINK

::GB:: Leather ring GETA White