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Geisha Mystique Geisha no Shinpi

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In-Focus Portfolio 2004 Japanese Women of Tradition
While most of Japan is forging ahead into the 21st century, some people are holding tight to their connection with the past. This relationship with ago-old customs and traditions is most evident in the city of Kyoto, once Japan's capital for more than 1,000 years. One still finds remnants of "Hanamachi" (geisha districts) in isolated pockets of the city where maiko and geisha shuffle quickly to and from their evening appointments. For everyone else, Kyoto past is kept alive through numerous events, ceremonies and annual festivals.

This In-Focus portfolio takes a look at the people, in particular the girls and women, who not only maintain tradition by wearing colorful kimono during culturally-rich holidays and events, but who, in some cases, literally embrace a lifestyle that comes straight out of the history books...namely, Kyoto's maiko and geiko.

There is no better place than Kyoto to see real maiko (geisha apprentice) and geisha (called "geiko" in Kyoto) in their historic surroundings. But, one must be aware that all the girls encountered wearing a doll-like, powder-white face and kimono are not necessarily authentic maiko. For about 3,500 Yen anyone (and that means women or men) can dress up like a maiko for an afternoon and stroll the backstreets of the city.

The geisha mystique manifests itself throughout mainstream culture in ways that are less obvious than in the Floating World. Girls ages three and seven dress up in expensive silk kimono, sometimes looking like little maiko, to visit the shrine during a November event called "Shichigosan." Female assistants at shrines known as "miko" execute precise dance moves as part of Shinto ceremonies, not unlike the disciplined gestures of performing maiko and geiko. For traditional wedding ceremonies a bride wears an elaborate hairpiece and kimono all the while keeping her emotions well disguised. In January, on the national holiday "Seijin-No-Hi" (Coming of Age Day), 20-year-old girls wear special kimono with long sleeves as they visit the shrine to pray for their journey into adulthood.
     

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Two Geisha

Geisha Serving Tea

Geisha Portrait

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Kanikakuni-sai Ceremony

Maiko Up Close

Maiko Greeting

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Maiko Friends

Maiko Sighting in Kyoto

Maiko Wearing Casual Kimono

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16-Year-Old Maiko

Maiko Entering Tea House

Maiko Hurrying to Appointment

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Outdoor Tea Service

Festival Girls

Ohime-sama Enjoying Garden

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Palanquin Ride

Playing New Year's Karuta Hajime

Girls in Ceremony

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Japanese Sake Signboard

Maiko Promoting Products

Happy Maiko in Taxi

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Oiran Public Appearance

Three Tourist Maiko

Tayu (Courtesan)

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Tourist Maiko

Shichigosan Sisters

Male & Female Maiko

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20-Year-Old on Coming of Age Day

Autumn Garden Scenery

New Year Shrine Visit

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"Miko" (Shrine Assistants)

Miko Performance

Miko Helping Toka Ebisu Customer

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Wedding Ceremony Assistants

Traditional Bride Fashion

Special Wedding Taxi

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