Nagoya: Naka

Historical Context

Modern Nagoya embodies many superlatives: Capital city of Aichi prefecture, the fourth biggest city of the country and one of the most populous areas of the whole world. But during the Tokugawa period it first came to prominence through the building of the famous Nagoya castle and the designation of the Atsuta Shrine as a wayside of the Tokaido road, an important connection from Edo to Kyoto. And as we have already explored many times: Wherever there are roads and shrines, there is hospitality for the travelers this being the ideal breeding ground for entertainment. During this time Nagoya’s silk industry reached new heights with the introduction of Kyoto style Yuzen silk dye techniques. Even to this day we can see how Nagoya’s Geimaiko borrow some influences from the ancient capital in their style.

Source: Meigiren on Facebook

And yet, Nagoya has created an absolutely unique flair in style for their Geimaiko. They have a rather modern feel, incorporating many influences of the karyukai and even managing to create something like visual rules that represent the various steps in their careers, comparable to Kyoto’s traditions.

The Look Of Nagoya Maiko

Source: Kei on Instagram

Source: The Asahi Shimbun

Source: Suzume Meigiren on Instagram

Term Used For Apprentices: Maiko

Hairstyle: Nihongami according to rank so Wareshinobu for junior and Ofuku for seniors. Next to Nara and Kyoto, the only documented Sakkou stage

Nihongami according to rank so Wareshinobu for junior and Ofuku for seniors. Next to Nara and Kyoto, the only documented Sakkou stage Kanzashi: Kyoto build up and seasonal. Sometimes whimsical and modern motifs are incorporated such as Christmas trees during December. Usage of Kanokodome in many variants

Kyoto build up and seasonal. Sometimes whimsical and modern motifs are incorporated such as Christmas trees during December. Usage of Kanokodome in many variants Make-up: Full Oshiroi, both lips painted from misedashi

Full Oshiroi, both lips painted from misedashi Kimono: For Misedashi a Kuromontsuki Hikizuri. Short furisode for daily wear in full attire, more traditional and classic motifs

For Misedashi a Kuromontsuki Hikizuri. Short furisode for daily wear in full attire, more traditional and classic motifs Eri: Always red and/ or white. Sometimes plain or patterned but not according to seniority

Always red and/ or white. Sometimes plain or patterned but not according to seniority Obi: Yanoji Musubi. Taiko musubi with casual attire

Yanoji Musubi. Taiko musubi with casual attire Obiage: Mostly untucked for juniors, mostly tucked for seniors but also up to personal tastes, oftentimes matching in a group

Mostly untucked for juniors, mostly tucked for seniors but also up to personal tastes, oftentimes matching in a group Obijime: Knotted cords

Knotted cords Obidome: No

No Footwear: Zori

Source: Yui_geimaiko_fukumi on Instagram

Source: Kei on Instagram

Source: Kei on Instagram





The Look Of Nagoya Geigi

Source: Kei on Instagram

Term Used For Professional: Geigi

Hairstyle: Geiko Shimada Katsura for most Geigi, Maeware/ Gakuya Icho Katsura for Geigi specialized in Otoko daily (male) performances

Geiko Shimada Katsura for most Geigi, Maeware/ Gakuya Icho Katsura for Geigi specialized in Otoko daily (male) performances Make-up: Full Oshiroi, even for senior Geigi commonly used

Full Oshiroi, even for senior Geigi commonly used Kimono: Hikizuri or Tomesode, Houmongi. Short for Otoko roles

Hikizuri or Tomesode, Houmongi. Short for Otoko roles Eri: White

White Obi: Tsunodashi musubi or Taiko musubi. In more casual attire also modern patterns like Christmas themes, showmen, western flowers etc. Yanoji musubi for Otoko roles

Tsunodashi musubi or Taiko musubi. In more casual attire also modern patterns like Christmas themes, showmen, western flowers etc. Yanoji musubi for Otoko roles Footwear: Zori

Source: Restaurant Ikyu

Source: Kohana_Kasuza on Instagrma

Source: Jyuan on Ameblo

Regional Noteworthiness

- A particular specialty for Nagoya’s Geimaiko is the spectacular performance of the Kin No Shachihoko. A dance inspired by protective adornments like the ones on the Nagoya castle: Golden statues depicting carps with tiger heads. During this, a skilled Geimaiko, and it is one of the first tricks acquired by young Maiko in Nagoya at that, will try and hold a very demanding pose for as long as possible. The lift their whole lower body off the floor while pressing down in their hands and chin. Indeed a great party trick, difficult to pull off, even more so in elegant Kimono and makeup. Even though it is practiced in many kagai around Japan, it remains one of the hallmarks of Nagoyas Geimaiko. They follow the prestigious Nishikawa-ryu and their perfromances considered among the best of the school.

- The Nagoya Geisha Association was founded in 1952 to help rebuild the Karyukai after the war hit the city, up to one quarter of the area was bombed, even the Nagoya castle. In 2002 it was reestablished as Meigiren Union headed by the Geigi themselves, before that the artists called themselves Geiko.

- Meigiren Union offers various services of a kenban and dance school and in some ways of an okiya. But it’s not an okiya in a traditional sense as fully fledged Geigi invest and pay in their look and training out of pocket from the start. But this means, that they can live a “normal” life outside of an okiya, in their own apartments. Maiko too live apart from their sisters.

- 2009 Nagoya saw their first Maiko debut in 20 years with Yukino. Since then there has been a steady stream of very dedicated Maiko, some of which have become Geigi and worked for many years before retirement. A historic double misedashi was celebrated in 2018.

Source: Meigiren on Facebook