May 27th, 2019: Congratulations to Masako (槇沙子) of Nishimura (西村) in Gion Kobu on the occasion of her misedashi! She is the third imōto of the very successful and popular geiko Makiko (槇子), also of Nishimura, with whom she shares two kanji of her geimei. It was an extremely hot day and Masako was wearing an all season kuromontsuki that even has an extra hiyoku! Maiko and geiko are not allowed to wear ro outfits until June 1st, although the extra layers like the hiyoku, upper inner lining and sleeve lining are often removed during the months before and after summer. However, this change is not performed on kuromontsuki, so the June 1st date is hard set when it comes to formal outfits. Pictured with Masako are all of the current Nishimura maiko and geiko, including: Back row: Okasan Kumiko (玖見子), Asako (亜佐子), Miwako (美羽子), Masako (槇沙子), Mariko (槇里子), and Tomoko (朋子). Front Row: Mihoko (美帆子), Makiko (槇子), Yukako (有佳子), and Mikako (実佳子). I think it’s really nice that all three of Makiko’s imōto (Tomoko, Mariko, and Masako) are all together in the picture! In Gion Kobu the onesan will not wear a kuromontsuki like her imōto, but rather will wear a houmongi for the event. With so many maiko hopefully the Nishimura okiya will continue to grow and prosper! おめでとうさんどす槇沙子ちゃん ^o^! Images are courtesy of Makiko, Kyotoq9, and No Name Misa.