
Geisha (in Kyoto known as Geiko) are professional female entertainer. They wear fantastic kimono with special make-up and entertain customers by performing traditional Japanese arts at banquets as well as in teahouses.
How to become Maiko & Geiko(Geisha)
Girls, when they were around 10 to 11 years old (recently around 15 -16 years old) had to start to live in Geisha houses called “Okiya”, which took responsibility for raising and training them. They worked first as maids, then as assistants to the house's senior Maiko as part of their training and learned traditional Japanese arts such as the tea ceremony, flower arranging, singing, dancing and playing instruments. In addition, they learned the Kyoto dialect if she was not a local, as well as social and conversational skills. This period is called “Shikomi”(training period). After 1 or 2-year “Shikomi” period, only ladies who were approved to achieve a certain level of abilities required successfully became “Maiko.” The fine manners and education acquired during “Shikomi” are said to complete the beauty of Maiko combined with their fascinating appearance. In line with the special tradition for Maiko’s debut, which is called “Misedashi”, Maiko visit teahouses to introduce themselves. Maiko became Geiko about 5 to 6 years after their debut. There is a special ceremony called the “erikae”(eri means collar and kae means change), in this occasion the collar of costume is changed from red to white, which is a sign of maturity. After the ceremony, Geiko become independent from “Okiya” and move into a single residence and change their ways of wearing Kimono and make-up. Previously Geiko had a patron, who was called “Danna” at this occasion.
Costume ： Difference between Maiko and Geiko
Kimono: The Maiko’s kimono has brighter colors and longer draped sleeves. By contrast, Geiko mainly wear more subdued colors on their kimono that has shorter sleeves. Shoes : Maiko wear “Okobo”, the high platform “geta” (wooden sandals). On the other hand, Geiko wear flat lacquered Zohri.