Maiko

An apprentice geiko on the day of her , the occasion when a becomes an apprentice proper. Notice two dangling on the sides of her hairstyle.

A is an apprentice geisha (geiko in Kyoto). Their jobs consist of performing songs, dances, and playing the or other traditional Japanese instruments for visitors during banquets and parties, known as .

are usually aged 17 to 20, and graduate to geiko status after a period of training that includes traditional dance, the , , and, in Kyoto only, learning the Kyoto dialect. The apprenticeship ranges from a few months to a year or two years, although apprentices too old to dress as may advance to geiko despite still training.

Apprentice geisha in other locations in Japan are known by other terms, such as for apprentices in Tokyo. The traditions of apprentice geisha in these areas diverge from those in Kyoto, sometimes to a considerable degree, including an apprentice's appearance and the structure of her apprenticeship.

Work

In the morning, take lessons in the traditional arts. At night, they dance, sing, play the , and serve visitors at exclusive (teahouses).

Origin

originated from women who served green tea and (Japanese dumpling made from rice flour) to visitors to the Kitano Tenman-gū or Yasaka Shrine in teahouses in Kyoto about 300 years ago.

Appearance

Hair

During their career, will wear different kinds of (traditional Japanese hairstyles) depending on rank, formality and occasion. These hairstyles are then decorated with seasonal and occasional (traditional hair ornaments).

Most , unlike geisha, use their own hair with the addition of extensions, though apprentices in different areas of Japan may also use wigs. using their own hair have their hair restyled every week, requiring them to sleep on a special pillow known as a – a raised wooden block with a pillow – in order to maintain it.

Kimono and outfit

Most wear a style of kimono known as a . are typically anywhere from 200–240 centimetres (79–94 in) long, and often feature a lightly padded hem to create weight allowing the hem to trail along the floor. When walking outside, hold their up either with their hands, or by tying it in place with a small cord so that it does not drag along the ground. The style of worn by most features long, -style sleeves, and may feature tucks sewn horizontally into the sleeves and vertically along the shoulders; this is a holdover from before WWII, when often began their training at a young age, and would remove the tucks as they grew.

For formal occasions, wear a black -style featuring 5 crests () to signify the they belong to.

wearing kimono typically wear it with an known as a . The is 6–7 metres (20–23 ft) long, is roughly 30 centimetres (12 in) wide, and is worn exclusively by . Due to its length and weight, a male dresser (known as an ) is needed to tie it; can dress a in as little as five minutes, and may dress a number of each night. The crest of a 's is either dyed, embroidered or woven onto the end of the , below the (end lines). For formal occasions, gold brocade are worn.

Kimono

Some outside of Kyoto, and in particular in Tokyo, wear instead of . These apprentices (sometimes known as ) may also wear a wig instead of having their own hair styled.

outside Kyoto may also wear a , which is easier to tie and wear than a darari obi. Apprentices in Tokyo typically tie their in the style.

Contemporary controversies

In recent years, allegations have emerged regarding the working conditions of maiko in Kyoto's hanamachi districts, particularly concerning underage apprentices. Former maiko Kiyoha Kiritaka has reported forced alcohol consumption, coercion in mixed bathing with customers (ofuro-iri), and other forms of harassment.

In media

• The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House, Japanese live-action television series on Netflix premiered 12 January 2023.

Gallery

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  Two Kyoto walking
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  wearing , composed by long chains of silk flowers
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  with willow
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  (video) A dancing