You must be introduced to the okasan or proprietress of an okiya before beginning your training. She will decide whether or not to accept you into her okiya. While geishas are traditionally women of Japanese origin, a few non-Japanese women have completed geisha training. If you are in your later teens or even early 20s, it’s possible that an okasan may accept you but it’s not typical. [3] X Research source It used to be common for males to train as geishas (taikomochi), but it is not common today.
Kyoto is the center of the geisha world so it’s likely that you’ll be living in one of Kyoto’s geisha districts. [5] X Research source It’s natural to experience some homesickness during this period. Some okiya may allow young girls to undergo a brief trial period. Try this if possible, so you can see how you feel after 1 or 2 weeks at the okiya.
The work isn’t glamorous but it will teach you discipline which is an essential part of your training.
You may assist meikos and geikos in getting dressed. [7] X Research source You might be asked to kneel and say “Welcome back, madam” whenever a senior sister returns to the okiya. During this process, resist the temptation to speak out of turn or use casual language like other teenage girls do.
This phase will give you some real-world experience and will expose you to some potential clients. [10] X Research source Your okasan can help you match up with an oneesan. She should be an experienced geisha who is willing to support and sponsor you. Your oneesan doesn’t need to come from the same okiya as you, but she can be.
As part of this ceremony, you’ll be escorted to visit your various teachers and tea houses to participate in a cup exchange ritual (sansankudo) with your oneesan as well as other geiko and the senior maiko from your okiya. [12] X Research source You’ll wear the most formal attire, including a long, trailing kimono and a darari obi that features a crest identifying your okiya. Your okiya will be brightly decorated in red and white to celebrate your debut.
Instruments you may practice include taiko drums and the 3-stringed shamisen. [13] X Research source Choose whether you want to specialize in either dancing or the musical arts. [14] X Research source A geisha who specializes in music is called a jikata while one who specializes in dance is called a tachikata.
Accessories you’ll wear include ornate hair pins (kanzashi) and platformed wooden sandals (okobo). As a maiko, you’ll put chalk-white makeup (oshiroi) on your face and neck, but you’ll leave the nape of your neck uncovered. You’ll paint your lips red and will outline your eyes and brows with red and black makeup. Sleep with your head supported by a takamakura pillow to preserve your hairstyle.
During the week of your erikae ceremony, you will wear a special hairstyle and ensemble for this ceremony, which may reference your region of origin. [18] X Research source During the ceremony itself, you will transition from a maiko’s red collar to a geiko’s white collar. Additionally, your hairstyle will be undone and you’ll cover your natural hair with a wig.
Choose a unique name that illustrates your beauty and grace, includes aspirational well-wishes for good fortune or health, or includes an alluring reference to the splendor of the karyūkai. For example, a meiko with an oneesan named Tamaryô (Jewel Dragon) may choose the name Tamakichi (Jewel of Fortune). [19] X Research source
As a geiko, you will wear the white and red makeup less frequently. This is partly to distinguish you from the geishas-in-training and partly to showcase your natural beauty. Once you are an experienced geiko or have entered your 30s, you’ll only wear the white and red makeup for special occasions.
Work on generating a loyal base who will pay the full, high rates for your services. You’ll participate in public festivals and dances (odori) as well as private events with your clients. Once you’ve repaid your training debts, you may continue on as a geisha, mentoring younger trainees and perhaps eventually becoming an okasan. If you prefer, you can transition to another career after your debts are settled. Working as a geisha is not a lifelong commitment.
