The “gei” of geisha means art. Geisha are of course skillful in the social art of entertaining guests at parties, but the soul of a geisha lies in her mastery of traditional performing arts. Geisha often study all aspects, but usually go on to specialize in either dance (Nihon buyô) or traditional music, including the shamisen, singing, drums, or flute.

2003

As a maiko,

performing in a public dance

2006

playing the kozutsumi drum

2003

while still a maiko,

playing the shamisen at a recital.

Shinahide

from Pontochô in Kyoto

2004

now a geiko, in a public dance

Pontochô geisha performing a short popular piece called Gion Kouta at a party in Kyoto, 2007

Kazumi

Tomoyuki and Hisano