Maiko
まいこ
Industry & Occupation
Classification
- Major : Service Occupations
- Middle : Customer Service and Food Service Occupations
- Minor : Hospitality Entertainment Workers and Geisha
Summary
An apprentice geisha in Kyoto's flower districts and elsewhere, learning Japanese dance, shamisen, and etiquette to become a geisha, while performing dances and hospitality at banquets.
Description
Maiko primarily belong to Kyoto's Gion and other flower districts, serving as apprentice geisha who perform dances and shamisen at teahouses and ryotei private rooms. They enter an okiya (geisha house) around age 13 and learn Japanese dance, shamisen, waka poetry etiquette, and manners from a mentor. Dressed華やかに in white powder makeup, long-sleeved furisode, and kanzashi hairpins, they undergo several years of apprenticeship before graduating to geisha. Conversational skills and hospitality are also required, making them bearers of traditional culture.
Future Outlook
Due to declining birthrates and challenges in preserving traditional culture, the number of practitioners is decreasing, but steady demand is expected to continue from domestic and international tourism and cultural preservation activities.
Personality Traits
Work Style
Banquet / Seniority-based / Store-based
Career Path
Maiko apprentice → Maiko → Geisha (after apprenticeship) → Onee-san (zashiki supervisor) → Performing arts instructor
Required Skills
Communication skills (conversation) / Etiquette / Japanese dance / Shamisen performance / Waka
Recommended Skills
Flower arrangement / Koto / Languages (English) / Tea ceremony
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Adaptability | Because responses adapted to guests' requests and the atmosphere are required. |
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Meticulous attention is needed for makeup, dressing, and dance movements. |
| Communication Skills | Conversation and attentiveness at banquets are important. |
| Learning Agility & Knowledge Acquisition | Because it is necessary to acquire multiple traditional performing arts and manners in a short period. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Because physical stamina is required, such as performing dances in heavy costumes. |
| Stress Tolerance | Because it is necessary to endure long rehearsals and the tension of banquets. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Analytical & Logical Thinking | Because advanced logical thinking is not required. |
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Because there is almost no mathematical work. |
Aliases
- Apprentice geisha
Related Jobs
- Geisha
- Teahouse waitress