It's still cold everyday, but sometimes, the hints of spring are found everywhere. For example, it's Nanohana (菜の花, canola flowers).

Nanohana which tell us the arrival of spring, is also a motif of Kanzashi (簪, head dress) of March for Maiko (舞妓). For me, it has a sentimental value because it was the first Kanzashi I wore as a Maiko.

When I was 15, I became a Minarai-san (見習いさん, Maiko trainee) from a Shikomi-san (仕込みさん, under-trainee) status, and was very excited about becoming a Maiko within a month. However, in reality, I had to attain proficiency in many things, such as white makup, and even putting Kanzashi in my hair. Unfortunate enough, when I did the white makeup on my own for the first time in my life, I messed it up. It was ugly far from the beautiful makeup I always had by my Oneisan (お姉さん, elder Geiko)'s hand. Everybody chaffed at me saying, "you're like a powder-coated potato!".

Even putting Kanzashi in a right position was difficult. If it was out of the point even slightly, it feels very uncomfortable. I had to practice a lot until I became able to put it in the best position.

Now I know that I shouldn't have worried about it. Sooner or later, every Maiko becomes able to handle Kanzashi with no sweat, and walk in Okobo (おこぼ, thick soled wooden clog) swinging the fringe of their Obi (帯) belt.

I recalled my Maiko days watching canola flowers at the stores in town.

Thank you so much.

Talk to you later.

Beniko

おおきに　　ほな　　又

#English