I took this picture in Gion, Kyoto in the early afternoon the other day. I suppose these kimono girls are beginner trainees to geisha , who have just started training this April, after graduating junior high school. They were on their way to the lesson of Japanese dance. For about five years every day they take various lessons regarding Japanese traditional arts such as Japanese dance, Japanese traditional song, musical instrument, tea ceremony, flower arrangement, etc.
When their hair grow long enough to set in upright hairstyle, I'm sure they look quite different and more gorgeous. Look at the lady walking before them. She is called 'Maiko'.
To know more about maiko and geiko, please read this.
Wonderful photos. Clever how you showed Maiko last so we could see how they would look after their transformation!
ReplyDeleteHi Libby,
DeleteThank you for your heart-warming comments. I've just linked the former post to show you more.
How very lovely!
ReplyDeleteWhat is the role of the geisha in the modern world?
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, the main role of geisha (including maiko) is to entertain guests at the banquet. Another role is to pass on traditional Japanese arts. And they are supported by many craftsmen. Plus the highlight of Kyoro.
DeleteHmmm...interesting information. I've always liked looking at such kimono outfit. They're gorgeous! Nice capture of the girls too!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting tradition and photos, Annie. Do these apprentice girls choose to do this, or are they chosen? That's a long apprenticeshipe with a lot to learn to do with grace and beauty.
ReplyDeleteThese girls choose to enter this traditional world with determination, but I hear because of the hard days of training and being apart from their families, some of them give up just a few months after start.
DeleteOne more information, to concentrate the apprentice days, they are not allowed to have a cell phone even today. Very special world!
Great shots, Annie and it's interesting to read more about this amazing tradition.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your week.
Nice photo! No cellphone ... how sorry. Can they never secretly contacts with home, with friends? But it is their choice. Then you must go for it.
ReplyDeleteI think they're all beautiful! What an exciting time it must be for those young girls. :)
ReplyDelete