Kyoto, an old Japanese City filled with mystery, beauty and culture. We visited here and were extremely lucky to experience an aspect of Japanese culture that cannot be described in books, or shown on film. You may think that you can understand the beauty and elegance of the Japanese Maiko, (apprentice Geisha) from reading about them or even seeing them on TV. But I can tell you quite seriously that the real thing is so so much different. We had the opportunity, an opportunity that does not come easily to people visiting Japan, to dine with the services of a Japanese Maiko. We gathered with our host families who appeared to be just as excited as us in a fantastic room to eat, and we were served by traditional Japanese dressed in Kimonos.
As we started Tsune Momo entered the room. She was elegant, gracious and had a mysterious beauty about her from the start. Words cannot describe the power that she held just standing in the room, and her eyes, the most enchanting part of her painted face literally cause you to stop and stare when she captures you.
She offered her personal service to our table, pouring our drinks and speaking with us about her life as a Maiko and the training it involves. Unlike Geisha her hair is her own and once styled is kept the same for a week. She has to sleep on a raised neck pillow to stop it being ruined and the ornaments in her hair change as the seasons change. She had cherry blossoms hanging down on this occassion and in a few weeks it will be exchanged for that of a lotus flower.
She is only 20 years old and has been training for four years and will soon become a Geiko or Kyoto Geisha. After entertaining us she then performed a Japanese dance which was, incredible. She was so gracious with her fan, and her movements were so fluid. It was truely an experience that few will be fortunate enough to see.
She gifted us with small tags with her name in Kanji and on the back she signed her name. But like previously shown by Steve she leaves her mark by gently touching the lipstick on her bottom lip and placing it on the card, and then outlining it in the sign of a peach. Her name: (Tsune family and Momo - peach)
Then a high spot for Tsune Momo as she gets to hold a Rotary Club of Cardiff Bay banner - lucky girl!
We then had a team photo taken with Tsu ne momo under the welsh flag.
Words cannot describe how good this day was, and the memories will remain with us for ever.
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