Maiko Facts for Kids

A Maiko is a young woman who is training to become a Geisha in Japan. They are usually between 15 and 20 years old. Their training period typically lasts about 10 months, but it can sometimes be longer. Maiko learn many traditional Japanese arts, like dancing, playing music, and hosting guests. They are known for their beautiful kimonos, elaborate hairstyles, and special makeup.

Becoming a Maiko
- The Training Period
Appearance and Style
Life as a Maiko
- Daily Routine
Maiko vs. Geisha
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Becoming a Maiko

To become a Maiko, a young woman usually moves into a special house called an okiya. This house is run by a woman known as a okasan, which means "mother." The okasan teaches the Maiko everything she needs to know. This includes how to walk, talk, and behave gracefully.

The Training Period

The training to become a Maiko is very strict and takes a lot of hard work. Maiko spend their days learning many different skills. They learn traditional Japanese dances, how to play musical instruments like the shamisen (a three-stringed instrument), and how to serve tea. They also learn about Japanese history, literature, and how to have polite conversations with guests. This training helps them become skilled entertainers.

Appearance and Style

Maiko have a very distinct look that sets them apart. Their clothing, hairstyles, and makeup are all part of their unique style.

Kimono and Obi

Maiko wear very colorful and elaborate kimonos. These kimonos often have long sleeves that almost touch the ground, called furisode. The patterns on their kimonos change with the seasons. For example, in spring, they might wear kimonos with cherry blossom designs. They also wear a very long sash called an obi, which is tied in a special way to show they are Maiko.

Hair and Kanzashi

Maiko wear their own hair in traditional styles, not wigs like Geisha. These hairstyles are very complex and take a long time to create. They sleep on special pillows to keep their hair perfect. A Maiko's hair is decorated with beautiful hair ornaments called kanzashi. These kanzashi are often made of silk flowers and also change with the seasons. For example, in July, they might wear kanzashi with willow leaves and dewdrops.

Makeup

Maiko wear special white makeup on their faces, necks, and chests. This makeup is called oshiroi. They also use red lipstick and black eyeliner. The way they apply their makeup changes as they get closer to becoming a Geisha. For example, a new Maiko might only paint her lower lip red, while an older Maiko might paint both lips.

Life as a Maiko

Maiko live and train in the okiya with other Maiko and Geisha. They attend special events and parties where they entertain guests. Their job is to make guests feel welcome and happy through their performances and conversation.

Daily Routine

A typical day for a Maiko involves waking up early to get ready. This includes putting on their elaborate makeup and kimono. Then, they might attend lessons to practice their dancing or music. In the evenings, they go to parties or banquets, called ozashiki, where they entertain guests. After a long evening, they return to the okiya to rest.

Maiko vs. Geisha

It's easy to confuse Maiko and Geisha, but there are some key differences. A Maiko is a trainee, while a Geisha is a fully trained and experienced entertainer.

Age: Maiko are usually younger (15-20), while Geisha are older.
Hair: Maiko use their own hair, decorated with many kanzashi. Geisha wear wigs and simpler kanzashi.
Kimono: Maiko wear colorful furisode kimonos with long sleeves and a long obi. Geisha wear shorter-sleeved kimonos and a shorter obi.
Collar: Maiko wear a red embroidered collar on their kimono. Geisha wear a plain white collar.
Shoes: Maiko wear tall wooden sandals called okobo. Geisha wear lower sandals called zori.

Once a Maiko has completed her training and gained enough experience, she can become a Geisha in a special ceremony called erikae, which means "turning the collar."