K-Chan's Maiko Transformation

Have you ever been walking in Gion and you see the back of a makio-san with and you’re all, ooo…And then when you finally see her face you’re all, whaa? Because she doesn’t look quite right…because she’s not Japanese. Well, it’s prolly thanks to a company called Kokoro Maiko that transforms ordinary people into maiko.

R-Pool busy-body K-chan went to find out what it was all about and below is her account:

The shop was located at the end of a long stone-lined path down
Miyagawa suji in Gion. The atmosphere was really Kyoto-like.
As soon as I walked in, the friendly staff greeted me with big smiles.
They took my coat and lead me to the locker rooms where
the they explanained the whole process of transforming into a maiko.
Once I got changed into the thin robe you wear underneath the kimono,
they showed me to the make-up room. They plastered my face, neck and back with this white stuff which was really cold. I had never seen myself so white. After they were done with my face, they fitted me with a maiko hairstyle wig. Next, we
moved on to the dressing room and I got to choose from a variety of
different kimono. The fitting took about 20 minutes. The staff
were really nice the whole time and made sure my make up was perfect
until the end.

Once I looked the part, I checked myself out in the mirror a couple
times then walked over to the nearby temple with the cameraman and took about a 100 pictures. The whole outfit and surroundings made me feel like I was in a Japanese geisha movie. The cameraman showed me how to pose and where to look so it wasn’t so awkward. I got a lot of attention from the strangers passing by. Some commented on how cute I looked which made me feel like a celebrity.

I got to go home with some pretty cool pictures and an
awesome experience I could only have had in Kyoto. I think my mom
enjoyed the pictures the most. I would recommend it to anyone who wouldn’t mind taking a time slip and experiencing a day in the slippers of a maiko.

Ultimate People AT & UM

Tokyo is in the same Japan as Kyoto, less than 3 hours on the shinkansen, but oh so worlds apart. I remember when my Uncle M came to visit he said, "Damn, Kyoto is inaka!" as in, "Kyoto is country!!" Yes, maybe. But I love it. To me, Tokyo is an, exciting, futuristic place- fast and slick, edgy and modern. And sithin this once-removed urban grandness, there can be pockets of calm, warmth, and down-homeliness.

I know this thanks to my auntie and uncle. Such great hosts they are!!! Without fail they welcome me into their home with big-hearted graciousness. It's better than a 5-star hotel, it's the ultimate inn.

Observe: I 'm provided with my own comfy pyjamas, my own cozy futon, and a set of fluffy towels. I am handed home-made bentos to take with me, graced with healthy nabe dinners, and offered coffee and my uncle's choice bread selection in the mornings. Everything is clean, everything is in good taste. And don't forget all the dvds, records, and cds to watch and listen as I please!!!

On this trip, I learned a lot. I learned about being magnanimous, about being a good host. I learned that as a guest, it's OK to relax, and be thankful and just recieve- it's easier that way. I saw how truly kakkoii people can be by giving.

Thank you Auntie T and Uncle M!!! いつもありがとう。