Interesting Items of the Week: Maiko and Geiko! 2021 08 29

Interesting Items of the Week: Geiko!

Short (sometimes) videos or stories about interesting Japanese culture, language, entertainment, and many other things.

Here is a short video about a young woman that decided to become a Geiko (Kyoto pronunciation of Geisha). Young women who start training to be a Geisha are called Maiko, literally ‘dancing child’. Maiko are under 20 years old, and usually spend about 5 years training. Geiko and Geisha are older than 20 years, and are dressed a little less colorful clothing and makeup. Listen to Fukunae-san describe what it is like to be a Maiko. (English subtitles)

Here is a 30 minutes documentary about “True Geisha”. Yes, this Maiko has black teeth; it is a truly different smile. This documentary follows a Maiko that is about to become a Geisha in a few days, and includes interviews with her mother and father, and all of the different people involved in training. This video is dubbed in English.

Watch a performance by Maiko and Geiko that took place in the U.S. There is a man that introduces them in English and explains some of the traditions and customs.