On July 5, 2024, geisha and maiko from Gion Kobu, Kyoto's entertainment district, held the "Osen-do" ceremony at Yasaka Shrine in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, to pray for improvement in their arts and good health in the summer. In the midst of the intense heat from the morning, Living National Treasure Inoue Yachiyo (67 years old), head of the Inoue school of Kyomai, and about 70 of her disciples, dressed in matching yukata robes, brought a cool touch to the shrine grounds.
Around 9:30 a.m., geisha and maiko wearing yukatas with morning glories on a white background began to gather. After exchanging greetings of "Good morning, everyone," and walking around the main hall, they performed the ritual with solemn expressions on their faces.
Inoue Yachiyo said, "It is an incredible joy for us all to come together to pray at this time of the Gion Festival. We hope to spend the summer safely, welcome autumn peacefully, and each of us to continue to work hard to improve our art."
The Miyabi-kai, made up of students of the Inoue school, holds the event every year during the Gion Festival.
