Meet a Maiko, Little Fan, Geiko, Geisha, Japanese Culture, Gion, Kyoto, Japan, Sakko, Sagan

Meet a Maiko in Gion, Kyoto, Japan

As defined by several different sources, Geisha are a form female Japanese entertainers or hostess which are meticulously trained to entertain men with conversation, poetry, dance, and Japanese classical music. Geisha are often skilled in many different Japanese arts, or are specialists in just one or more of the arts such as song and playing musical instruments.  Geisha are distinctively characterized by traditional costumes such as kimonos, unique hair styles known as Sakko and lavish makeup.

Painting: "Envy" 72 inches x 42 inches, Oil on Canvas

Most countries around the world protect their Intellectual Property by law through patents and copyrights.  The purpose is to keep others from copying there innovation.  Japan has taken this one step further by establishing laws to protect their cultural property and heritage treasures.  One such heritage treasure that Japan protects under cultural property law is the "Geisha".

The history of Geisha in Japanese culture is considered an icon and symbol of Japan's long history. My artist wife has a series artworks called "Nu Women Expressionism". She paints many women from different culture backgrounds such as Flamenco Dancers, Geisha and much more. One of her large format oil paintings is entitles "Envy" (see above) and portrays an elegant woman in a colorful kimono.  This is truly one of my dearest favorites in her portfolio.

Our friend Rika Inoue ( the owner of SAGAN restaurant), Yuko and photographer Takashi arranges a special program for us by inviting a Maiko to meet us. A Maiko  is an apprentice of Geisha in training. Her name is " Little Fan" and we meet her in SAGAN restaurant near our hotel. Meet " little Fan" in person gave us a wonderful chance to discover this unique Japanese culture "first hand, up close and personal" !!

Photographer Takashi, Thanks for taking all of these wonderful photos!!

Kyoto is known as the historical former capital of Japan which has over a thousand years history. There remain about one hundred Maiko, (apprentice Geisha), and 250 Geiko, (mature Geisha).  A Maiko is often young, under 20, and usually starts her career as young as 15.  She must spend many years learning and practicing all of the elements of being a professional and skilled in Japanese traditional culture and entertainment. 

Both Maiko and Geiko go to a special school to learn Japanese culture such as tea ceremony, flower arrangement, Japanese traditional music and dance.  When we met Little Fan, her charm was her young spirit and sweet immaturity.  

Maiko's appearance emphasizes their youth by their politeness, dress, makeup and hair style. For example, they tuck their sleeves in at the shoulder like a child. When they turn 20 and are able to show their skills in Japanese arts and service to their patrons, they become Geiko.

We finally meet a Maiko, "Little Fan"

Isn't Little Fan very Beautiful!

 

A Maiko's hair and makeup must be neat perfection.

Little Fan's sakko hair style

Little Fan leaves us after our wonderful visit together

During the training years of a Maiko, they focus their training in three areas.  The first is the formal Japanese arts training usually at special Geisha schools.  The second is training in entertainment and skills to please their patrons.  This training is often learned at special tea houses and parties. The third is the social skill of navigating the complex social web of Geishas. This is done on the streets in Kyoto and consist of such things as formal greetings, presenting gifts, and developing relationships which are crucial for a geisha to build the support network she needs to survive in her geisha career.

Higashiyama Women's College of Arts and Sciences: Established in 1968, and then changed in 1969 changed to the Higashiyama girls school. This is one of the main schools for Maiko to begin their Geisha career.

Many of Kyoto’s visitors are drawn to the city’s Gion Pontocho, Miyagawacho and Kamishichiken districts.  Here you can find many traditional Kyoto tea houses, local restaurants, and nighttime entertainment lounges.  If you are lucky, you might even get the chance to take a picture of a genuine Japanese Geisha in all her formal dress as she walks down the street.

Hanamikoji is one of Kyoto City’s most famous streets that situated in the Gion district. 

Two beautiful Geishas (or Maikos ??) Walking the alleys in Gion District

Entrance to Ichiriki Ochaya one of the most famous tea houses where geiko entertain in Gion Kobu

Ichiriki Ochaya / Ichiriki-tei (一力亭) are both very famous and historic Ochaya (Geisha tea houses) in Kyoto. It is located at the heart of the Gion Kobu district instantly recognizable for its imposing red walls. Ichiriki has hosted samurai warriors and some of the world’s most powerful politicians over its 300-year-old history. This is a very exclusive and high-end establishment where you usually must have an invitation to be able to get inside. This special Geisha entertainment can cost upwards of $10,000 USD per night.