Yamagata: Yamagata

Historical context

Yamagata was never a big kagai. Even during the Taisho era there where only around 150 active Geimaiko and steady decline almost extinguished the kagai by the 1980s. Few Geiko managed to stay active throughout to pass on the culture. By 1996 there where no Maiko-debuts, just junior Geiko. At that time a group of traditional arts enthusiasts and the Yamagata tourism bureau got together to found the Yamagata Traditional Performing Arts Promotion, an organization that finances the Maiko’s training and attire. Since then the program has had a significant influence on the look and feel of Yamagata Maiko.

After completing high school, girls can sign up for a 5 year tenure like in Kyoto, but i wouldn’t compare the apprenticeships in any other way: After a half year minarai period, a Maiko can perform in front of clients and capitalize on her charms and flamboyant looks. During the day she can study or follow another part time occupation and get summoned to ozashiki at night but she still has to learn the traditional gei. This is why the training period is just as long as in Kyoto. That doesn’t mean that it’s less demanding, it’s just different. Many girls start off as Maiko because they enjoy traditional arts and see the training as a way to refine their manners.

When a Maiko comes of age, she can decide to become Geiko or retire. Maiko and Geiko live relatively separate lives and don’t live in okiya but the Geiko mentor the apprentices and help them do their best, be it at dance recitals or during ozashiki. The artisans of Yamagata belong to the subcategory of Onsen Geisha, their form of entertainment is completely different from the ones in Kyoto or Tokyo, also catering to first timers and tourists. Many of the ozashiki are not intimate affairs but are big venues held in banquet halls of hotels instead of ochaya. Nonetheless these girls are diligent performers, willing to work so hard to keep the traditional arts alive in Yamagata, they are not to be underestimated.

The look of Yamagata Maiko

Source: Yamagata News

Term used for apprentice: Maiko

Hairstyle: Katsura in Momoware.



Katsura in Momoware. Kanzashi: Clusters of small and colourfull flowers for all Maiko stages. Sometimes with shidare. Apparently not seasonal so the ornaments can be used regularly, i have only seen two types of flowers used (unless i’m mistaken). Big and prominent chinkoro. Symetrical positioning of the hairornaments, sometimes two bira ogi or two daikan on either.



Clusters of small and colourfull flowers for all Maiko stages. Sometimes with shidare. Apparently not seasonal so the ornaments can be used regularly, i have only seen two types of flowers used (unless i’m mistaken). Big and prominent chinkoro. Symetrical positioning of the hairornaments, sometimes two bira ogi or two daikan on either. Make-up: Oshiroi, full lips painted at all stages.



Oshiroi, full lips painted at all stages. Kimono: Oh-Furisode in very flashy colours and patterns. When performing in Somaro teahouse, the most colourful and bold patterned kimono are chosen. Probably because Somaro caters to tourists and offers photosessions with the performing Maiko.



Oh-Furisode in very flashy colours and patterns. When performing in Somaro teahouse, the most colourful and bold patterned kimono are chosen. Probably because Somaro caters to tourists and offers photosessions with the performing Maiko. Eri: Mainly white eri with multicoloured, delicate patterns for every stage Maiko



Mainly white eri with multicoloured, delicate patterns for every stage Maiko Obi: Narrow obi tied in Yanoji musubi



Narrow obi tied in Yanoji musubi Obiage: Untied for every stage. Sometimes all Maiko will wear the same model.



Untied for every stage. Sometimes all Maiko will wear the same model. Obijime: Yes but no obidome

Yes but no obidome Footwear: Zori



Source: Maiko.Somaro on Facebook

Source: Yamagata Maiko Fostering Association

Source: Nao Unno on Instagram

Two Maiko and a junior Geiko

Source: Fastjapan.com



The look of Yamagata Geiko

Source: dining-iruka on Dolphins blog

Term used for professional: Geiko

Hairstyle: Yohatsu, Geiko shimada katsura on special occasions



Yohatsu, Geiko shimada katsura on special occasions Make-up: Everyday make-up, oshiroi on special occasions



Everyday make-up, oshiroi on special occasions Kimono: Tsukesage/ Houmongi with white nagajuban, kurotomesode hikizuri on special occasions



Tsukesage/ Houmongi with white nagajuban, kurotomesode hikizuri on special occasions Obi : Taiko musubi with houmongi, Hakata obi paired with kuromontsuki



: Taiko musubi with houmongi, Hakata obi paired with kuromontsuki Footwear: Zori, geta paired with kuromontsuki



Junior Geiko: Wear tomesode kimono, oshiroi and katsura for ozashiki in Somaro ochaya and other public or semi-public appearances but not on stage. It seems as though the full regalia is only aimed at tourists and not regular clients.

Source for Geiko Photos: Yamagata Maiko Nurturing Association

Regional noteworthiness

- Yamagata Traditional Performing Arts Promotion Co., Ltd: Set up in 1996, it recruits Maiko when needed. There are always around 8 - 10 vacant spots in this program. A Maiko has to go through a 6 month intensive training phase before she can perform before guests. After a 5 year apprenticeship, the Maiko can move on to become Geiko or retire.

- Geiko are independent and registered at the kenban.

- Yamagata’s Geimaiko entertain at various ryotei in 5 districts: Yamagata, Zao-onsen, Kamiyama, Tendo and Misawazawa. But the little Geimaiko there are do not belong to any district per se but get called to any registered ryotei and hotel.