I completely agree with what those men are doing. Last time I was there, I simply couldn't believe how rude, disrespectful and just plain stupid most tourists were. Some were running after them, shoving their camera in the maiko's face. I think next I'll actually do the same with the tourists, see how they like it.
@ewoodham Maikos are not celebrities. They have their own works at Ochaya that's why they're in hurry when they walk. But a lot of foreigners misunderstand their work and the existence of Maiko or Geiko. The Maiko said that some of them throw a cigarette into Maiko's neck and it was really scared her. Those men are not just civilians, but they are owners of traditional Ochaya where Maiko works at.
I saw some Chinese tourists were acting really bad.... I cannot believe how anybody can take away kanzashi, throw in cigarets in the neck, pull the obis and yell at them when they refuse to take photo. Gion is not a theme park.
I think ve seen more Caucasians and more foreign looking people doing bad things than actual Asians. Asians normally know the Japanese culture better and so, they respect it more. Chinese, Koreans, Singaporeans
I'm European, and I really admire maiko and geiko. When I was in Gion, I wanted to take pictures of them, but I've never thought about even touching them. When I asked maikos and geikos to let me take a pic, I said like 「すみませんが、写真を撮らせていただけないでしょうか」. Some left without even looking at me, but I didn't run after them or forced to stop. I just waited for another. There were 3 maikos and 2 geikos who listened to my words, and I can't put it in words how happy I was.
Viki Hollo I'm so glad that you respect this part of culture and understand the difference to call them as "Geisha". Hope you had a good time in Japan and enjoyed your stay! (More than anything I wish that you'll notice my comment because yours was written about 3 years ago....)
I swear, the one who spoke with the shidare is Ayano-san when she was still a young Maiko! The other one looked like young Kyouka-san! It's so crazy to see them when they were so young! I really appreciate the patrol people making sure they're getting to their appointments safely as I'm sure the Maiko and Geiko do as well.
i have been to gion an uncountable number of time. and at that time, my partner (japanese) was ashamed of the attitude of the japanese in front of the ichirikitei, running after the girls kneeling on front of them so they had to stop walking or change direction to have their picture taken. i have never seen one foreigner pulling a maiko's kimono or stealing her kanzashi and running away. those old guys are just bored and want some power in this all female society. i call them the hanamacho
You have to remember though that, upon entering this profession, the maiko and geiko must realize that there will be many people vying for a picture of them - this is just the nature of the beast. Of course, though, it is definitely in good character to ask first.
I saw some Japanese young teens harassing young Maiko. there are also people pretending to be Chinese or Koreans when they harass a Maiko san. that was very weird to me. why should they need to do that. it is so or so frowned upon😅🤦🏻♀️
yeah right it's the foreigners ! how easy is that ? each time there is a probem in japan, that7s the foreigners. i am half japanese and i can tell you that those old so called patrol bodyguard have no civil right whatsoever to stop anyone from being in the way of a maiko. yes it is rude to stop a girl on her track and force her to have her pic taken but come on, kyoto's economy is 90% based on tourism and what do they use to attract tourist on every brochure, a maiko. who's kidding who
Are you kidding me? These people are on their way to work and I can tell you that thoses tourists have no civil right whatsoever to stop a maiko for a goddamm picture. Kyoto's economy is 90% based on tourism, you're right but that doesn't mean they have to stop. There is a rule that you cannot stop them for photos. Maybe you have never seen a maiko being pulled by a foreigner but face the truth the maiko is saying that she got pulled by one. You sound very arrogant and bold just like those old men in front of Ichiriki.