What is a Geisha?

Geishas entertain in many ways, most often being singing, dancing, music, and doing artistic and poetic performances on or offstage. The name Geisha, 2 syllables, can translate into "arts person." This translation is literal, Gei means art(s), and sha means person. Geisha entertain many people ( depending on their popularity ), or they entertain few people. Geishas are called on for several different reasons. One Geisha might be better at playing the shamisen than she is at performing or dancing, or she might be better at simple conversation than anything else. There are Geisha who have been good at many or all aspects of their training. Now, Geiko, is Kyoto dialect, while Geisha is Tokyo dialect and they both mean the same thing.


What is a Maiko?

Maikos are trained in specific areas that enable them to uphold their code when they become a full fledged Geisha. Mai means dance, while ko means child. Basically, a Maiko is an apprentice to a Geisha. A Geisha will "adopt" an up and coming future Geisha as her "sister." The adopted girl will then be trained in the same areas her sister was trained in so that she may become a Geisha. This process can take 5 to 10 years, depending on the girl's progress. The Geisha's popularity and or reputation, more often than not, depends on her Maiko sister's progress and outcome of her training.


What is the difference, really?

From what I've seen, a Geisha's style of dress is not as flamboyant and extravagant as a Maiko's. They can appear the same at times, but it is easiest to tell a Geisha from a Maiko by their appearance. A Maiko's obi is very long and wide, while a Geisha's is smaller and shorter. There is also their place of training. There are different traditions, styles, and manners that come with being a Maiko or Geisha from Tokyo, Kyoto, or anywhere else in Japan.


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