Congratulations to Kyoto’s newest maiko, Mametama (豆珠) of Ninben (イ) in Gion Kobu! For those of you wondering, the otokoshi is helping to support her as a maiko’s outfit weighs much more than a minarai’s and most new maiko often have difficulty walking in their okobo for the first few days. Bonus image with mokuroku! おめでとう豆珠ちゃん！

Shared with permission from a friend who took this image. Minarai Mametama (豆珠) of Ninben (イ) in Gion Kobu as she walks with a shikomi on her way to her nightly engagements. Her kanzashi features the motif of Kazeguruma (風車), pinwheels that are popular toys among young children. Her misedashi is less than two weeks away on December 5th.

Meet Mametama!

The first pictures of her arrived last week, but now we have a name to go along with the face! The new Ninben minarai’s name is Mametama (豆珠), which means “Jewel Bean” or “Treasured Bean.” You can see her in a new picture with another Ninben shikomi here. As posted earlier, her misedashi will be in November. With her debut it’s likely that Mamesumi (豆純) will be switching to ofuku shortly afterwards. Her onesan is still unknown but it will likely be Mamehiro (豆弘).