Ichisayo

She is one of my favorite Geiko of Pontocho and probably one of the most successful and elegant Geiko of Kyoto. Ichisayo, a luxurious name for a truly exquisite artist.

It would be a great privilege to meet this amazing Geiko in person one day as her patrons and sister alike speak highly of her with stars in their eyes. Of her sophisticated and elevated conversational skills, her silky voice, her refined manners and captivating style.

Ichisayo is a Kyoto native but she was also born into the kagai. Debuting from Pontocho’s top okiya, Ichisayo has had a great start to her career but the fact that she was her districts most successful Geiko for years is due to her own hard work and determination. There are never to many pictures of perfect Ichisayo-san and her legendary ensembles and looks have left a deep impression in the karyukai already. The photo by Watanabe-san of her descending temple stairs with a delicate parasol in her hand have gone around the world as the epitome of Geiko style.

Source: Nicolas Bobier on Instagram and Watannabe-san on Flickr