apprentice geisha
Japanese Name:
舞子さん
Romaji Name:
maikosan
Description
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A maiko is an apprentice geisha in Kyoto, Japan. She is a young woman who is training in traditional Japanese arts, such as classical dance, music (like shamisen), tea ceremony, and conversation. Maiko usually start their training in their teens.
History
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Maiko are young women, usually aged between 15 and 20, who are training to become geiko (the Kyoto term for geisha — traditional female entertainers skilled in music, dance, conversation, and hospitality).
The word "maiko (舞妓)" literally means "dancing child", which reflects their primary focus on traditional Japanese dance and performance during their apprenticeship.
Origins:
The tradition of geisha and maiko began in the Edo period (1603–1868).
Maiko originally started as young girls working in tea houses and eventually became trained entertainers.
The training of a maiko includes learning classical dance (nihon buyō), tea ceremony, shamisen (a traditional stringed instrument), calligraphy, and traditional manners.
Appearance:
Maiko are easily recognized by their elaborate kimono, wide obi (belt), tall wooden sandals (okobo), and distinctive hair accessories (kanzashi).