Maiko and geiko use a geimei (stage name) until they choose to retire. One prominent youtuber, Kimono Mom (Moe), has been open about her past as a geiko. She is a rare exception. She has visited her former ochaya/okiya, Tama, with her family in a couple of videos. Current maiko have even addressed her as 'onesan' (big sister).
Thanks for video, though it is weird there are many videos like yours on UA-cam and no problem with maiko or geiko identity, it is unusual why they decided to ask you not to show her identity
They ask not to reveal maiko's face/identity of all the customers of this particular experience. I tried to understand why because like you said, there are tons of you tube videos where people show maikos and geikos at public special events or just walking to work, but from what I understand, because during this private experience you get to learn a lot about the maiko, including her name and about her life - I think they are afraid that information will be posted. And technically it is considered "illegal" to film entire private ceremonies (like the maiko's tea-making ceremony, which we were not allowed to video at all, only photos). I wanted to respect the guide's and the maiko's wishes.
Taking photographs of "geishas" is considered bad manners, and is outright banned in some areas. The few ceremonies that are more forgiving and even include a photography permission are often meant to be kept private. I visited Kyoto and such tea ceremony myself last year.
I love the aesthetic of the maikos and geishas. I want to dress like this at least once in my life one day ❤
They look like dolls! They are so beautiful! Thanks for sharing
Ariguto gozaimasu maiko-San, geiko-San, and the people of the hanamachi for all your hard work!! Ariguto for up loading the video.
"Arigato"
@natalian.1320 hai! Arigato!!
Maiko and geiko use a geimei (stage name) until they choose to retire. One prominent youtuber, Kimono Mom (Moe), has been open about her past as a geiko. She is a rare exception. She has visited her former ochaya/okiya, Tama, with her family in a couple of videos. Current maiko have even addressed her as 'onesan' (big sister).
Fascinating.
Thanks for video, though it is weird there are many videos like yours on UA-cam and no problem with maiko or geiko identity, it is unusual why they decided to ask you not to show her identity
They ask not to reveal maiko's face/identity of all the customers of this particular experience. I tried to understand why because like you said, there are tons of you tube videos where people show maikos and geikos at public special events or just walking to work, but from what I understand, because during this private experience you get to learn a lot about the maiko, including her name and about her life - I think they are afraid that information will be posted. And technically it is considered "illegal" to film entire private ceremonies (like the maiko's tea-making ceremony, which we were not allowed to video at all, only photos). I wanted to respect the guide's and the maiko's wishes.
Taking photographs of "geishas" is considered bad manners, and is outright banned in some areas.
The few ceremonies that are more forgiving and even include a photography permission are often meant to be kept private.
I visited Kyoto and such tea ceremony myself last year.