08-21-2006, 01:30 AM
An association representing Kyoto's traditional Geisha district said there were once as many as 200 apprentice geisha, but by the end of March 2004, the number had dropped to just 58.
Since it has become difficult for teahouses to find apprentice geisha who are descendants of geisha or who have connections with the area, more are advertising for apprentices online. As of the end of March the number of apprentice geisha in Kyoto stood at 75, the highest in 10 years.
"I adored the apprentice geisha when I came to Kyoto on a family trip," said one 16-year-old girl from Ishikawa Prefecture who is now undergoing training and plans to begin working at an establishment this autumn. "I thought ordinary people couldn't become apprentice geisha, but I saw the advertisement on a Web site and thought it was my chance."
Complete article: http://mdn.mainichi-msn.co.jp/national/news/20060821p2a00m0et008000c.html
Since it has become difficult for teahouses to find apprentice geisha who are descendants of geisha or who have connections with the area, more are advertising for apprentices online. As of the end of March the number of apprentice geisha in Kyoto stood at 75, the highest in 10 years.
"I adored the apprentice geisha when I came to Kyoto on a family trip," said one 16-year-old girl from Ishikawa Prefecture who is now undergoing training and plans to begin working at an establishment this autumn. "I thought ordinary people couldn't become apprentice geisha, but I saw the advertisement on a Web site and thought it was my chance."
Complete article: http://mdn.mainichi-msn.co.jp/national/news/20060821p2a00m0et008000c.html