Geisha, Maiko, Geiko and Geigi. Differences between them Part 2

 

A Maiko walking in front of an "Okiya" house

A tea house

 

Before I get into the main topic, let me mention about a one thing, a difference between "Geiko" and "Geisha". 

You probably heard “Geisha” more than “Geiko” before. 

Geiko is a name which is used in Kyoto, and Geisha is the name used in other places in Japan such as Tokyo, Osaka and so on.  They both are traditional Japanese entertainers.

 

 

<Where they live>

Do you know where a Geiko and a Maiko live?  In general, they have different residences.

The Maiko lives in an “Okiya” house.  She cannot just start living there without several processes.  She must meet all of their (Okiya house‘ｓ) criteria. 

 

Around the age of 15 →One must check their (an Okiya's)criteria → Apply → The "Okiya" checks resumes and documents → Permitted  →　Finally starts living in the “Okiya” house →1 year of training as a "Shikomi" (Shikomi means preparation in Japanese. She must help with chores for the “Okiya” house and the teahouse. She also takes various lessons.) → Exam to be a Maiko → About 5 years of training as a Maiko. (Becomes an apprentice one as a Maiko and makes her debut into Japanese traditional entertainment) → A ceremony for changing the color of her Kimono (Maiko's kimono are flowery and colorful. Geiko's kimono are darker with more simple pattern)→ Finally becomes a Geiko!!

 

Maiko spends for about 6 years (including the first year as a "Shikomi")  in the “Okiya” house, she lives with other Maiko, Geiko and their owner. 

The owner of the house is called “Okasan” (means a mother in Japanese)  who teaches the Maiko Japanese traditional manner of this field and send her to several music and dance lessons.

some of the owner of "Okiya" houses actually adopt Maiko as their children.

 

In general, after one bocomes a Geiko, she leaves the "Okiya" house.

She lives in a place like us.  But if she wants to stay in the "Okiya" house for improvement of her skills, she can do so.

 

They are putting so much effort and time to make Japanese culture gorgeous and splendid one.

See you next time!!

 

T.F