3 New Maiko Entertainers Debut Together in Kyoto
17:25 JST, October 16, 2023
KYOTO — Three new maiko novice female entertainers have made their debut in the Gion Higashi district, one of the five traditional entertainment areas in Kyoto.
It is quite rare for three maiko to give their first professional performances together. Their debut received cordial blessing from many fans who gathered around Kano-ya, the teahouse and okiya live-in establishment the three belong to.
On Oct. 3, the three maiko dressed in black furisode long-sleeve formal kimono, and paid visits to about 20 teahouses and restaurants to offer their greetings with the traditional phrase, “Otano moshimasu” (Please remember us).
The trio started living at Kano-ya in February this year to start their maiko training. They learned the art of maiko from Kano-ya’s fourth-generation master, Yukitaka Nishida, 47, and from senior geiko there, such as traditional Kyoto dialect, manners and etiquette and how to wear kimono properly. They also took lessons in traditional Japanese dancing and tea ceremony formalities. They were given maiko names Kanoshizu, Kanosuzu and Kanosono.
“The three of us discussed together how to follow the advice we received from Neesan [literally big sister, meaning geiko in this context] and we helped each other,” Kanoshizu said.
“I feel secure [being with the other two]. I’m glad we could make our debut together,” Kanosuzu said.
When asked which training and lessons are their favorites, Kanoshizu said the tea ceremony, Kanosuzu chose playing the ohayashi flute and Kanosono picked dance lessons.
“I like Japanese culture. I’d like to become a maiko who is gentle and elegant, fitting the image of maiko held by everyone,” Kanosono said excitedly.
In the Gion Higashi district, the number of maiko has declined in recent years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The trio’s debut doubled the number to six. Together with another maiko scheduled to make her debut this month from another teahouse-okiya, the three will all join the Gion Odori dance performances opening on Nov. 1.
“When there’re more maiko-san, the show gets brighter. I’m glad that there are now those invaluable new faces ready for the occasion,” said Saburo Nakanishi, 65, the head of the Gion Higashi Kabukai association, which organizes the Gion Odori performances.
"Society" POPULAR ARTICLE
-
Cherry tree falls on man on Sanneizaka steps leading to famous Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto
-
Small Animal That Appears to be Mouse Found in Chojuku Bread Products; Some Brands on Same Production Line to be Recalled Voluntarily
-
Earthquake Hits Japan’s Ibaraki, Tochigi, Chiba Prefectures, No Risk of Tsunami
-
Tokyo District Court Rules AI Cannot Be Issued Patents; Law Recognizes Only ‘Natural Persons’ as Inventors
-
Man Repels Bear Attack in Hokkaido by Kicking its Face After Encountering 2 Bears While Sightseeing
JN ACCESS RANKING
- Weakening Yen Adds Complexity to BOJ’s Rate Hike Decisions; Rising Commodity Prices may Impact ‘Virtuous Cycle’ Efforts
- Japanese Seafood Exports to China Sink 57% in FY23; U.S. Becomes Largest Seafood Export Destination
- 70% of Japan Companies to Raise Pay Scales in FY 2024
- 48.6% of Global Patent Applications Related to All-Solid-State Batteries Came from Japanese Firms; Panasonic Tops List
- UNRWA Director Describes Catastrophic Destruction in Gaza; Says Relief Trucks Robbed, ‘People’s Hearts Destroyed’