Geisha Makeover Experience

The staff of GION AYA bring to you, "So that's how it is! About Maikos" ☆ "What is New Year's for Maikos?"　

Hello everyone!
GION AYAThank you for visiting my blog(^^)/
It's December now and I've started relaxing in the bathtub. I like hot baths.

The air in Kyoto has suddenly become cooler and the city has a much more serious look!
How is your area??


Today we'll be looking at one of the seasonal winter sights in Kyoto!
"Maiko's New Year"We would like to introduce you to...!
We sometimes get requests from customers to make it look like a New Year's Maiko.
If you are wondering what to do,
If you like, please use it as a reference (^^)/

What is different about New Year's Maiko?


Maiko usually wear cute colorful kimonos,
(Kishi's BlogNow, let me introduce the outfit!
In fact, there are kimonos that can only be worn at certain events!

Here it is♪↓↓




*Source: "Kyoto's Flower District - The Traditional Beauty of Geisha and Maiko"

Ha haThat's right! It's a black kimono!!!
If you look closely, you can see a crest on the shoulder!
The black kimono with crests is called "formal attire" for both Geisha and Maiko.
I can only wear it on special occasions (like when we sell in stores or on New Year's Day)!
Anyone who gets to see a maiko wearing a black crested kimono is very lucky!

The obi is a gorgeous combination of white and gold.
The hairpins often feature pine as the main motif.

When a maiko with innocent makeup wears a black kimono
Doesn't it make you look more toned and a little more mature?

Of course, it also fits perfectly with those who wear older sister-style makeup.
You can wear it with a modest and dignified atmosphere (*^_^*)
(The difference between little sister makeup and big sister makeup isCLICK HERE!! )


and!
This is not New Year's
Maiko's attire in December

*Source: "Kyoto's Flower District - The Traditional Beauty of Geisha and Maiko"

At first glance, she looks just like a regular maiko, but
Pay attention to the hairpin


This is called "Mochihana"
It's one of the unique hairpins.!

Maiko's Mochihana hairpins have a name tag attached to them, on which they are customarily given the name of their favorite Kabuki actor (more on that later!).
What's Tsujishita's favorite part about this hairpin?

Lucky cat!!!


And this rough sea bream.
I'm sure it's the first Yurukyara. (laughs)

This hairpin is decorated with many auspicious items!
Today, December 12th, is the day of the "first day of the year"
Geiko and maiko visit their dance teacher who has looked after them this year
It is the day to start preparing for the New Year, to give thanks and to greet others for the coming year.
It's as if they are looking forward to the relaxed and warm atmosphere of New Year's.
It's an exciting hairpin.☆

During the New Year, you can also see geisha and maiko dressed in extravagant outfits, such as hairpins in the shape of ears of rice or little birds.


What does New Year's mean to maiko?

In the entertainment district where geisha and maiko live
On January 1th, there is a gathering called the "Opening Ceremony."
There, she was wearing formal attire (black crested hair, white obi, no bra, New Year's hairpin or rice ear hairpin).
Geisha and maiko from the entertainment district will all gather together.

Here, awards are given to outstanding geisha and maiko.
Everyone recites the Geiko and Maiko vow together.
I vow to continue to work hard as a top-class Geisha and maiko.
It is said to be a solemn time.

It's like having a year of abundance!
The greeting is "Congratulations!"

So cute!

I mentioned this briefly earlier, but
Maiko received the Mochihana hairpin from a Kabuki actor who has a relationship with her.
I have your name

The card with this name written on it is called "Maneki"
No, it's not the beckoning cat!
When Tsujishita first heard about it, he was impressed and said, "That's why it's a maneki-neko!"
It had absolutely nothing to do with(Lol)


So, if you could have your name on the Maneki no Kanzashi,
It seems that he has worked hard this year and has mastered his art to great effect!

It's cool, isn't it?


At GION AYA, we aim to meet the needs of all our customers.
We held a study session with all the staff about maiko knowledge and makeup.
Every day, I am improving my skills and exploring new things...
Every time I do this, I am reminded how profound the role of a maiko is.

I've digressed a bit, but
When you understand the background of maiko
I think you'll be able to enjoy the experience even more.
We have introduced you to the New Year celebrations of maiko (*^_^*)!

I want to experience being a special maiko
I want to look chic and cool

If there is anyone who says
Why not try being a New Year's maiko in a black kimono with a white and gold obi?
I would be happy if I could add a little color to your experience (*^_^*)