Secret World of Maiko
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A Maiko, also called Hangyoku (meaning โhalf-jewelโ), is an apprentice Geisha. Like Geisha, they perform various arts such as odori (traditional Japanese dances), the Shamisen or the Koto (traditional Japanese instruments) for visitors during feasts. A maiko's training typically starts at the age of 15 or 16 and they don't become a geiko until they have completed 5-years of training and are at least 20 years old. Maiko go to a special school for their training to learn about traditional Japanese culture and entertainment. In order to enter the geisha schools, the girls need to pass an introductory exam and training session. Only the most talented go on to train as maiko. Even though they are in training, maiko are already professionals and go to events and dinners as entertainers. Both, maiko and geiko, often attend events together and live together in special houses called okiya, in the geisha districts of Kyoto. It is easy to tell the difference between a maiko and geiko if you know what to look for. Maiko often wear kimonos with long sleeves, while geiko typically wear kimonos with shorter sleeves. Geiko often wear wigs without any decorations, whereas maiko have their natural hair styled very elaborately with beautiful hairpins.