The Suimei-kai dance performance from the Pontocho entertainment district will open on October 23, 2025, at the Pontocho Kaburenjo Theater in Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City. The final rehearsal, "Ozarae," took place on October 22, with geisha and maiko performing dances that were just like the real thing, preparing for the autumn stage.
The Suimei-kai, a performance venue that evolved from an arts research group, is named after the flow of the Kamo River. It was formerly held in the spring, but since 1999, following the discontinuation of the autumn Kamogawa Odori dance, it has been held in October.
This autumn's 110th performance will feature a total of 34 geisha and maiko. The performance will open with the celebratory nagauta dance "Matsu no Okina," followed by the Tokiwazu short pieces "Ayame Uri" (Iris Seller) and "Beni Uri" (Crimson Seller). Three maiko adorns the stage with flowers during the iris seller performance. The following Kiyomoto piece, "Sugoroku," elegantly portrays the atmosphere of Yoshiwara, and concludes with a fun and glamorous performance of the Tokiwazu and Nagauta piece, "Migawari Zazen," which also includes some humorous moments.
During the Ozarae performance, the geisha and maiko danced in their official costumes, practicing their positions and mannerisms. Geisha Ichi Sayo and maiko Ichi Yuri commented, "We'll do our best to show the results of our training and satisfy everyone."
The Suimei-kai performances run from October 23rd to 26th, starting at 4:00 PM. Reserved seats are priced at 10,000 yen and 8,000 yen, while unreserved seats are priced at 5,000 yen, with only a few tickets remaining. Pontocho Kabu-kai, phone number: 075-221-2025.
