VOL.198 NOVEMBER 2024
JAPANESE RAMEN AND ITS GLOBAL EXPANSION
[Discovering Japan Through the Eyes of Japanese Influencers] From Maiko to Influencer: The Charm of Kyoto’s Gokagai, Five Traditional Entertainment Districts
Photo: MOE
Photo: MOE
Meet MOE, an influencer who promotes Japanese home cooking to the world under the name Kimono Mom. In this month’s issue, we asked MOE to talk about the charm of Kyoto’s Gokagai. *
The name I use, Kimono Mom, actually symbolizes the path I have taken. These days, I introduce Japanese home cooking as an influencer, but I used to spend my days as a maiko (apprentice geiko) and geiko ** in Kyoto. Those experiences are deeply rooted in my life, and they have made me who I am today.
Kyoto’s Gokagai—the five traditional entertainment districts of Gion Kobu, Miyagawa cho, Pontocho, Kamishichiken and Gion Higashi—are where maiko and geiko keep their traditions alive. This is where young maiko go through strict training to become fully qualified geiko. The traditions and customs handed down through this process are the fruits of the hard work done behind the scenes in this glamorous atmosphere.
Each of the accessories worn by maiko and geiko has its own meaning. For example, the kanzashi hairpin of a maiko is different for each season. Its design symbolizes her growth and development, and is a way to remind her customers of the changing seasons. Each kimono she wears, from the colors and patterns to the materials used, signifies good fortune and has its own story to tell—about the four seasons, or the New Year holiday, or another special time or occasion. Such careful attention to detail embodies the traditional Japanese sense of beauty.
Photo: MOE
On the other hand, although the life of a maiko may seem glamorous, there are also hidden hardships. One is the custom of sleeping on a takamakura *** (high pillow) to maintain the unique nihongami (traditional Japanese hairstyle).**** I remember the first time I slept on a takamakura, my topknot kept falling apart, and I had to redo it many times. Even so, as I gradually accustomed myself to it, I learned patience and attention to detail. I eventually gained confidence through each of these daily experiences—the confidence that supports me today.
These strict rules and customs refined many facets of my character, and in the processes I felt a kind of sense of accomplishment. The etiquette, patience, and lovely manners I learned through these experiences have been of great help to me in my current activities.
Photo: MOE
I think Japanese traditional culture is very attractive to people from other countries. My own experiences have made me aware of Japan’s beauty and depth of culture. I hope to continue sharing this wonderful culture with the world.
MOE（Kimono Mom）
An influencer who promotes Japanese home cooking to the world. After retiring from her work as a maiko and geiko in a Kyoto’s kagai, traditional entertainment district, she launched her YouTube channel “Kimono Mom” in February 2020. Her videos mix in English and include introducing Japanese home cooking while wearing a kimono.
* General term for the five traditional entertainment districts where ochaya (establishments where geiko and maiko entertain their customers with dance, song, ozashiki asobi (traditional Japanese party games), and others) are concentrated. Kyoto’s five traditional kagai are as mentioned in the text.
** Geiko are the women who carry on traditional entertainment (see *) based in Kyoto’s Gokagai. Geiko apprentices are called maiko.
*** A type of pillow used to prevent the nihongami from falling apart. A typical example is the hakomakura (box-shaped high pillow).
**** A general term for female hairstyles worn in Japan for centuries. Most involve tying the hair into a bun to form a topknot on top of the head.
***** Its hollow body is lined with leather, and struck it to make a sound. Also called ko.
By MOE
Photo: MOE
