What's this? Book review of Hiroshi Mizobuchi's "Kyo-Maiko Saijiki" photo book.

Impressions: The book's photographer has been in the very enviable position of being the de facto official photographer of geisha (geiko) and maiko in Kyoto since the late 1970s. Over the years, he has published a number of photo books on Kyoto's geisha and maiko. His books are even sold in the lobby of the theater where the annual Cherry Dance (Miyako Odori) is held.

His photos are picture postcard-perfect. A little too sugary for my tastes, but they serve well to illustrate the geisha world and to educate the masses about Kyoto's geisha and maiko. The photos show all the different seasonal rituals, ceremonies, and public dance performances done by the geisha and/or maiko. All the pictures are captioned. Unfortunately, there is no English.

Each of the chapters in the book covers one of the geisha districts of Kyoto such as Gion, Pontocho, and Miyagawa-cho.

It also provides a short description and history of each geisha district including maps. The book was originally published in 1995, but a second printing was made in fall 2001. (Reviewed by Philbert Ono)

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What's this? Book review of Hiroshi Mizobuchi's photo book.

Impressions: First, you should be familiar with a few basic terms. "Geisha" refers to geisha outside Kyoto, such as in Tokyo. The geisha in Kyoto are not called "geisha." They are called "geiko." And the young women who enter the geisha world aspiring to become geisha are called "maiko," usually defined as apprentice geisha/geiko. There are other geisha-related terms, but just remember these three.

The geisha/geiko and maiko can be distinguished by the type of kimono, hair style, and make-up worn. The most obvious sign of a maiko is the long kimono sleeves that drop down below the knees. The geisha/geiko's kimono is less gaudy and the sleeves are much shorter.

This book documents the transformation of a 15-year-old Kyoto-born girl who enters the geiko world as a maiko in 1993 and becomes a geisha eight years later. Her grandmother and mother were geiko as well, so she actually underwent training to become a geiko since childhood. Girls aspiring to become a maiko or geiko are not allowed to wash dishes, mop/sweep the floor, and any other chores that may ruin their hands. So if you hate house work, become a geisha/geiko/maiko.

The book first shows her getting made up and dressed in a kimono. That's her real hair, and not a wig. She is named "Ichisuzu." The cover picture shows her first day as a new maiko. Then went on to make the rounds to over 100 tea houses for ceremonial greetings during three hours. It's her first step as a maiko.

The book quickly progresses through her development into a geiko. It shows her at dance practice and participating in various events such as the annual Miyako Odori (Cherry Dance) performed by Kyoto's maiko and geiko. The book also documents related activities such as putting on make-up, putting on a kimono, hairdressing, and the craftsmen who make the various implements and ornaments used by maiko and geiko.

Five years later in 1998, she finally becomes a full-fledged geiko. Geiko wear a wig instead of using their real hair. The kimono is also different. The book then shows some of her activties as a Kyoto geiko up to Jan. 2000.

All the photos are dated so you can keep track of the time line. The pictures have a brief explanation in Japanese and an English title. Many of the Japanese kanji have furigana, so it may help you learn to read Japanese. The photography is very nice, but a bit too nice. All the photos are in color, and they look really dreamy and fantasy-like. They show the best side of maiko/geisha life and not the harsh reality. The best shot is of her in plain clothes without geiko make-up. She looks like any ordinary young woman. (Reviewed by Philbert Ono)

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