Osaka,
Kinki,
Japan
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Today was one of my favorite days so far. The Amigos Host Family Group set up a wonderful event for international students. They brought a maiko san (an apprentice geisha or geiko) to Osaka from Kyoto. I don't even know how they arranged this. Geisha and maiko are traditional, female Japanese entertainers, whose skills include performing various Japanese arts, such as classical music and dance. They are not prostitutes like many people believe; however, that is not to say that ALL geisha have been true to the rules and boundaries of their position or have not been pressured into other roles. Basically, geisha are considered performing artists in Japan. Modern geisha still live in traditional geisha houses called okiya in areas called hanamachi or "flower towns". Geisha still study traditional instruments like the shamisen, shakuhachi (bamboo flute), and drums, as well as traditional songs, Japanese traditional dance, tea ceremony, literature, and poetry. Currently, most geisha live in Kyoto in the Gion area and are referred to as geiko; although, Tokyo also has geisha. Modern-day geisha are often hired to attend parties and gatherings, traditionally at tea houses or at traditional Japanese restaurants, and it costs A LOT of money to hire them. Because of this, I have no idea how the Amigos group was able to set this up for us. If I understood correctly, someone has a connection with the maiko san and the group got a discount but still had to pay (even though it was free for the international students). Also, they rarely leave Kyoto, and somehow the Amigos got a maiko to come to Osaka.
Anyway, it was so cool. First, the maiko san did two traditional dances. Then, we had a question and answer time; however, it was all in Japanese, so I couldn't understand all of it. Then, we were able to take pictures with her and talk with her casually as we drank tea and ate snacks. It was a wonderful experience, and my friend Mikayla was also able to join.
