The costumes for ''Miyako Odori,'' a dance performance in the red light district Gion Kobu, which will be held for the 150th time this spring, were unveiled on February 19, 2024 at the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City. Geisha and maiko dressed in gorgeous costumes appeared for photos with dignified expressions in preparation for the milestone year.
This year's program is "The Tale of Genji Maisen." In order to create a performance that looks back on the history of the 150th time and looks forward to the future, the lyrics are written by Isamu Yoshii, a poet with deep connections to Gion, and the performance is based on ''Maiogi Genji Monogatari'', which was performed in 1955 and 1966 and supervised by Junichiro Tanizaki. Produced.
The festival begins with a full-scale dance with the traditional silver fusuma (fusuma) in the background, followed by the ''Yugao Kakene Noryo'' dance in which geisha and maiko gracefully dance in the image of the encounter between Genji and Yugao, and the sadness of Rokujo Miyasudokoro, who has become a living spirit. It consists of eight views, including ''Aoi Ue,'' and ''Suma Akashi,'' which has the same lyrics and music as the 1955 work. A total of 89 people will perform.
At the costume presentation, gorgeous and formal costumes with patterns on imperial carriages and blinds reminiscent of the elegant historical background of The Tale of Genji were unveiled. Maiko Asako (21 years old) and her girlfriend Makisako (21 years old), who wore kimono for Soodori, commented on the milestone performance, saying, ''We want to inherit what our older sisters have done and be very careful.'' I want to tighten up and practice,'' she said.
Performances will be held at 12:30pm, 2:30pm, and 4:30pm each day from April 1st to 30th. 7,000 yen to 4,000 yen (students: 2,000 yen). Gion Kobu Kabukai 075 (541) 3391.
