In the world of geisha, the word onesan (pronounced oh-neh-sahn) means 'older sister'. Every maiko (apprentice geisha) has an onesan. When a maiko has her misedashi (formal debut) she goes through san san kudo. San san kudo is a binding ceremony, where a maiko and geiko (geisha) are legally bound as sisters. A maiko's onesan gives her advice and helps her in the complicated world of geisha. A maiko's onesan is always in the same hanamachi (geisha district).
Right now I am only a minarai, but when I have my misedashi, I will be formally bound with my onesan.
by Mimosa 'Mineko Iwasaki' December 09, 2008
Get the Onesanmug. Maiko literally means 'dancer'. A maiko is an apprentice geiko (geisha). Maiko exist in Kyoto only. Maiko have an older sister, bound to them. They call their older sisters onesan. The word maiko is pronounced: (my-koh)
by Mimosa 'Mineko Iwasaki' December 09, 2008
Get the Maikomug. Heir to an okiya. An okiya is a lodging house for maiko and geiko (geisha). The owner (Okasan, or Mother) of the okiya, must adopt or give birth to a girl qualified to take over ownership of the okiya. It is one of her duties as Okasan of the okiya. The girl she gives birth to or adopts becomes the heir, or atotori.
by Mimosa 'Mineko Iwasaki' December 12, 2008
Get the atotorimug. Affectionate and personal Japanese suffix, attached to a shortened version of one's personal name. In Japan, one never does this to anyone above them, only those lower or equal.
by Mimosa 'Mineko Iwasaki' January 16, 2007
Get the -chanmug. In the world of geisha, the word onesan (pronounced oh-neh-sahn) means 'older sister'. Every maiko (apprentice geisha) has an onesan. When a maiko has her misedashi (formal debut) she goes through san san kudo. San san kudo is a binding ceremony, where a maiko and geiko (geisha) are legally bound as sisters. A maiko's onesan gives her advice and helps her in the complicated world of geisha. A maiko's onesan is always in the same hanamachi (geisha district).
Right now I am only a minarai, but when I have my misedashi, I will be formally bound with my onesan.
by Mimosa 'Mineko Iwasaki' December 10, 2008
Get the Onesanmug. Maiko literally means 'dancer'. A maiko is an apprentice geiko (geisha). Maiko exist in Kyoto only. Maiko have an older sister, bound to them. They call their older sisters onesan. The word maiko is pronouced: (my-koh)
by Mimosa 'Mineko Iwasaki' December 12, 2008
Get the Maikomug. The largest hanamachi (geisha district) in Kyoto, and also in Japan. It is also the most high-class hanamachi. Iwasaki Mineko, possibly the most famous geiko, came from Gion Kobu. The famous Inoue School of Dance is in Gion Kobu. Also, the Nyokoba is here.
by Mimosa 'Mineko Iwasaki' January 12, 2007
Get the Gion Kobumug.