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                             Geiko/Geigi                                                     Maiko

A Maiko is a trainee, and a Geiko/Geigi (you can say either Geiko or Geigi) is the one who finished the training. 

The Maiko is usually around the age of 20. 

And the Maiko becomes Geiko after a training period. 

By the time the Maiko becomes Geiko, she is in her late teens or early twenties.

<Hair Style>

The Maiko uses her own hair and does not untie it for a week.  Of course, she sleeps with her hair tied up. So she uses a special pillow.

During the daytime, she puts several flowery hair accessories on her hair.

The Geiko wears wigs instead of using her own hair to make the traditional Japanese hair style.

She does not use many hair accessories as the Maiko does.

<"Kimono" dress>

The Maiko’s “Kimono” dress has colorful and flowery patterns.  Her dress has long hanging sleeves.  She wears a sash of “Darari no obi” (long draping sash).  The length of the sash is about 5 to 6meters long.  She ties the sash in a long hanging shape.

Maiko

The Geiko wears darker “Kimono” dress with more simple patter than the Maiko does.  The color and pattern of their sash is more simple than the Maiko's.

Geiko/Geigi

<Shoes>

The Maiko’s shoes are wooden footwear called “Okobo” or “Bokkuri Geta” which are very tall, the sole of the shoes are about 10 cm tall.  The shapes of the shoes are round.  The “Okobo” are worn to prevent the wearer’s kimono from touching the ground.

The Geiko wears Japanese sandals called “Zouri”.

Because the Geiko has much more experience, knowledge and elegance than a Maiko, she does not have to wear so much as the Maiko does.

Ok, that's it for today. I'll tell you more about their difference next time!!

T.F