Who are Maiko?
Maiko is a prominent symbol of Japanese culture in general and Kyoto in particular. A maiko is generally a young girl who is about 15 to 20 years of age. After completing the requisite training period, the Maiko is elevated to the status of Geisha. Geisha is a professional entertainer. Locally, Maiko in Kyoto is called Geiko.
In other locations of Japan, the Maiko is called by different terms like Hangyoku meaning half jewel, etc. The dressing and makeup of a Maiko may also differ in other parts of the country.
Maiko’s Training
The training of Maiko begins at 14 to 15 years of age. The training school for a Maiko can be translated as maiko and it is also called Okiya in Japanese. Shikomi is the name given to the training of a Maiko. The syllabus of Shikomi includes learning the household chores like serving tea, wearing of Kimono (traditional Japanese dress), taking dance lessons, playing musical instruments (shamisen), storytelling, flowers arrangement, and learning Ozashiki (a traditional game).
Misedashi is a ceremony marking the beginning of the maiko’s training. The maiko alongside Okiya’s otokoshi (male dresser) goes around her vicinity to thank teachers, and peers and call on businesses for support. There is training in the morning and attending banquets in the evening watching Geisha, to learn by observation. The training period is 5 years.
Ritual of Eri-Kae (Collar changing)
On the completion of training, a ceremony is arranged called Eri-Kae. The red color of the apprentice is replaced with white color. Thus Maiko becomes Geisha. The hairstyle and dress also change during the training.
Difference between Maiko/Geisha and Oiran
Both Maiko and Geisha make living by offering services to the customers but in different ways. Maiko after years of rigorous training becomes a professional Geisha performing art. While Oiran offers sexual services to customers. Some people confuse Maiko with Oiran. But the difference is clear between the two. Click here to learn more on the differences between maiko, geiko, geisha.
Appearance of Maiko
Appearance is of paramount importance for a Maiko. The gateup of a maiko consists of;
· Makeup
Powdered faces are associated with Maiko. Oshiroi, the powder, is amalgamated with water to make a paste. The paste is called abura. After applying abura to her face, a brush called hake is used to cover her skin. A glowing red lipstick, Beni, is used. Black eyeliner and mascara are worn on the eyes.
· Hair
Hairstyle changes depending upon the rank of Maiko/Geisha. To maintain the unique hairstyle the holed pillow is used Taka-Makura. In modern times a professional wig is also used which is known as Katsura, made of human.
· Diet
For maintaining a figure and fresh skin, a traditional Japanese diet is used. The intake has a lot of green tea, rice, fish, and seaweed.
· Kimono
The centuries-old Kimono is made of Linen, silk, wool or cotton. Maiko’s dress has long sleeves (furisode) while Geiko has short sleeves (Tomesode). The dress pattern changes according to the season. The dress is made of many layers. At times the layers are as many as fifiteen thus meaning that the dress is quite heavy. That is why Maiko has a sedate and calm gait.
Number of Maiko in Kyoto
In Kyoto, the Maiko/geisha appear at banquets. There are five Kagai in Kyoto i.e Gion Kobu, Miyagawacho, Pontocho, Kamishichiken, and Gion Higashi. Kagai is a place where travelers and guests are entertained.
At one time there were more than one thousand Maiko and Geisha in Kyoto but the numbers have decreased over a while. By now there are about 300 only. One of the reasons that the number has decreased is strict rules and training.
Maiko Show In Kyoto
In the Higashiyama area of Kyoto, Maiko Theater arranges traditional maiko shows for the audience. There are many scheduled shows daily, coupled with bento lunch and maiko serving tea in the evening. The reservation for the show must be booked in advance.
In Gion, the Gion corner offers Maiko performing Kyo-Mai, one of the oldest Japanese traditional dances.
Japan has centuries-old traditions that are still intact. To let the world know and explore Japanese traditions and culture, Netflix released a drama series Makani: Cooking for the Maiko House.
Makani: Cooking For The Maiko House
A Neflix drama about Maiko in Kyoto is a worldwide hit now. A teenage girl, Kiyo Nozuki aspires to become a Maiko and joins a small manor in Kyoto. A group of potential Geisha already resides in the same building. Over time Kiyo realizes that she is not made for this profession. Not letting overwhelmed by emotions, she decides to become a makanai, which is the title of the drama. Makanai means both the foods made not for customers but for employees and it also means an employee who is in charge of making such meals.
In this drama Kiyo is a makanai cook and also a caretaker for the other Maiko in the manor dreaming of becoming Geisha. She cooks the girls delicious food and supports them in every possible way in their day-to-day life.
The play depicts the bond between women who help each other in every possible way to realize their dreams. The Japanese food, the tradition of eating together, and the rituals from Maiko to Geisha have been beautifully presented. An appreciating aspect of the play is that the Japanese men do not create hindrances in the way of the aspirations of the women. Many people who watched this drama is wanting to see Season 2. Unfortunately no announcement has been made about the season 2 of “ The Makanai”. Having said so, fans of this drama are looking for information on the possible season 2. The updates on the Season 2 of The Makanai could be found on the following page: https://www.jluggage.com/blog/japan-facts/the-makanai-cooking-for-the-maiko-house-season-2/
Conclusion
Maiko is a glittering feature of Kyoto’s culture which is receding. It is not easy to become a Maiko/Geisha. But the government is doing everything within its power to encourage Maiko. The recent drama on Netflix has revealed the life of Maiko, which is appreciated all over the world.
