A geisha's debut is a formal ceremony called Misedashi and this marks the start of their career as a maiko. During Misedashi, the debutant wears a black kimono with five crests and a gold obi and goes about to greet local businesses in the district, thank her teachers and peers, and to announce her debut.
During Misedashi, a maiko will also wear special kanzashi (hair ornaments) made of tortoise shell that is only worn for this special occasion.
Before the 20th century, geisha began their training at a young age, around the age of six. In the present day this is no longer the case, and geisha usually debut as maiko around the age of 16 or 17.
Since compulsory education in Japan only reaches middle school, the majority of women start their careers at the young age of 16. Once they've decided, they can apply to the district's geisha union, get in touch with an okiya directly, or have someone they know recommend them to the proprietress of an okiya. Since the internet has become so popular, an increasing number of okiya have created their own websites to display the glitzy lives of geisha and maiko and to accept direct applications from young women. The proprietress of an okiya will then interview the woman to determine her level of commitment to this profession. If she is accepted then she will move into the okiya and begin her training.
TomiKiku, the teahouse in Kyoto that I have been working closely with for the past 10 years, has a new maiko and Okasan has invited me over to photograph her.
Okasan has initially requested for me to photograph her during her minarai (geisha observation) period as well, but alas, I can't organise the flights to Japan in time….
A maiko is an apprentice geisha in Kyoto. Their jobs consist of performing songs, dances, and playing the shamisen or other traditional Japanese instruments for visitors during banquets and parties, known as ozashiki.
In the morning, maiko take lessons in the traditional arts. At night, they dance, sing, play the shamisen, and serve visitors at exclusive ochaya (teahouses).
The new maiko, TomiKoma (富胡麻) is a ravishing beauty, with looks of her pop star.
This is also her 17th birthday, so truly a very special day for her.
It is actually late December when this portrait is done, but with blessings from the ancestral Goddess, we are again able to have bright red maple leaves for the occasion.
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