The ''Kanikakuni Festival'' commemorating Isamu Yoshii (1886-1960), a poet who loved Gion, was held on November 8, 2023 in front of the monument in Motoyoshi-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City. On a crisp autumn day, geisha and maiko offered white chrysanthemums and vowed to improve their art.

Geisha and maiko lay white chrysanthemums at Isamu Yoshii's monument (November 8, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City)

Isamu Yoshii wrote many songs related to Gion, and also wrote the lyrics for ''Miyako Odori.'' The monument was erected by his friend Junichiro Tanizaki on November 8, 1955, and the Gion Kobu Union holds the festival every year.

Maiko Mametama and maiko Mameaya, who offered flowers, mentioned that Miyako Odori will be performing for the 150th time next spring, saying, ''I hope Mr. Yoshii, sir will also watch over me.'' He was holding his hands together.