The Foreigner - Japan Photo Essay :: Geisha and Maiko of Gion



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Geisha and Maiko of Gion

by François Bergeron

As long as the camera has existed it has been recording and reflecting about people. This collection of images, made in April 2004 during my homestay with the friendly family Yamashita in Kyoto, focuses on one of the most mysterious and prestigious women's professions in history... the Japanese Geisha which literally translates "Person of the Arts".

Most of these photos were taken in the blue hour when the Geisha (or Geiko) and Maiko (apprentice) are going to their first evening engagements. Their pace is extremely fast. Their physical allure and poise could be likened to professional dancers and actors on the stage. The combination of colorful grace and beauty, not on the stage but in the lovely evening streets of Gion, was the challenge for me to try and capture.

There are only about 200 Geiko and Maiko working in Kyoto today.

view the photos >

Comments to date: 4. This is page 1 of 1.


kikio U.S.A	Posted at 1:25am on Sunday, January 21st, 2007
HI MY NAME IS KIKIO.I'M HALF JAPENSE AND CHIANSE,I'M 15.
Maria Location unknown	Posted at 10:50am on Thursday, January 18th, 2007
wow well i love japan and all of it's customs.even back before they were industrialised( sorry if i spelled that wrong!) i loved the movie memories of a geisha. and i also loved the book it was very erotic. i loved all the characters as well. i would really love to go there one day. ohhhhh and i am a BIG FAN OF THERE ANIME!!!!
Jon Location unknown	Posted at 10:50am on Thursday, January 18th, 2007
These are the most beautiful outfits in the entire world in my opinion. There is nothing more beautiful than Geisha.
Anonymous Location unknown	Posted at 10:50am on Thursday, January 18th, 2007
You put a great effort towards this and your fact good too. The pictures are great even though some are blurry. Thank you for creating a site for these picture so other can see the uniquness and secretively of geisha. Thank you very much. The picture help me learn more about their secret world. Looking forward to a reply.

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