Society

Kyoto geiko entertainers begin New Year greetings

Dec 14 (NHK) - Traditional female entertainers in Japan's ancient capital of Kyoto are offering early New Year greetings to their teachers.

In Kyoto's Gion district, December 13 is regarded as the day for starting preparations for the coming year.

A group of geisha, known as "geiko," and their "maiko" apprentices wearing colorful kimono visited their dance teacher, Yachiyo Inoue.

They exchanged greetings in a room decorated with rice cakes. The students thanked their teacher for her support during the past year. Inoue gave them folding fans.

A maiko called Asuka said her teacher wants her to do her best in a dance performance at next year's festival. The Miyako Odori is held every April in Kyoto.

Asuka said she realized in the past year what was lacking in herself, and hopes to use what she has learned next year.

Source: Kyodo

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