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Why Do We Feel Both ‘Iki’ and ‘Wabi-Sabi’ in Tokyo’s Kagurazaka?

Why Do We Feel Both ‘Iki’ and ‘Wabi-Sabi’ in Tokyo’s Kagurazaka? Embracing Iki: The Thoughtful Development of Kagurazaka Kagurazaka is a neighborhood known for its ‘Iki (Sophisticated).’ The residents of Kagurazaka have established a town development plan called the “Kagurazaka Machizukuri Kensho,” which aims to create “The town of Iki where tradition and modernity meet – Kagurazaka.” The basic policies for town development include creating “a town where commerce and residential areas coexist,” “a town adorned with traditional charm,” and “a town that is enjoyable to stroll through.” Even the organization responsible for the town’s development is named the “NPO Iki-na Machizukuri Club” (NPO Sophisticated Town Development Club). Iki: The Timeless Elegance of Kagurazaka’s Edo and French Influences The concept of ‘Iki’ is an aesthetic that developed during the Edo period. Under restrictions such as luxury bans, a sophisticated urban culture emerged, characterized by understated elegance, like the Edo Komon (a type of traditional patterned fabric). ‘Iki’ refers to beauty that is simple yet exudes taste and individuality. Kagurazaka, a street built by the third shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu, still retains its Edo-period layout and is a neighborhood steeped in Edo culture. The long-standing geisha district culture also remains. With theread moreWhy Do We Feel Both ‘Iki’ and ‘Wabi-Sabi’ in Tokyo’s Kagurazaka?

“Kagurazaka Festival 2024” Awa Odori Finale: The Best Way to End a Festival is with a Drink at Geisha Bar

“Kagurazaka Festival 2024” Awa Odori Finale: The Best Way to End a Festival is with a Drink at Geisha Bar   “Kagurazaka Festival 2024” Concludes On July 27, 2024, the “Kagurazaka Matsuri (Festival) 2024” concluded with great success, fitting for its 50th-anniversary celebration. On the 27th, there were a Children’s Awa Odori (6:00 PM – 7:00 PM) and an Adult Awa Odori (7:00 PM – 9:00 PM). Continuing from the 26th, Kagurazaka geisha Mayumi and Kiyono also participated in the local Ushigome Yuikiren dance group on the 27th.   The Finale of “Kagurazaka Festival 2024” Featured Geisha in the “Wa Odori (Ring Dance)” The “Wa Odori (Ring Dance)” by Ushigome Yu-iki-ren was a spectacular highlight, bringing dancers and the audience together in a spirited performance, perfect for the grand finale of the “Kagurazaka Festival 2024.” Some young Kagurazaka geisha were there in their private capacity to support Mayumi and Kiyono at the festival. They looked adorable in their casual clothes, different from their usual kimono attire. Seeing such unadorned appearances is one of the charms of the “Kagurazaka Festival.”   After “Kagurazaka Festival 2024,” Enjoy a Chat with Geisha at “Bar ei” After the “Kagurazaka Festival 2024”, we went toread more“Kagurazaka Festival 2024” Awa Odori Finale: The Best Way to End a Festival is with a Drink at Geisha Bar