Society

Kyoto’s Traditional Greeting Ritual Meets Extreme Heat

KYOTO, Aug 02 (News On Japan) - In Kyoto’s historic Gion district, geisha and maiko made their annual rounds on August 1st—known in the old lunar calendar as "Hassaku"—to express gratitude to their mentors and local teahouse proprietresses, even as temperatures soared to a predicted high of 37°C.

The traditional event sees women dressed in formal black kimono with family crests, a striking and refined contrast to the punishing summer heat. One hostess was seen handing a sports drink to a visiting maiko, a gesture of seasonal care as Japan faces severe heat conditions.

The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued heatstroke alerts across a wide area stretching from Tohoku to Okinawa, with temperatures expected to approach 40°C in some locations.

As of 11 a.m., Kyoto had already reached 34.5°C, marking the city’s 13th consecutive day of extreme heat. Still, the maiko maintained a composed and graceful presence during their rounds.

Source: TBS

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