Usugumo

Usugumo’s case is a special one. Of all the myouseki that Wachigaiya has to offer, this is the most frequently used. But why is that? Let’s look at some of the Tayuu under this name in recent times:

Usugumo V

Years active: 2014 - Present

2017 Source: Kyoto-okoshi-yasu

The current Usugumo is one of the longest serving. She does not work full time but is called upon to walk at the important Tayuu processions and even dances during ceremonial appearances. Since Kisaragi is currently the most senior full time Tayuu and Sakuragi is the youngest, this Usugumo takes her position in the middle of the dochu.

Usugumo IV

Years active: 2011 - 2012



2012 Source: Masato’s photo studio

Usugumo III

Years active: 2009 - 2010

Usugumo 2010 Source: Kayoko on Exblogs /

Usugumo II

Years active: 2007 - 2009

2007 Source: Midnight coffee

Usugumo II served a relatively long time under this name. She even trained as a Furisode as she was seen wearing the bow obi knot during the parades in 2007 but by 2008 she was already wearing the Kokoro knot, so a fully fledged Tayuu. Even though her appearance was immortalized by many photographers during that year, sadly she retired soon after. She is one of the few women recorded in recent years to have gone through the Furisode stage. Some sources state that she was already active in 2006 but i could not find any evidence of that.

Even though the name Usugumo has become indicative of a new face during the parades, this one has a different feel. Since she was a Furisode before receiving the myouseki, i believe that the Wachigaiya believed she would stick around a while longer. On the other hand i do have a conspiracy theory:

If this woman changed her mind while in her training and decided she would not work full time as a Tayuu, the owners of the Wachigaiya might have given her the name Usugumo instead of another name, indicating that she was going to be just another spot in the revolving door of the Yoshino Tayuu parade. Don’t mind me and my tin foil hat…

Usugumo I

Years active: 1988 - 1990

1988 Source: Gilera on Flickr

Usugumo, “Faint clouds” is another name taken from the famous Tales Of Genji but through the Tayuu of the Yoshiwara gained such a significance that it is still used to this day. The origins of this myouseki can be traced to a brothel named Miura which produced many great Tayuu in the early 18th century. When the last Usugumo of Miura retired, the motherhouse itself started to decline but the name endured.

Are the these Tayuu Usugumo?

With Kisaragi in 2007. Source: Rakuten.ne.jp

Yoshino Tayuu parade 2013. Source: Kyonohana

Leaving with a question is the dramatic thing to do right? But honestly i could not find more information about modern Usugumo. Some sources state that the title has become a ceremonial name with a new face every few years to increase the numbers of Tayuu during the parades. Hanaougi, though enduring and persistent is not able to walk in the parades anymore and Wakagumo is notably absent also, only barely showing up for the tea ceremony. The Usugumo-Tayuu have become an important part of the image of Shimabara’s artisans even though their identity remains elusive.

