Sad Retirement News (and Some Good News)

It’s not unusual for maiko and geiko to retire at the end of the year as it gives them a quiet exit. However, it’s always a shock not to see them again in January when the new year begins. I’ve consulted with the annual booklet that Gion Kobu hands out to its members and long time customers and the following maiko and geiko have left: Sonoe (その恵) of Kineya (きねや) Sakiko (紗貴子) of Nishimura (西村) Mamechika (豆千佳) of Arai (新井) I think that Mamechika’s departure is a huge blow as she was extremely talented. But, in all of this bad news there is one sliver of good news! Katsuma (佳つ磨) of Odamoto (小田本) has returned to the profession! It seems as though she took a year and a half off for herself, but now she’s back and will be performing again! I updated the various tabs to reflect the changes last night, so for now they’re back up to date. I do plan on releasing a list of all active maiko and geiko of Gion Kobu just so that it can be searched instead of just found on the tab, so please look forward to that ^^