INFRINGE visited Kyoto to document the dressing ritual of a Maiko, including the creation of a traditional Wareshinobu hairstyle. Full story: www.infringe.c...
Yes, that is precisely what I felt listening. She is at peace with the world, with herself, a good way to live. I am generally not fond of the Japanese culture because I do not think it makes people happy in general, but this young woman was certainly content, a very moving thing to see.
@@um22w22 It does not mean that if they perform they should not be really happy and pretend, indeed, many times the Geishas are shy and sensitive girls
I took kimono photos in Japan for my 20th birthday (when I went to visit my grandma’s family in Tokyo) and it apparently took 3 hours to get into it all lol but I also need constant reminders of where to put my arms and what part of the fabric to hold while they wrapped lol. It was like wearing 3 corsets, I had to shuffle because my legs could only move about 3 inches at a time 😂
At first I thought you said, 'They're Asians, and everything about them is an art." and I was like, that's kinda racist but you're not wrong. Everything about etiquette is so magical. Not just Asian countries but European aristocrats as well. In America, we don't really have a set of rules like this that is unique to ourselves. We largely borrowed from the British. But seeing how rich Japanese culture is, makes me wish we had something like this. It really is an art and it really is incredible.
Actually no, because they do not create anything . Artisans create their kimono, their braids to hold the kimono their Obi, their hair and obi ornaments , their shoes, their umbrellas , their fans and music instruments , etc... but maiko actually do not create anything . So they might be apprentice artists but they are most certainly not artisans .
tourists are actually becoming a problem to maiko and geisha. They block traffic, block the young maiko or geiko from moving by huddling around her trying to snap a photo, touching them- which is a big no no- and they treat them like amusement park mascots and objects rather than respecting these women, and their livelihood. Imagine if a movie or show accurately portrayed a maiko or a geiko- that would be the day. Edit: Memoirs of a geisha is not at all accurate in any way, so in regards to movies that one should never be considered at any point as a reference to reality.
I saw a Geisha when I was in Kyoto about 10 years ago. She was busily rushing from one location to another. I didn't even think about getting in her way or trying to take a photo. I just appreciated the moment. Tourists should appreciate the moment more and care less about taking a crappy photo when you literally have access to amazing photos of the same thing online!
Someone from my family traveled to Japan in recently and when he told me what he did I was just... He took pictures with random girls in the streets, and they looked so uncomfortable in them. Everything that looked "tipically" Japanese, he took a picture of. Girls in yukata, girls in high school clothing, people with diverse kei fashion in Harajuku, girls in cosplay... I was sort of mad until he told me "We took a picture with a group of geishas!" Then I got like actually pissed off. It's a shame people don't take the time at all to learn about a country they supposedly adore. I haven't even been to Japan yet and I know the basics of polite manners and what to do and what not. I hope one day I can visit there and make them feel like not every gaijin is an annoying, loud tourist
@@tsuki_avocado and the high probability that this relative probably never even saw a real geisha. The amount of ppl assuming a japanese woman in a relatively nice kimono is instantly a geisha is extremely high.
I will be going to Japan from March 28th to April 6th so it’s a good thing to know the DOs and DONTs. I feel like as a tourist that you have to respect the culture of the world you are visiting because it’s a different definition of your own and not only respect the culture but the people who you see are going their way day by day and they are not there to entertain you but they are there because they are making a journey to make an ends meet jobs, school, etc if you need help just ask if you want entertainment go somewhere that provides it don’t just stop and stare
@@smhaleyy I don't get what you're implying by them being touched. no one is allowed to just openly touch them unless it's on their hands. even close guests grab at them- drunk guests might try but their kimono are delicate and get dirty easily so people usually refrain from touching them.
These women are so dedicated. They don't balk at the idea of maintaining that hairstyle for a week, even though it limits their movement in the outside world, they aggressively and precisely apply their makeup regimen, and they don't even move other than to assist while they're strapped into the layers of their Kimono (yes, I know the belt is an obi. But I was talking about the feel) AND THEN to be a skilled dancer and a hostess!?
I think the mama is the owner of the location who cares for every maiko/geiko (that system is confusing to me) in it, like chosing kimono and doing other things.
@@curry5136 Yes. Basically, when one wants to become a Maiko, she goes to an Okiya. It is a lodging house (geisha house is what it's usually translated to) where she stays throughout her whole time as a Maiko and a Geiko (some Geikos move out of the okiya). The owner of the Okiya is called Okaa-san (Mother in english). The Okaa-san is the one that pays for all of her expenses while she's in the okiya including her dance lessons, instrumental lessons, hair appointments, dresser (the man dressing her) appointments, everything. Once she debuts to become a maiko, her earnings will go to paying the Okaa-san for her training and once all of those is paid, she then gets to keep her earnings. Usually, most Maikos have paid off the Okiya by the time they become Geikos which is why she talks about owning a business after being a Geiko. She actually used a pretty good analogy of the Agency and the Talent. If you're familiar with the idol world (kpop or jpop), it's pretty similar. The Agency pays for the idols' expenses including lessons in their training period, they debut and they pay back the Agency with their earnings. Sorry this became super long lol
So for anyone curious, please know that kids literally choose on their own to join this line of work. No one, especially not parents, is forcing them into it. In Japan, college is not a priority at all for Japanese kids. The majority are expected to go into the workforce after high school unless they want to be doctors or lawyers (or have enough money to dick around for 3 more years at 'university' to just delay the inevitable entrance into the workforce). So, if they choose to join this profession at a high school age, it is entirely permissible, especially as a life trade. High schools in Japan are already all over the place- if you test well, you can end up at an advanced education high school, if you test poorly you can end up at a run-of-the-mill bare-basics place, or you can choose to go to a technical/specialty high school focused on a specific subject (like seafaring or engineering). Entering into a traditional trade like this is rather like just another (albeit external) technical/specialty school. Parents are pretty hands-off in Japan, so if a teen decides to join a house like this, they'd more than likely be supported by the family in this if they have their heart set on it. :)
Parents are hands off there? Why are there stereotypes of Japanese parents telling their kids to become doctors and making it seem as if parents there are overly involved in their children's lives? Is that just assholes trying to portray one thing when its really another, or is that semi true? Anyway, I'm asking cuz you seem to be very informed and I appreciate learning about other cultures.
Even I am a Japanese and I've lived in Japan since I was born, this video made me sooo excited! She lives in the world which is completely different with mine. While she is getting some lectures or working, I go to school and talk with my friends, complain about difficult subjects, play the guitar, go to Karaoke with friends...Anyway, it's completely different! Probably, her age is not so far from mine, but she does make efforts for everything so many times as much as me. I was so moved with way she lives and I respect her very much. Seeing her attitude for her work, I decided to make more efforts for my dreams. I want to tell her thanks about that ☺️ And I'm very glad that I am a native Japanese speaker and can understand how beautiful her Japanese is. Kyoto-accent, especially about Geiko-san or Maiko-san 's one, is sooo elegant, beautiful, and cute(Kawaii)! Sorry for making it too long and my bad English.
I'm not a native English speaker either, but let me tell you, you do have good English skills! I'm excited to read your comment knowing that you're Japanese and are of an age close to Katsuhana's. It gives a little more perspective to this video. I don't understand Japanese, but listening to her talking it sounds so beautiful. I know she has been trained to speak properly and sound cute and elegant. And now, that you pointed out that her Japanese is beautifull I belive it more. Keep up with your hard work and you will see your dreams come true!
as a geisha the way u talk shows what kind of teahouse u come from so u have to be extremely careful about what u say because if u come off as rude u show disrespect to ur teahouse
As she said that tourists misunderstand .. tourists apparently confuse them with concubines that is sad and shameful as Japan tourists dont know of Japan's culture.
@@hollywoodla3420 In what way do geishas act like prostitutes? What has training in ancient performance arts got to do with sex? Every time you see a ballerina or an opera singer, do you just automatically assume they are prostitutes? If so, your mind is pretty fucked up.
I do that gesture too when I don’t know an answer to a question (I dunno when I picked it up, and I’m not Japanese) but it’s more of an instinct (?) I think, like you kinda copied and saw something for so long that u just did it, like a body language or something
2:49 I don't know why but I am in love with this scene. The way she talks is just so humble and respectful. Just look at those hands moving with such delicacy. Respect.
if it is one connected to the karyukai world... then there is a strict no first time customers rule. so you can't just walk in from the street. You have to be introduced by someone first.
@@abitearoundtheworld6125 that is absolutely wrong though. Geishas were never permitted to engage is sexual acts with any customer, in fact with anyone at all. It 'tainted' their reputation as a true artist. They were meant to be seen as beautiful and desirable, yet totally untouchable unless you had the money and status to keep them as your mistress, and even that is not the same as prostitution, as 'mistress' is an ongoing relationship.
Even the way she gestures to where she thinks Tzubaki's mother is is so traditional. Open hand, thumbs folded in. So polite. Everything about her has been trained and taught to conform to the most perfect standard of Japanese traditional femininity.
You know what... in India most of the children literally have no choice about what they want to become. I wanted to be an artist but all I end up hearing is “it isn’t a stable job”, “you will not get any respect”. I really admire Japanese culture and society. It makes you want to know more and learn more. It is so good that they get to choose their profession. I wish my country to be something like this. One more thing I like about this country is the fact that they haven’t forgotten about their culture which is highly appreciable..😍😍
do what u want forget abt everyone else u will get no respect if u do something bad India is conservative and ppl like u need to change that being an artist is ur choice not societies embrace ur skills
For some reason.I found her little "Snoopy & Friends" case cute and touching. She's adorable -- they look like little dolls (& I mean that as a compliment).
Some are national treasures and as old as the Okiyas they are from. Kimonos from these houses are reused and passed on from maiko to maiko or geiko to geiko.
I wish the western world acknowledged more careers like this, kids are pushed to success from birth as if college is some kind of magic, only 20% of jobs require a degree. My partner has 2 bachelor’s degrees and is a very smart man, but I don’t have any degrees and make about twice what he does. This is why i enjoy my son developing interests outside of school such as music and art, I’m not pushing him to college unless he chooses. Traditions like these, so full of culture are amazing and I think it’s great many wish to preserve them.
Xaforn I mean this is a major commitment. They literally take vows to do this for life and must drop out of high school. It’s certainly commendable but it’s not something everyone could do or should do.
Well sometimes is not about the money..U may find jobs everywhere but to have a career is a different thing..So doing what u like and u study hard for it..ur partner is a career oriented person ..So he may not earn more in his job but if he is satisfied and happy..That's what import ant..And where I live I know people who have degrees and end up earning really high salary..So it really depends..
I think college is one of the biggest too offs. Pay $$$ to get a degree that " might" help you earn decent money if you're lucky. It you might end up with a crappy job anyway. Aside from doctors teachers and really complex jobs...you can learn most skills in the job.
While it's not as intricate, or as ancient. You can look at Native American Pow Wows. I've grown up learning how to sew intricate dresses, produce beadwork and style hair and pin feathers into my family members hair. I've had to train myself to become a stylist, seamstress and massage therapist. As I said. The practice isn't ancient, or time demanding (as it is seasonal). But the amount of preparation and hard practice that goes into it really makes you appreciate your time with homework and the remainder of "American living" lol. Especially when you're travelling at the start of April, and stopping mid November.
This is incredibly inaccurate. Have you even lived in Japan ! Because i was born and raised i Kyoto and in Japan if you do not succeed , you are considered a pariah and therefore the parents will make sure their kids enter the best kindergarten in order to enter the best high school and end up in the best possible university brain and money can afford. Entering the Karyukai is not a choice any parent will find acceptable for their daughters unless the parents are really low on the social scale in japan. Even Kabuki actors parents do not want their daughters to become Maiko or Geiko, and i do not know a single middle class, middle up or middle upper class family in Japan whch will support their daughter's choice to become a Maiko, not even my mother, although this is the world she actually comes from. If she had a daugher she would have made up a doctor or a lawyer or sent her to the best school and universities ion the country to make sure she ends up in a comfortable job with a high wage and in a position of power. But my mother only had a single child, me, a boy and therefore she sent me to the best kindergarten and then abroad on boarding school in switzerland while she kept on working tirelessly in Tokyo Kagai after quiting Kyoto. She agreed to train only one girl in her entire career, and only because she knew she could provide a position for her in Akasaka, the best Kagai of all Japan where the women are not only expert dancers and musicians but all carry academic studies. Her "daughter" is a graduate from Keio university in geopolitics and owns an MBA in finance, so when she entertains customers (mostly politicians and big companies executives) she knows exactly how, not to bore them with just dance and songs and pouring sake (any cheap hostess can do that). But being a Maiko in Kyoto, without disrespect, is like working at starbucks today. Your wage is fixed and very uncertain from a year to another, and you mostly entertain tourists because real patrons have long deserted the Kyoto Kagai and only a handful of local traditional businessmen or theater related men still visit the Ochaya of the city. Geiko are struggling to make ends meet, and with the Coronavirus now, the Kyoto Kagai is dead and Okiya are shutting down every week. You just have to see the number of Maiko and Geiko's Hikizuri and other accessories available for sale on every possible second hand Kimono retailer today. Okiya used to shut down to open Maiko and Geiko kitsuke studio (dressing up as a geisha shops) but since all the tourists have now also deserted Kyoto, even the Maiko Henshin studio are shutting down. Parents are no fool in Japan and know how uncertain this job is for a girl, and no parent with half a brain would ever support their daughter into that trade. Just like in Japan it is a HUGE stigma not to pursue studies after high school and it marks you for life as an imbecile, who can only aspire to working in a supermarket or a restaurant for the rest of your life.
This just actually fascinating to watch her get ready. I true would love watching people doing their traditional make up and dressing up. I think it's definitely work of an true artist.
Ancient Japanese society understood the power and business of beauty. It was more then just a look, it was a socio-economic symbol of time, training and effort. We might see the perverse nature of the geiko nowa-days, but it really is WORK and requires natural charisma and technical ability. Thank goodness young, contemporary Japanese women are carrying on the tradition and finding ways to bring it to the people.
She's so elegant, I know they have fo embody the art but that little snippet of her greeting someone looking for the house mother really showed her gracefulness
Yes, that was a Kyoto accent. All Maikos and Geikos have to speak with a Kyoto accent even if they are from other regions of Japan. I don't know how they do it in Tokyo though.
Using the -hin negative is suuuuuuuper countryside dialect. I don't believe that's Kyoto dialect as you hear it mostly in (mid to southern) Mie prefecture which is neighboring Kyoto prefecture. So, there's a chance she's from Mie I think.
Geish and Maiko have to speak Kyokotoba which is old kyoto dialect. Young generation of Kyoto don't speak like the way Geish and Maiko speak. They speak like that because if they speak their own dialects, it's confusing to guests.
Yeah, it's an older form/specific to Kyoto. "dosu" instead of "desu" "hin" instead of "nai" I only ever heard old people using this or anyone doing traditional performance. Although you'll hear "hen" instead of "nai" among younger people in certain parts of Kyoto and various other features of Kansai-dialects. "kihen" instead of "konai" , "wakarahen" instead of "wakaranai" "ee-yan" instead of "ii-ne" "ookini" instead of "arigatou" "nanbo" instead of "ikura" The changes are relatively subtle with the exception of a few words and a specific Kansai honorific style. It definitely has its own unique twang that I personally enjoy, although it can sound a bit harsh to someone from Tokyo. Especially when you get drunk and start rolling your Rs haha.
Wow. I'm impressed at this woman. Having the patience to do all her makeup, wearing her hair in a single, complicated hairstyle for a week, having to gradually advance levels over the years... It truly is a unique lifestyle, and she's totally rocking it. She has my complete and utter respect
It's not focus of this video, but i love the voice of this maiko, her voice is so pretty and soothing, she sounds soft and polite and it's very relaxing to hear her speaking.
I can see how these young women can stir emotion in the people they entertain. There is a quiet beauty, strength, grace, and intelligence they possess.
Her skin is so amazing even though she has to wear the paint all the time. I want to know her secret. She is so graceful and well spoken... She’s around my age or slightly younger and I can’t imagine being like that. The traditional clothes are beautiful. This was all really well presented.
Bork PomPom the Maiko recieve an extensive education in art, literature, dance, and music. These ladies are not concubines. They are entertainers who must be able to conduct themselves with poise, grace, and confidence. It's a highly disciplined art, and one that is being lost.
Her japanese is beautiful, she talks with a Kansai-accent and at the same time in an extremely refined and old-fashioned ladylike way, kinda like a lovely aristocratic grandma.
So Pure in mind & behaviour 🌸 She is exquisite 🌸 Its like I'm watching a walking piece of Art .. Her practices are Rich in History, tradition and Virtue . Aspects that are rare in today's world . She is a treasure 👑
And my hair already hurts when I put it in a ponytail - I could not imagine all of this (although it looks absolutely magnificent and it seems like such a beautiful tradition based on my limited knowledge
Once I thought that they were just female far from modern education, but seeing how she talks and acts, I realized that living in free and highly educated environment doesn’t make me any better than them. She looks elegant and mature, like flower.
Quite the opposite. These females know more than the rest of us. Remember these ladies entertain and listen to discussions from doctors, lawyers, business men, athletes, Historians, politicians, etc. They get more exposure into those worlds than any one of us could possibly dream of. These ladies may not have the degrees or titles, but they have the vocabulary and education of many fields of professions. I would have loved to follow a geisha profession just for the free lectures I can get from my clients with doctorates degrees. Also, because I love the Arts and the structured schedule. Everything has a set of goals and principles. I love having agendas, set regime and schedule. Things must be in order.
@@LadyCoyKoi No they don't, Geisha in Akasaka and Shinbashi do but not Maiko and Geiko from Kyoto. They entertain mostly tourists and kabuki actors or local businessmen , and because they left school at 15, have basically the conversation of kids. They may entertain high dignitaries every now and then who wants the cliche photograph but smart men first of all do not indulge in the Karyukai, and the ones who do, choose Akasaka and Shinbashi which are Kagai famous for the education of their Geisha, definitely not Kyoto.
I m from India. Once in my childhood with Japanese theme I participated in PT display. The girls around approx 200 in number performed wearing kimono and with near about on our own we tried hairstyle to bring the exact look. In 90s youtube was not by seeing picture we discussed with our teachers and tried a lot of effort to perform best. But our performance was in those times was with loud applause👏👏.
seeing her “perform” in how she answered that man offscreen was incredible!! i don’t think a movie has ever actually captured the true beauty of the art of the movement than that 15 seconds of this documentary did. nice work and great choice leaving that in the editing!!
Her speech though 🥰 the way she speaks! I'm most amazed at the one week hairstyle though, and the process to put on the kimono. This is true artistry, amazing
I absolutely love the amount of commitment they pour in this! If I were a Japanese student I'd love to commit my time to this, learning art music and etiquette, perform and look elegant like that if I had the chance I'd have no problem dedicating myself to this
I remember being taught the Tea Ceremony and similar adornment dressing at my elementary school by a woman named Akeeya.It was interesting to see cups etc turned counter clockwise etc.I remember gold coins with holes strewn with red string.I never forgot how intimate the ritual was. I was touched to be shown her culture. I will never forget Akeeya.She was one of the reasons I told myself I had to travel & see the world.
I just want to say thank you for taking the time to tell you story. Your job is very hard and you do a beautiful job on your makeup. You've definitely got some talented people around you the lady that was doing your hair and the guy that was helping you put on your come out now they're doing expert work. I still can't figure out how he tied every piece a fabric so expertly.
THANKS VERY MUCH! I can't get enough of the authentic Geisha ways and what it all means. Such amazing and beautiful culture that stuns me. A lifetime of training and being like living art.
The culture and history of this practice is so rich...the women so strong beautiful and mysterious. So much respect for the beauty... I'm sorry you are disrespected by so many, it is not deserved! Thank you for embodying femininity in it's truest form
The amount of obi and sashes they put on to her makes me feel suffocated. I'm partly Japanese but I didn't grew up in Japan. When I see my cousins wearing kimono or even just a yukata, I always admire their patience to wear such heavy clothes.
a yukata is lighter a kimono is different depending on what kimono ur wearing the obi differs the kimono that dancers wear are called hikizuri kimono nd the collar is worn lower than an actual kimono so it takes alot of strings and fabric in place but a normal kimono will normally have 2 obi sashes and 5 strings(or less) 1 obi under obi, 2 the actual obi 1 mukura, 2 ties, 1 obiage, 1 obijime
I love this. Only thing in my mind when they were putting the kimono on her is WOW!! that is dedication....it sure weighs a lot. And what about bathroom.
She looks very pretty, but I would suffocate if I tried to wear that much fabric no matter how light it was. I can barely tolerate the long dresses and jeans I wear in the summer to keep from burning in 30 seconds or less....some of us are naturally super pale.
@@CARRIEFITER, they are fairly pale but I have red hair. I am paler than every Asian girl I know. The foundation I used to wear has half a bottle of white base mixed into the palest shade for sale at the makeup counter. I have to wear large hats and full coverage clothes in the sun otherwise I burn with blisters in about two minutes. One year I stayed out for an hour in August and burn through my clothes. I spent a couple days in the hospital. Save your sour attitude for yourself.
@@heathercortes9567 😂😂😂😂 girl stop being so damn self centered and making it all about you. No one here cares about your skin tone, this is about these girls and THEIR traditions. Not yours.
Whoa y’all chill this girl just talking about how she admires them for being able to do something she can’t and y’all having a go at her for explaining it? Learn from these Geisha and find yourself some manners.
The artistry and devotion to their craft has always amazed me. I have no idea how they carry all the weight of the fabric let alone dance in it! I would overheat freak out and want to rip it all off 😂
