Busy April

April is the busiest tourist season of the year in Japan, not just for international visitors, but for domestic travellers. I've been working all kinds of crazy hours this month, so I'm sorry for not updating much!

Today I am posting pictures of some of the maiko who entertained at my company's parties this month. If you are interested in having a private geiko or maiko party with me interpreting, please visit the VIP Services section of my Hanagumo website for details.


Tsuruha, the first maiko from Okinawa, who now works in the Gion Kobu district.


Kimiyuu from the Miyagawa-cho district.

More photos are on my Flickr Photo Page.

Mokuroku

As you may have seen in our video about Yasuha's Erikae, on special occasions there are posters put outside houses. These posters are called "mokuroku", and are for wishing a maiko/geiko luck on misedashi (debut as a maiko) and erikae (graduation to a geiko).

Here is a detailed look and explanation of the one Peter commissioned for Yasuha:

Miyako Odori 2008 Video

Here is a video "trailer" for this year's Miyako Odori. We filmed it at the dress rehearsal.



I hope that if you come to Kyoto this April you will get to see the dances!