The autumn performance ''Suimeikai'' in Kyoto's red-light district, Pontocho, will open on October 19, 2023 at the Pontocho Kaburenjo in Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City. Forty geisha and maiko perform five classical pieces with different tastes.
Suimeikai, named after the flow of the Kamogawa River, is a place where geisha and maiko present the results of their daily training. It started in 1930 and this year marks the 108th time.
The performance begins with the cheerful dance piece ''Sekku Asobi Koi no Tenarai,'' in which maikos dress up as the Seven Lucky Gods. ''Yoshinoyama'' depicts the journey of Shizuka Gozen, who admires Minamoto no Yoshitsune, and Yoshitsune's vassal disguised as a fox, followed by ''Momoyoguruma'', which is based on the love story of Komachi Ono and Major General Fukakusa, and the festival continues. The performance concludes with the lively musical ''Niwakajishi.''
On October 17th, pre-performance rehearsals were released to the press. Momino, head of the Pontocho Geisha Guild, said, ''We consulted with the dance masters and put together a program that even beginners and foreigners can enjoy.We hope people can enjoy it easily.''
Performances start at 4pm from October 19th to 22nd. Reserved seats 8,000 yen, non-reserved seats 5,000 yen. Same-day tickets available. Pontocho Kabukai phone number: +81-75-221-2025.
