On an ordinary, nondescript Tokyo street, was a decidedly far from ordinary pedestrian.
I’d heard there were still some geisha in Tokyo, but I’d never seen one, and to be honest, never really expected to. Then turning a corner there she was, quickly making her way to an appointment. A wonderfully unusual moment that was almost as surreal as it was surprising.
Coli says
Wow! After all of my years in Kansai and many travels to Kyoto, I’ve never seen a Geisha myself. Lucky you! Is that person her helper? I’m assuming that is her assistant with her? I always thought they traveled around alone.
Lee says
Yes, very lucky. Couldn’t believe it when I turned the corner. My immediate thought was she couldn’t be a real geisha, but an old fella walking by at the same time told me she was. Also checked the website of the restaurant she went in, and there were photos of what look to me like geisha performances, so I’m happy to trust his assertion.
That’s my assumption as well in regards an assistant, or helper of some kind, but can’t say for certain. My knowledge of such things is limited to say the least.
DavidT says
She looks kinda surprised to see you too!
Lee says
Yes, she was, although annoyed rather than surprised might be a more accurate description…
cdilla says
A suprising sight, but nevertheless unerringly captured.
It’s an aspect of Japanese culture that is strange and fascinating, and to see such a lady first hand would indeed be special.
After watching a documentary on Maiko and Geiko of Nara and wandering why they all had the same prefix to their name I found this site (https://geimei.tumblr.com/) which was very informative.
Lee says
Thank you.
Yeah, it really is, arguably even more so in this day and age.
Thanks for the link. A lot to go through there, and plenty of much needed information.