Maiko

Tomitsuyu and Tomitae are Maiko and training to be become Geiko (Geisha). The term "Geisha" is no longer used in Japan due to many misconceptions. Maiko/Geiko are not prostitutes. Maiko/Geiko are part of Japanese culture. It has a long history which includes the Samurai which no longer exists in present day culture. The profession of becoming a Maiko/Geiko continues to dwindle. Tomitsuyu and Tomitae have chosen the occupation of becoming a Geiko. They went through a process of being accepted to learn the arts of being a Maiko/Geiko. The training/apprenticeship includes: music, dance, serving food and tea ceremonies, and games to entertain their clients. They make some public appearances at events like Setsubun (Spring Celebration) at temples and shrines. Maiko/Geiko are celebrities and are followed by photographers, fans, and tourists trying to photograph them. The apprenticeship takes about four years to transition from Maiko to Geiko. Both Tomitsuyu and Tomitae chose the difficult profession, partially because they want to preserve traditional Japanese culture. One of the favorite perks of being a Maiko has been the ability to travel. Maiko/Geiko, Sumo Wrestling, Kabuki are part of Japanese culture today! This project offered me a unique opportunity to explore and understand Maiko/Geiko. It is part of my heritage being a third generation Japanese American, and one that I will continue to explore!