"Miyako no Nigiwai," a joint performance by geisha and maiko from Kyoto's five entertainment districts, will be held at the Minamiza Theater in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City on June 28th and 29th, 2025. The final rehearsal, "Souzare," took place on June 27th, where the geisha and maiko, dressed in their stage costumes, checked their mannerisms, posture, and standing positions one by one.
A total of 77 geisha and maiko will appear in the performance. In the popular final piece, "Maiko no Nigiwai," four maiko from each entertainment district will take to the same stage and perform "Kyoto wo Mouite," a piece that depicts the atmosphere of Kyoto, with choreography from their respective schools.
In the sozare, the geisha and maiko danced to the music, receiving instructions from their respective teachers such as "line up at equal intervals" and "be conscious of the gaze." Asuha (19), a maiko from Gion Kobu who is performing for the first time, said, "I've practiced really hard, so I'm looking forward to the performance." Ichi Yuri (20), a maiko from Pontocho who is performing for the second time, smiled and said, "This is the only stage where the five geisha districts come together, so I hope everyone enjoys the differences."
The event is organized by the Kyoto Traditional Performing Arts Promotion Foundation (Ookini Foundation) and others. There are two performances on both days, at 11am and 2:30pm. Tickets are available on the day (13,000 yen for first floor, 6,500 yen for second floor). Ticket phone: Shochiku 0570 (000) 489.
