Hanayo

Such a beautiful set of photos!

While photo shoots with Kyoto’s Maiko are a regular part of their job, Tokyo’s Hangyoku still do not get the same exposure. This is one of the reasons why so many girls from all over Japan strive to become an apprentice in the old capital as opposed to becoming a trainee in their local hanamachi. Kyoto’s girls are just such a symbol of their whole craft. But Tokyo’s Hangyoku and many trainees in other parts of Japan also have some job benefits of their own. For once many of them live their private lives separate from their work even though they still have to put many hours into their education. And then some of them can just opt to be a Hangyoku part time, in Mukojima where Hanayo-san is currently living and working, they are called Kamome.

Kamome can simply come to work in the evenings and pursue other interests and occupations during the day. This distinctive feature has been one of the modern interpretations of the Geisha’s job description. It’s a way to make the work a little bit more enticing to new recruits. The part time Geisha still have a high standard to live up to and must work hard to keep up with their peers who work full time and dedicate their whole lives to the profession. A second job is simply out of the question for full time Geisha as they don’t have enough hours in the day for all the work and study they have to invest to deliver their high grade of entertainment.

Some Kamome and Hangyoku go to college during the day and give it their all during ozashiki in the evenings. They learn the manners of the karyukai, learn to dress in kimono and learn some musical skills while their elder sisters patiently assist them in their daily lives. In this way the community of Mukojima has really succeeded in remaining relevant throughout the last years and the numbers speak for themselves: Mukojima is the biggest hanamachi in Tokyo.

Hanayo is a full time Hangyoku though, associated with Sakurachaya, a prestigious ryotei, one of 20 in Mukojima. She is seen often with her sister Natsume and is a very popular Hanygoku-san. Her beauty is one of the reasons for her popularity and she is a natural in front of the lens. And while the Kyoto Maiko photo sessions are definitively a treat for the eyes, it is a pleasure to feature one with a Hangyoku for a change.

Source: kyoto_insider on Instagram