It was about 8PM while we were in Gion in order to see some Geishas
there as we planned. Kyoto is known as a city that is an icon of traditional
culture in Japan and Gion district is a perfect place to find geisha as you don’t
want to go to far from the city. Almost went back to hostel earlier due to cold weather,
a Maiko walked across us. Not just us but a lot of people try to get photographs.
When the Maiko was about to be disappeared, a Geisha came and greeted her.
Geisha is known as icon of Japanese traditional culture that
offers beauty and entertainment. Once they decide to become Maiko (apprentice Geisha)
since 15 years old, they have to live in Okiya 置屋 (traditional geisha house). They
need to take 6 months training and pass the test first before their debut of being
Maiko. Dancing, singing and playing music instrument is must-have skills.
Usually, they will quickly get homesick because they aren’t
allowed to make any phone calls (just by writting letters) even to their
parents. Communication to family and friends is believed will ruin motivation
of being Maiko. Luckily, they will get a senior sister to support and help them
out. The connection between Maiko and her sister is really special. There is
even a ceremony as a commitment of life to mark the relationship between them.
It’s a benefit for Maiko due to great reputation of the sister but it also
means Maiko should try harder to do her job and not to break her sister's reputation.
Why does Geisha always do white make-up? In the past, room is
just lit by candles and no electricity. White foundation is used as a reflector
so cconlients would see a bright beautiful face and reach the beauty.
Maiko wears fancier kanzashi (flower hairpin), long sleeve colorful outer kimono, red collar inner kimono and 7-metres obi with the logo of her geisha
house. Less-than-one-year Maiko just puts lipstick on the lower lip (to show
that she isn’t mature yet). After 5 years of being Maiko, she could become
a Geisha. Geisha wears simpler kanzashi, simpler make up, white collar inner
kimono and shorter sleeve outer kimono.
Truly, we got really suprised and so the Maiko when a tourist
took a photograph with a camera flash. We understand due to low light and unsufficient
camera ability, it’s hard to get a focus. But still, it’s a rude way to take photograph directly pointed to subject's eyes. Hope you guys won’t do that too! =)
We eat, we walk, we talk
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