Ep. 18 Geishaspotting: Private Geiko and Maiko Performance in Black Kimono to celebrate the New Year

[@Bareego]

These videos make me wish they made silent cameras. Such performances !

[@anonymousx1101]

I feel you, man!

[@samanthathompson9812]

Yes Is it really necessary to take THAT many shots?

[@amandaoakhart8081]

I agree 100%. It really takes away the immersion but clicks or not, the performers are absolutely enchanting.

[@marayagury6222]

@@samanthathompson9812 note: when they’re making newspaper, or reports, or simply reviews, etc,.. they would want to use the best picture! Especially during dances or performances like this, they can’t just ask the performer to standstill to take the best picture. So they instead took as many as possible, so when they’re back to their studio, they would re-edit, and choose the best picture. Still, the sound of the camera are scary, I almost thought it was kind of instrument XD

[@Sonsbitchesall]

I agree , and what’s fascinating to to go back and time and imagine what these performances looked like 3,000 years ago. These dances are Culture personified.

[@paranoidhumanoid]

You will never see an "oiran" perform with such class and perfection.

[@naamashnizel]

That's right! But are they any orian these days?

[@快晴-j5o]

花魁？それは彼女達にとってとんでもない侮辱です。花魁と芸妓さんの違いを学んでください。

[@KokoBirdSings]

@@快晴-j5o I did research that the Oiran have way more ornaments in their hair and don’t wear socks like the Geisha do.

[@快晴-j5o]

@@KokoBirdSings 花魁は最高峰の女性ですが売春婦です。ここに映っている芸舞妓さんは芸は見せますが売春婦ではありません。ダンサーさんに売春婦扱いしたら怒るでしょう？

[@peekaboo1575]

From what I understand Umeha San was never a maiko, she debuted as a geiko due to her age. But you'd never know it by watching her because she looks as if she has been doing it her whole life, she's a natural. Easily one of my favorites.

[@xmeimi]

You just confirmed a question I couldn't answer for years. I really couldn't figure out why I couldn't find photos of her as a maiko.

[@peekaboo1575]

@@xmeimiYep. She started in her 20s, so like I have said, she debuted as a geiko. However, if you really look for it, you can find a picture of her with a maiko's haircut. That is as close to 'maiko Umeha San' as we can ever get. As for why she had that haircut, I have no idea. Cheers!

[@hindsightpov4218]

The first performer moved so fluidly. She made it look easy.

[@DaveinOsaka]

They are mesmerizing to watch.

[@MandyMeowington5]

Right?? She made it look so effortless!! I think if I tried to dance like that, my knees would crack like glow sticks

[@queenbee5415]

She was a gaiko

[@kachi2782]

@@queenbee5415 Geiko

[@edienandy]

Her name is Umeha, she’s from the Kamishichiken district. I think I’ve read that she’s been working since the early 2000s so I bet she knows this dance like the back of her own hand at this point.

[@CarrieVogel77]

Simply stunning. These artists are living treasures.

[@DaveinOsaka]

Carrie Taylor I totally agree! Thank you for watching! Please check out some of my other videos. I think I have a few other dances I recorded.

[@CarrieVogel77]

@@DaveinOsaka Thank you so much for posting this video Dave!

[@ro-tj1wr]

8:30 Left Maiko 叶久(kanohisa) 　　祇園東(gion higashi) Traditional dance school 藤間流(fujimaryu) Center Maiko 佳つ春(katsuharu)　祇園甲部(gion Kobu) Traditional dance school 井上流(inoueryu) right Maiko とし恵美(toshiemi) 宮川町(miyagawacho) Traditional dance school 若柳流(wakayagiryu) The song is Gion Kouta, but the dance choreography is different because the area to which Maiko belongs is different.

[@DaveinOsaka]

Thank you for your information!

[@Satopi3104]

Whoops nevermind didn’t see the time stamp. Sorry about that, deleted my comment.

[@ВалентинаМ-и4ш]

Thanks for your interesting comment, i like both to see the dance and to listen Gion Kouta and was wonder why all maiko dance so different performing one dance

[@ro-tj1wr]

@@ВалентинаМ-и4ш 　There are five areas in Kyoto where geiko and maiko are active. The appearance and customs are the same, but the schools of dance are different. It is rare for five geisha and maiko to dance together as in this video. There are 5 locations:　祇園甲部 Gion Koubu, 祇園東Gion Higashi (former name 祇園乙部 Gion Otube), 上七軒Kamishichiken, 先斗町Pontocho, and宮川町 Miyagawacho. 　 kyo-tsunagu.net/kagai/　Click on (京・花街の文化) at the top and refer to the map in the illustration on the left.

[@alondrita3107]

My knees would be on FIRE absolute respect to these talented and dedicated women

[@sss956]

梅葉さんの舞は、ほんと綺麗

[@LifeofMC]

Wow, this is some kind of a cultural performance! Japan is one of the places i've been dying to visit ever since. It's amazing what technology can do nowadays as we get to witness everything without being there personally. Love it!!!

[@DaveinOsaka]

Thank you for watching and glad you enjoyed it!

[@LifeofMC]

DaveinOsaka You’re welcome!

[@ddaley001]

Very nice, The only thing that bothered me was the constant sound of cameras clicking, otherwise nice

[@Kind-hearted0000]

Thank you for sharing this beautiful art! I pray Geiko and Maiko Teahouses will survive in the time of Covid 19. What a national treasure they are!

[@DaveinOsaka]

WendiWhat? Thank you for your positive feedback and taking the time to watch. I really do appreciate it, Wendi.

[@ena9871]

The amount of time, effort and energy put into these performances amazes me. Even just watching this from home on my phone feels chilling!

[@DaveinOsaka]

Absolutely. Not to mention the time it took to make their kimono, all those accessories they are wearing and to put all that on and the makeup and hair. Thank you for watching.

[@moonrisehowler1842]

The singer's voice is very strong and beautiful. ❤

[@atuyslwrsp617]

she is geiko danyu from gion district

[@蘭-k9f]

美しい日本舞踊は、どこを切り取ってもポーズや所作が美しいお人形さんのようになります。

[@belmarmom]

It was awesome seeing the different versions of Gion Kouta being danced side by side. I have always wanted to see what the different interpretations were like.

[@DaveinOsaka]

I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for the positive comments! 👍🏻

[@dennisvance4004]

Thank you for posting this video; I have only seen photos of the Geiko Umeha until now. She has rather extraordinary eyes.

[@edienandy]

Dennis Vance right? She’s incredible. I don’t think any of them do their makeup better than Umeha.

[@Quidditch54321]

I would love to know what the gestures mean.

[@wizzardofpaws2420]

They really are the most beautiful creatures of any culture or country anywhere on the Earth. Nothing compares to their gracefulness and beautiful costumes and there perfectly lovely personalities

[@aldusb]

Absolutely agree. I can't imagine Japan without them.

[@ro-tj1wr]

0:03 Geiko 梅葉(uemha) 上七軒(kamishichiken) 梅乃(umeno)Belongs Traditional dance school 花柳流(hanayagiryu) 3:48 Geiko もみ福(momifuku) 先斗町(pontocho) 山口(yamaguchi)Belongs Traditional dance school 尾上流(onoeryu)

[@IGUniverse]

The best of all five districts

[@m.u19]

So the geiko that preformed first is called uemha or?

[@ro-tj1wr]

@@m.u19　 that's right

[@ro-tj1wr]

@@m.u19 　Umeha means plum leaves

[@brentbarnhart5827]

You can tell Maiko from Geiko Dave by their Kimono colors, their Obi, makeup, hair, and hair decor. FIRST 2 were Geiko and LAST dance of 3 were Maiko. The Obi of a Maiko goes to the floor, the Obi of a Geiko is tied high at the waste, similar to basic Kimono. In Japan only younger girls wear BRIGHT and COLORFUL Kimonos with LONG FLOWING SLEEVES, more mature woman in their later 20's and up do not have flowing sleeves on their Kimono it is culturally wrong, and their Kimonos are much more subdued, as in not so flashy. Still beautiful. (My wife is Japanese and Daughter and live in Japan, she is student of Japanese Tea Ceremony for 7 years.) Anyhow THANK YOU SO MUCH for sharing, I plan to have a nice private dinner with Geiko in Kyoto soon. My wife grew up on the mountain above Osaka, Kobe area.... Taskalaska or something like that. Apparently BOTH Geiko and Maiko have long flowing sleeves, but the gowns of the Maiko you can see are much more ornate. A Geiko also wears a wig, however a Maiko uses her own here. The lips of a Maiko are fully painted red, the lips of a Geiko are only partially painted red. Maiko always ornate hair pieces, such as flowers and such, Geiko have much more plane hair ornamentation.

[@20PINKluvr]

I thought it was the opposite with the lips with maiko partially painted red and geiko fully painted

[@robert111k]

And the length of their kimono's sleeves.

[@brentbarnhart5827]

Been awhile since I wrote the above. As you note, the proof is in the very small details. I won't claim to be an expert, but I also have been somewhat educated in it from Japanese family. I would have to brush up again. The easiest way in any dress in japanese society is that only young girls can wear flashy, or even some revealing clothing. As you get into your mid 20's you are somewhat damned to the most boring clothes in terms of color and fashion so as to not bring disrespect upon yourself. You can apply that in this case as well, loosely. if its flashy, it is probably more Mako. @@robert111k

[@gauridamodaran6128]

These dances had a story to tell and I wish some to interpret it . Such elegance, such grace such beautiful voice lamenting something but I Cnt understand . Surely a sad sing! Someone can tell me

[@nadinek6693]

This was wonderful! thanks so much Dave. I sent the link to my daughter, sister and cousins. Our mother was from Japan, her father was Russian and her mother was Japanese.

[@ChiNguyen-bc4kt]

She is so elegant. If she was me, I would be so shy that I would totally make awkward reactions, let only performing. So admire her virtues! She made the very basic activities in life look so feminine, elegant and super artistic!

[@semajjames1136]

mesmerizing, living dolls in front of your eyes. what a beauty!

[@carlosazteca8441]

Wów !! No doubt this is a first class show !! What a spiritual and cultural expression full of beauty elegance and refinement !!

[@murrr1808]

What makes this so interesting is that you can literally see different stages of a geimaiko's career in one video and see what a difference experience makes. Umeha's, while young, has been around a while, while Momifuku is a newer geiko. Both geiko's dances, to my untrained eye, seemed more expressive with more fluid and confident movements compared to the maiko. However, even within the group of maiko Toshiemi's movements seemed more fluid and expressive compared to the much newer Katsuharu and Kanohisa (although, I've always considered Toshiemi's dancing to be a joy to watch; I've seen a video of her dancing as a 2nd year maiko and loved every second of it).

[@DaveinOsaka]

I actually never thought of it that way but you are very right. I was focused very much on capturing it and dodging cameramen and never looked at the situation in detail. Thank you for your input. You made me realize I need to make more time to appreciate them and not always focusing on capturing the moment.

[@adulithien]

Toshiemi was definitely my favorite from the trio. Thanks for your excellent interpretation of what's happening

[@bento7963]

Moving, living art, wow, the music, the subtle, graceful dance movements an gestures

[@DaveinOsaka]

Yes, it’s all very magical, isn’t it?

[@HaileyKful]

So beautiful! Every move they make is intentional and graceful. Love watching this!

[@saifavalentina]

Geiko Umeha is tremendously beautiful! Thank you very much for the video!

[@DaveinOsaka]

Thank you for watching and your positive comment, Roberto. I really appreciate it.

[@saifavalentina]

@@DaveinOsaka You're welcome!

[@TheTeacher1020]

So very very tranquil, enchanting and beautiful! Thank you for posting.

[@Justanopinionnooffense]

Thank you very much for uploading this. I love the geisha culture and so this was such a pleasure❤

[@lucyrosales9797]

Beautiful performance 💖

[@ЕрденНысамбаев-е9и]

Incredible nice dancing, great music, i like watching these videos

[@briansmith5391]

Very lovely performers, very beautiful.

[@brasil1604]

Wonderful 👏👏👏👏

[@venven24]

So beautiful and elegant. Thanks for posting!

[@DaveinOsaka]

Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment! It was a beautiful event and I hope to bring more next year.

[@chalkbaby3294]

Amazing... thank you Dave... only 2nd video of yours I've watched, and now I must continue. I'm intrigued. You have sparked a new interest in me, and I feel uneducated since I am from Midwest USA

[@DaveinOsaka]

Vicki Reis I don’t think many people do know the ins and outs of the Geisha world, including myself so we are in the same boat!

[@keika8158]

감사합니다.

[@DaveinOsaka]

Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it!

[@keika8158]

@@DaveinOsaka victory miss. KM🌺

[@elbato_OP]

Thanks for this! Man it's really hard to find recent stuff from Umeha, i really appreciate you sharing man!

[@夕月夜-w1q]

Black kimono is their formal dress. The green tree in the background is a pine tree, because of no change of its leaf color, a symbol of eternal prosperity. The bamboo on the right is usually decorated with a set of pine, bamboo, and plum blossoms for auspicious formal occasions, now to celebrate the New Year.

[@ingylu]

Great video, so relaxing and captivating to watch. Now, I have to comment on some of the people replying to show their annoyance at the camera sounds, saying things like "why don't they turn the sound off" and i have to laugh because as you know David, those sounds are mechanical, it's the actual sound of a DSLR's shutter opening and closing, those asking to "turn it off" made me laugh, very funny

[@DaveinOsaka]

Glad you enjoyed it! Yes not much can be done about the cameras. I don’t mind them actually. I’m just happy to be able to experience it at all.

[@Lakeslover1]

Very beautiful 🌹

[@johnharty5493]

That was great Dave. Two thumbs up!

[@JanaHaering-q3x]

So amazing ....

[@sandrinerague3267]

Wonderful 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@DaveinOsaka]

Thank you for watching l. I’m glad you enjoyed this amazing performance

[@sandrinerague3267]

@@DaveinOsaka it was just perfect !!!

[@henriques4873]

Que lindo ! É hipnótico e estonteante !

[@felixfabio4651]

Fiquei super calmo e atento.

[@seeksustainablejapan]

This is so beautiful! What a rare opportunity to be able to watch this traditional Maiko and Geiko performance- thank you so much for sharing! I was surprised how unique their dances seem to be like they are freestyling while they stay in their own dance zone but start and finish together, there doesn't seem to be much that is synchronized here. I look forward to talking with you about this experience in a few hours live on my channel's #seekingsustainabilitylive series episode 33 - so glad you can join the series + happy I can help support the great work you are doing in Japan to share culture, traditions and the authentic Japan travel experience to the world!

[@moushimoushi8963]

I hope I can help^^ the reason why the maiko aren't synchronized is because they're from different districts. Many of the same dances are preformed across the same kagai in the same area but because they're taught by different schools, each kagai has their own style ^^

[@seeksustainablejapan]

@@moushimoushi8963 that's really interesting - I didn't know that - thanks!

[@moushimoushi8963]

@@seeksustainablejapan no problem^^ if you have any other questions please feel free to ask ^^ I'll do my best to answer~

[@Zencat24]

I feel privileged to have seen this

[@DaveinOsaka]

Thank you for watching

[@KokoBirdSings]

Same ❤

[@reinedespres21]

La performance est superbe!! ❤ mais les caméras font trop de bruit, ça gâche la performance, c’est dommage.

[@浩一-c4d]

また、是非、京都に来てください！😃😃😃✨

[@osocoloso6633]

Amazing

[@neilgadsby3924]

Beautiful. I loved it. Thanks.

[@DaveinOsaka]

Glad you enjoyed it! It was a beautiful afternoon. Please check out my other videos!

[@jcwt_pdx]

Beautiful 😍

[@officialndilhm.x1]

Absoutely gorgeous thank you for this 🥰😍

[@DaveinOsaka]

I’m glad you enjoyed it. Almost decided not to film it but very glad that I did.

[@FannyGodMother]

Thanks for sharing!

[@jaynenunya6070]

I just found out I'm never gonna be able to go to Japan, due to not being able to bring my ADHD meds into the country...my heart hurts because i'll never be able to see the artistry of the geiko in person, but it's nice to be able to watch it online.

[@DaveinOsaka]

I hope that circumstances will change so that you are able to come here one day. Don’t say never. I am glad you could enjoy this video for now to get a glimpse of them. Thank you for taking the time to watch, Jayne.

[@20PINKluvr]

Theres non stimulant adhd meds like strattera.

[@jaynenunya6070]

@@20PINKluvr yeah, I tried a lot of those but none of them were helpful. my psychiatrist wanted to try medications less likely to be abused before stimulant meds, but stimulant meds turned out to be what was helpful for me.

[@mannyespinola9228]

Thank you for this video

[@DaveinOsaka]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@abhinay172]

Thank You Dave...Love your videos

[@angelbaby1811]

Absolutely stunning.

[@irisdelpino9326]

Muy romantico

[@SanctuaryHut]

Very first dancer here is Geiko Umeha such a good dancer. ❤️So demure and elegant. Hope I can meet her if I ever visit Kyoto. Can anyone tell me if she still performs?

[@moushimou3170]

I've heard rumors that she's unfortunately retired recently.

[@nikanoru13]

Excellent 🌟

[@ahsanahmed3412]

JAPANESE CULTURAL VERY NICE.

[@albertlopez6620]

Hooo uno de los vestidos y cuerpos preferidos del universo

[@neerajamb]

Thank you for sharing this lovely performance. Is there a story she’s performing? Would love to know the meaning….❤

[@marthaperezallende8470]

Hermosa

[@tatsuya8597]

とし恵美さんは登場の歩く姿も美しいし舞は別格に素晴らしい　叶久さん佳つ春さんは可愛いですね Toshiemi's dance is wonderful. Kanohisa is very cute.

[@itsmarshi-mellowi9579]

Oh my! This performance was amazing! I am really in love with Maikos and Geishas, i really want to become a Geisha in the future, but the job of being a Maiko And Geisha i really hard, but i really would love to become one of the amazing aritists.

[@DaveinOsaka]

I hope your dreams come true. You can apply by email to become a Maiko. No introductions necessary.

[@itsmarshi-mellowi9579]

@@DaveinOsaka Aww, thank you. I wish you all the best things like i wish you would get 1 million subs, luck, and many more. ^^

[@jenniferglenn14]

So beautiful!

[@DaveinOsaka]

Jennifer Glenn glad you enjoyed it! I have a lot more coming in the next few months!

[@uslines]

God, I miss Japan. Hello Kazuko wherever you are.

[@jadxenrxles7745]

This is a unique tradition!

[@DaveinOsaka]

It was an unforgettable day! Thank you for your feedback!

[@絆-q7k]

これは素晴らしい。日本の誇り。

[@aldusb]

Geiko dance movements are exceptional. Arms, hands, head, eyes, knees ... everything moves absolutely perfect, slow, fluid, graceful. It is impossible not to feel strong emotions in front of so much art.

[@rtjahyadi7868]

Japanese art is so mystique

[@DaveinOsaka]

Thank you for your time.

[@Oshidorinohina]

The people watching this performance, taking photos - will only remember watching it through a lens

[@DaveinOsaka]

And because of them -including me - you can enjoy it forever.

[@DaveinOsaka]

Please subscribe to this channel if you enjoyed this video and would like to see more content like this! youtube.com/@Daveinosaka?sub_confirmation=1

[@ashleycharlesnavarrete]

Hi Dave is it ok to wear a black kimono or it's only worn when you're going to attend a funeral in japanese culture?

[@DaveinOsaka]

Black kimono for funerals are different from these ones. I think these are for celebrations and they’re called kuromontsuki.

[@ashleycharlesnavarrete]

@@DaveinOsaka thank you for the info 💋

[@DaveinOsaka]

No problem!

[@charlottehudson4295]

I would have gotten 4 one for each season

[@Satopi3104]

The Maiko from Miyagawa cho has an interesting updo. Not ware Shinobu or Ofuku, like the Gion Higashi and Kobu Maiko. And as is the stereotype for her district, she is SO beautiful.

[@DaveinOsaka]

Satopi3104 agreed, she is stunning

[@moushimoushi8963]

She is Maiko Toshiemi-san, she became a geiko last year. Senior Maiko in Miyagawa Cho wear that hairstyle, called Yakko Shimada for important events like this (shigyoshiki)^^

[@SuperShred1]

the first one has the most perfect face

[@RaquelAlves-sj5er]

Maravilhoso!!!

[@voltafy]

The first one !

[@paulortega554]

the cameras are super annoying to the art and performance.they are all simply clickers.one shot is all it takes,to find that perfect shot is an art in itself.other than that chatter.i am enthralled and captivated by everything here.Thank you very much Dave,for your footage.

[@Stephanie-rp9ny]

😊❤

[@abigail5684]

すばらしい🤍🥺

[@loic351]

Hey Dave, try interviewing maiko or gaiko to ask them questions

[@DaveinOsaka]

Loic I will if I meet them privately

[@Marieliiit]

başımın ağrısını aldı

[@CaribouOrange]

Mmm, is it a good idea to take so many photos. It may disturb the serenity of the performer and the assistance 🤔

[@DaveinOsaka]

It’s a paid photoshoot so they are dancing for the photographers. 600 bucks a head.

[@josejuliooteros3178]

😊😊👌😊😊

[@Alqnty]

Guapaaaaaaa

[@SuperMan-xy8ui]

Is the first one Kimika?

[@antonhasilla6491]

Krásne Video natočené pozdravuje tonko zoslovenska badice toho človeka čo natočil toto krásne svetové video natočené krása fanúšik tonko prajem vám pekný deň 🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎spozdravom pozdravuje Slovák tonko zoslovenska nech zije vaša krajina krásne princezné moje krásne svetové 🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🌹⚘🌷🥀🌺🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🌹🌷🥀🌺🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🎎🌹⚘🌺

[@SuperShinkazu]

Hi. There are more geiko in the event? Will you post more videos? Thanks for sharing those. Loved it.

[@DaveinOsaka]

I think I have a couple more videos. More photos, though. If you follow me on Twitter @daveinosaka you can see my other stuff there.

[@SuperShinkazu]

@@DaveinOsaka, thank you. I'll have a look.

[@alyzak.8997]

The way they walk tho

[@mimim.2175]

Do you know what the last song was about? It seemed like the three were trying to convey different things, but i dont know what

[@DaveinOsaka]

I’m sorry. I have a list somewhere and I’ll have to get back to you.

[@sunnydays4890]

Если включить с этой то класно

[@sunnydays4890]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXisY6h8jt6mrdk

[@greenan2073]

日本人形ですね🎉素晴らしい🎉

[@chriseven4617]

🌹🇧🇩💖🇯🇵🌹

[@laurmicu2867]

how in all gods name did you get the permission to film? little big luck?hmm?

[@DaveinOsaka]

Through a friend.

[@GrippyRocks]

So annoying the noises of the cameras! Why do they allow that?

[@DaveinOsaka]

It’s a photo shoot and they paid to be there so not much I can do about that.

[@GrippyRocks]

@@DaveinOsaka I'm planning to go someday, glad that's an exception :)

[@lpmina6883]

WHY can't they just take photos in silent mode ! So much noise in what is supposed to be Art. Amazed the geisha is still dancing, and has not left the place in anger.

[@DaveinOsaka]

It was arranged specifically for the photographers who paid about 500 dollars each to freely take photos. I can understand how you feel though. I was one of the very few people that took video.

[@malvina172]

👏)