Wednesday, 7 December 2022

Japan: Day 12b








 Evening in Kyoto.

We have a Maiko to entertain us. A Maiko is a trainee geisha.

Tough life. Marry job goes. Post children job in hospitality cafe etc.
Dying industry. Too tough. Work hard. Long hours. Poor pay. Hair makeup and clothes have to be perfect. Have to sleep with hair made up. Can’t disturb hair. Pillow below hair. On side.

Acting their part in Ancient Japan Land.

Can’t relax with boyfriends. Can't pop out for a pizza. Can't pop out to see the latest film.

Me: Is it difficult to become a Maiko?

Maiko: Three apply for every one accepted.  Half drop out in first year.
Me: When did you decide to become a Geisha?
Maiko: When I was 12: I saw them and they looked so beautiful.
Us: What do you study?

Maiko: Sing and dance.
Us: What did your friends say?
Maiko: I didn’t tell them (giggles),
Us: How much time off?

Maiko: Three days off a month.

Us: What do you wear on your day off?

Maiko: Day off no kimono. Clothes worn depends on hair.  Hair styles done up. Wear a kimono if hair is done up. Done up hair lasts 5 days.

Us: Who do you work for?

Maiko: When I study tourists like you and groups of students travelling.
When I graduate more Japanese business man. Less tourists like you.

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