JP-698332 Maiko - an apprentice Geisha

Geisha (芸者) (also known as geiko (芸子) in Kyoto) are traditional Japanese female entertainers who act as hostesses and whose skills include performing various Japanese arts such as classical music, dance, games and conversation, mainly to entertain male customers.

Apprentice geisha are called maiko (舞子 or 舞妓). The white make-up and elaborate kimono and hair of a maiko is the popular image held of geisha. A woman entering the geisha community does not have to begin as a maiko, having the opportunity to begin her career as a full geisha. Either way, however, usually a year's training is involved before debuting either as a maiko or as a geisha. A woman above 21 is considered too old to be a maiko and becomes a full geisha upon her initiation into the geisha community. However, those who do go through the maiko stage can enjoy more prestige later in their professional lives.

This postcard from Hitomi (22 July 2015) Postcrossing shows a meiko with her characteristic white make-up.