Maiko
A Maiko is an apprentice Geisha. Although it’s only a ceremonial role these days, becoming a Geisha requires a great deal of dedication and has a lot of status attached to it. They leave their families at a very early age (sometimes 16) and aren’t allowed much contact with the outside world in the form of friends or technology. Japan is a fairly hierarchical society and this lady had lipstick applied only to her bottom lip to indicate that she was junior. This photograph was taken at a tea ceremony in Kyoto which is these days held only as entertainment for tourists. The Maiko performs a dance and does some singing as well as making tea for her guests (EM122602_AP)
Maiko
A Maiko is an apprentice Geisha. Although it’s only a ceremonial role these days, becoming a Geisha requires a great deal of dedication and has a lot of status attached to it. They leave their families at a very early age (sometimes 16) and aren’t allowed much contact with the outside world in the form of friends or technology. Japan is a fairly hierarchical society and this lady had lipstick applied only to her bottom lip to indicate that she was junior. This photograph was taken at a tea ceremony in Kyoto which is these days held only as entertainment for tourists. The Maiko performs a dance and does some singing as well as making tea for her guests (EM122602_AP)