Geiko of Gion: Ichisuzu & Mameyoshi "Natsu wa Hotaru"

Geisha have existed for approximately 400 years in Japan. A Geisha's job is to be the ultimate hostess and life of a party. This includes dancing, singing, and playing musical istruments like the Shamisen. Maiko are apprentice Geisha who's training last for about five years. Stages of Training are Shikomi, whose job is to do chores around the Okiya. Then Minarai, apprentice maiko, which literally means "watch and learn" and they get to go to geisha parties called Ozashiki. Minarai become Maiko after their Debut, Misedashi. And after about 3-5 years, maiko will become Geiko through a Ceremony called Eri-Kae, AKA Turning of the Collar. Transitioning from the maiko's red collar to the geiko's full white one.

Ichisuzu became a Maiko in 1993 and became a geiko in 1998. It has been ten years since. She has enjoyed a very successful career as a geiko. She has two younger sisters named Ichiyuri, who just became a geiko, and Ichiwaka. She belongs to Gion Kobu. Update: Ichisuzu has retired from Gion Kobu sometime either this year or late last year... She will be missed.

Mameyoshi is a Jikata Geiko. Literally Translates as "One who Sits." She is well known in Gion in Shamisen. Jikakta Geiko are geiko who specialize in singing and playing instruments rather than dancing. Mameyoshi used to be a maiko, and a maiko has to study instruments and dancing. But when you become a geiko, you can actually chose one over the other.

For more information about Maiko, Geiko, Kimono and Japanese culture, please visit the TsurukoMaiko Forum.

http://tsurukomaiko.freeforums.org/index.php

"Natsu wa Hotaru"

Natsu-wa Hotaru-no Tomoshibi-ni
Mijikaki Yowa-wo kuyokuyo-to
Nakiakashitaru Hototogisu
Aogeba kao-ni warawara-to
A-re Murasame-ga Sode uchifurite
Yoi yoi, yoi yoi, yoi, yooiyasa

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Ichisuzu
• Geiko
• Maiko
• Geisha
• Kyoto
• Japan
• Tokyo
• Hanamachi
• Gion
• Kobu
• Art
• Kabuki
• Kyomai
• Nihon
• Buyo
• Natsu
• wa
• Hotaru

[CNLentertainment]

who is singing??

[DameDiabolique]

Read the Video Description please

[Miyofuku]

To bad, that Ichisuzu retired....

[DameDiabolique]

Yeah, it is a shame. She wrote a book about her experiences as a Maiko and when she became a Geiko. It's called Gion Ichisuzu and you can find it on Ebay and the sellers are very trustworthy.

But please support her younger sisters Ichiyuri, who recently became a geiko, and Ichiwaka, a very cute little maiko.

[kirihime666]

Wow! I didn't know that Mameyoshi had beutiful voise!

[osbourn15]

When Maiko do this dance it's different. I just now realized it was the same dance but different movement.

[porta0toda1la2vida]

I can dance this song, but I have no a kimono for dance...

[Bruuba]

Mameyoshi is by far the most talented jikata geiko I have heard. Thanks for the wonderful video!

[Anaikimaru]

Love this video- I love when I get a chance to go back to videos and enjoy them again. Thank you for the updated information- I feel this song is beyond my capabilities at the moment, but I hope to learn it in the future. :)

[beskim]

men you just make me wanted to go back to japanese classes, doumo arigatou ! :-)

[vampireloveswerwolf]

Very beautiful video and very interessting informations, thank you ^^

[DameDiabolique]

I just found out. The song is called Natsu wa Hotaru. I updated the description with lyrics included thanks the a user on Flickr named amarukos.

[Bruuba]

Such a great dancer <3 And the voice of the singer is great, too.

[MafaLey]

What history talk about this dance?