For Fuyumi & Mineko:
As I begin this series of speeches in honor of Fuyumi and Mineko, I want to express my deepest gratitude for the unwavering trust they have placed in me. Without their intuition, I would not have been able to reside in our okiya, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity to call this home. They have selflessly dedicated themselves to supporting not only those who remain but also those who have left, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to their members. Through their tireless efforts, they have instilled in us a sense of perseverance and resilience, showcasing their unwavering dedication to our okiya and our community. It is clear that they are worthy of their esteemed roles as Okaa-san and Atotori, and I am humbled by their ability to recognize and nurture potential in each of us. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Fuyumi and Mineko for selecting me and supporting me throughout this journey. As I move forward as an Anchisukiru, I aspire to continue their legacy and make a positive impact, inspired by their unwavering commitment to our community.
For Kodanko:
To my dear late mentor, I wish you were still here with us at Masuume to see the impact you had on me throughout my time here. Despite the time zone differences we faced when my journey had first began, your dedication to mentoring me was evident. You went above and beyond to engage with me and guide me on a journey that, quite unexpectedly, became a nearing year-long journey. Your warm personality as a mentor and as a Taikomochi shone through, leaving a lasting impression on everyone in our community that you've came across. You set the bar high, and I continue to strive to emulate your welcoming and loving nature. Your legacy lives on, and I aspire to be like you - to make a positive impact on those around me, just as you did during your time with us. Thank you for all that you've done for me.
For Komitsu & Kotomo:
My dear Maiko sisters, I still vividly recall the days when we were all just starting out as Shikomi and Gakusei, feeling lost and bewildered about the intricacies of our newly-founded spawn. It was as if we were just on a journey from the bustling streets of Shijo Dori as respective patrons to the warm welcome of our future home, Masuume. Those early days were filled with uncertainty, but together, we navigated the changes and found our way. I'm deeply grateful to have shared this experience with you both, who have been my guiding lights both mentally and physically. You two are the most extraordinary personalities that could have led me through the winding streets of Gion. Without your guidance, I'm not sure I would have reached this point today. For that, I am truly thankful to have you as my sisters and closest friends in Masuume. May our bond continue to flourish and create new memories for us to treasure together.
For Masuume:
As I conclude this series of speeches to Masuume, I'd like to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for entrusting me with the role of senior. Your faith in me has been a beacon of hope, guiding me through the challenges and uncertainties that I've faced. Without your unwavering support, love, and encouragement, I would have been lost and uncertain about my abilities to assume this position. But you all have shown me that I am capable of achieving great heights, and that with perseverance, I can overcome any obstacle that comes my way. Your trust has given me the confidence to believe in myself, and for that, I am eternally grateful. As I move forward in this new role, I hope that you will continue to place your trust in me, and I promise to work tirelessly to honor that trust and lead Masuume with the same love and dedication that you have shown me. Thank you for being my rock, my friends, and my family – I love you all so dearly, and I am honored to be your senior.
For Seijun (Matt):
Matt, my dear friend, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to you for being the most extraordinary friend I could have ever asked for. Coming from Masuume, I knew that I was taking a leap of faith by stepping into a new okiya, but I was worried that I would struggle to find my footing. But you have been a constant source of comfort and support. Despite our age differences, you've shown me that true friendship knows no bounds. You've been there for me whenever I needed someone to talk to, and we've shared countless moments of laughter and joy together. Our time together has been endless, and I cherish every moment we've shared. As I take on this new role, I hope that we can continue to share moments together, and that our bond will only grow stronger. You are the best thing that could have come out of another okiya, and I am forever grateful to have you in my life. Thank you for being an amazing friend, Matt.
For Kineya:
Oh, dear Kineya, my second home, where I've had the privilege of sharing countless moments with an extraordinary group of individuals. You are a treasure trove of fascinating and charismatic personalities, each one a unique gem that has enriched my life in ways I could never have imagined. As I look back on my time here, I am reminded of the countless memories we've shared, the laughter, the tears, and the countless moments of joy and camaraderie that have become an integral part of my journey. Your warmth, your generosity, and your unwavering support have been a constant source of comfort and guidance, allowing me to explore the world beyond my own okiya and discover the beauty of community and connection. I am forever grateful for the sense of safety and security you've provided, where we can share our deepest thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment or rejection. My heart is filled with love and appreciation for each and every one of you, and I thank you for being an integral part of my journey. You are more than just friends - you are a family that has shaped me into the person I am today, and I will always cherish the memories we've made together.
For Kurenai:
Gion is indeed fortunate to have you, a shining example of accountability and warmth. I'll never forget the first time we met, and how you effortlessly lit up the room with your infectious laughter and joy. Your ability to form strong bonds with others is truly remarkable, and I'm grateful that you've extended that same warmth and kindness to me. As someone who has also come from a similar community, I value your understanding and support deeply. Your presence has been a constant source of encouragement, and I'm thankful to have you by my side as I embark on this new journey as an Anchisukiru. I hope that our friendship will continue to flourish, and that you'll be there to celebrate my triumphs alongside me. Thank you for being such an incredible friend, and for being a beacon of hope and positivity in Gion.
For Onaka:
Onaka, though we may not have had the opportunity to build a close bond before my senior journey, I want to express my deepest gratitude for the way you've come together as an okiya, providing a sense of unity and support. Your efforts have been truly remarkable, and I've had the pleasure of experiencing it firsthand during our occasional visits. Those moments may seem small, but they've become precious memories that I'll treasure forever. Your love and comfort have been a source of strength not only for Masuume but also for me, and I'm deeply grateful for it. As I embark on this new journey in Gion, I hope that we can continue to support each other, just as you've supported Masuume. Your kindness and warmth have been a constant source of inspiration, and I'm honored to have you in my life. Thank you for being a shining example of the power of community and friendship.
For my Card Holders:
I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who has been a part of my journey, despite my flaws and shortcomings. Your financial support has meant the world to me, and I'm deeply grateful for your generosity. Beyond that, I've cherished the occasional conversations we've had, which have been a source of comfort and inspiration. But most importantly, I want you to know that I truly appreciate and love you for the unique individuals you are. Your presence in my life has been a blessing, and I'm so thankful to have you as a part of my community. Thank you for guiding me along the way, offering words of encouragement, and being a constant reminder of the importance of human connection.
Aomi
dearyumiko
Kikuteru
Kikuya
Kokimi
Komitsu
Kotomo
Mimori
Mineko
Pixelystar1
roxitango
Seijun
ShockingSwagmaster67
Sokyōku
WiniiPT
For Gion Karyukai:
I would have the last speech be able to extend my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you for being a vital part of this community, and for being a source of connection and inspiration to me. Your collective energy and enthusiasm have been instrumental in building a foundation that is strong and resilient, and I'm so grateful to have you all as part of this journey. Your interest in the geisha culture has been palpable, and I'm thrilled to see how it has brought us together in a shared passion and appreciation. It's because of your dedication and commitment that we've been able to grow and flourish as a community, and I'm humbled by your presence. I hope that I can continue to make you proud, not just as a member of this community, but also as a representative of the values and traditions that we hold dear as an Anchisukiru. Thank you for being here with us, for your support, and for being a shining example of what it means to be part of something greater than ourselves. Your contributions have been invaluable, and I'm honored to have you by my side.
Passed Discord voice chat interviews for Masuume okiya and became a Gakusei of Masuume on July 27th, 2023
Promoted to Junior Taikomochi on August 19th, 2023
Promoted to Taikomochi on October 7th, 2023
Promoted to Senpai Taikomochi on January 14th, 2024And now...
Promoted to Anchisukiru on June 14th, 2024
Thank you.
Kosaku, Anchisukiru of Masuume