Hello everyone! I’m Saki Ono, a makeup staff member!
Following on from last week, we’d like to share some more Maiko’s trivia with you!
Last week we introduced you to a day in the life of Maiko!
You can read Maiko’s Trivia, which we introduced previously, by clicking here!
*Click on the red part to see the previous blog.
In this blog, I would like to introduce you to Maiko’s grooming.
Maiko‘s kimono changes with the seasons, just like our clothes.
Even with everyday clothes, if you wear the same clothes all year round, you might feel too hot or too cold.
-About Kimono and Obi-
Maiko’s kimonos and belongings change little by little as she gets older.
For the first two years or so, the collar is a gorgeous red one embroidered with gold and silver threads, and the shoes are cute with red laces.
*The collar is called ” Eri”, and Maiko’s shoes are called “Okobo” in Japanese.
It’s surprising to think that there is such a big difference between just these two.
In fact, there are many traditions, cultures, and details behind Maiko‘s dressing that only those who are very knowledgeable about it would understand.
Knowing a little about kimonos might make walking around Hanamachi in Kyoto that much more enjoyable!
In addition to Maiko‘s kimonos, regular kimonos also come in a variety of patterns.
I recommend researching regular kimonos as it is deep and very interesting!
[Kimono]
Maiko is wearing a kimono that suits the season.
This is because wearing a kimono made of the same fabric all year round can make you feel either too cold or too hot.
It’s the same as how we wear clothes with different sleeve lengths and fabrics depending on the season.
Now, I would like to introduce you to the kimonos they actually wear.
“Kuromontsuki”: The kimono worn for three days starting from a Maiko‘s debut day, and during New Year’s. This kimono is made of plain black fabric and features a mark called “Kamon” in five places, on both sides of the chest, both sleeves, and the collar.
“Hitoe” : The kimono worn in seasons with relatively comfortable temperatures, such as spring and autumn. It is an unlined kimono made from a single piece of fabric, and is characterized by its lightness and breathability.
“Awase”: The kimono worn during the slightly chilly season from October to June of the following year. Unlike “Hitoe”, it has a lining, so it has excellent heat retention and you can stay comfortable even in chilly seasons.
“Ro”: The kimono worn during the hot season from July to August. It is made of thin fabric and is characterized by good ventilation.
✨Maiko’s Plus One Trivia✨
One of Maiko‘s events is called “Hassaku”.
This event was held on August 1st of the lunar calendar and is still held every year today.
August 1st on the lunar calendar corresponds to September 5th today, but this event is still held on August 1st, just as it was in the past.
For this event, Maiko wears a “Kuromontsuki” made of “Ro”.
On this day, Maiko and Geiko wear “Kuromontsuki” kimonos made with “Ro” and go out to greet the people who have always been kind to them.
This is done to express gratitude to the other person and ask that they continue to do business with you in the future.
The kimonos worn to work at “Ozashiki” also have different designs depending on the season.
They wear kimonos with seasonal designs, such as cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in autumn.
[Obi]
Maiko‘s obi is called a “Darari Obi”.
This obi is wider than a regular obi and is 6 to 7 meters long.
In Japan, something that hangs down long is sometimes called “darari”,and it is said that the name “Darari Obi” comes from the fact that it is tied so that it hangs down long.
The obi used is a type of obi called “Maruobi”, which is generally worn by Japanese people when wearing formal kimonos.
And Maiko‘s obis are particularly elaborate, featuring extensive use of gold and silver threads, such as “Kinnshi” and “Ginshi”, resulting in a very luxurious design.
As I mentioned in a previous blog, Maiko‘s kimono and obi are difficult to put on, so they are dressed by a specialized male called an “Otokoshi”.
When she first becomes a Maiko, they feel very tightthe of obi, but once she gets used to it, she finds it bothersome if it’s not tied this tightly.
Just like kimonos, “Obiage” and “Obizime” are also chosen to have designs that match the season.
A distinctive feature of the “Obizime” worn by Maiko is the decorative ornament called “Pocchiri”.
These ornaments are often made from tortoiseshell or silver, and are very luxurious, often incorporating coral, pearls, and precious stones.
Some of these “Pocchiri” are so expensive that they cannot be put a price on them, so even if you have the opportunity to meet a real maiko, please be sure not to touch these decorations.
Incidentally, it seems that “Maiko” dancers do not use the “Pocchiri” or “Obizime” accessories when wearing a “Kuromontsuki” kimono.
Did you enjoy this blog?
It’s interesting that kimonos come in various styles, just like Western clothing, and that there are so many types with elaborate decorations and expensive materials.
I plan to share more interesting facts about Maiko, so I hope you’ll read my next blog!
Next time, I would like to introduce some of the annual events involving Maiko that take place in Miyagawacho!
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