Toyoakimoto is pleased to announce the newest Toyoaki certified members! Kiku Taura, Kioto Aoki & Miyumi Aoki spent the last week in Tokyo with Toyoaki Toyoko & Toyoaki Sanjuro (Tatsu Aoki) for the initiation ceremony to receive their official names: Toyoaki Umeshi (豊秋宇女紫) Toyoaki Chitose (豊秋千東勢) Toyoaki Toho (豊秋東穂), respectively. They are the 5th generation of the Toyoakimoto house, continuing this okiya music tradition that started in the Edo Period.

The certification ceremony generally takes place over a period of a month, as the live-in apprentices undergo one last series of rituals that involves learning the flavoring of the foods that is prepared and served to guests (kamatsuke / 釜付け), new sets of kimono are made, and other routine details passed down and perfected for the final presentation. For this iteration of the Toyoaki ceremony, the routines were condensed into a week-long process.

The final public presentation is a family affair, involving direct family members as well as the extended performing house family, which may include other apprentices, dance, music, song masters, and respected industry affiliates.