1. Japanese word for Mother.
2. The owner or proprietress of an okiya. Always female. The maiko and geiko always call her Okasan (mother) out of respect.
2. The owner or proprietress of an okiya. Always female. The maiko and geiko always call her Okasan (mother) out of respect.
by Mimosa 'Mineko Iwasaki' December 12, 2008

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' January 21, 2007

by Mimosa 'Mineko Iwasaki' January 16, 2007

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

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

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 09, 2008

A lodging house specifically for geisha. The inhabitants may include: Okasan (Mother, owner, proprietress), Geiko, Maiko, Shikomi, and Maids and/or Cook. Contrary to popular belief, men (except priests and dressers) are not allowed inside the okiya. Sexual relations in an okiya is frowned upon and rare.
by Mimosa 'Mineko Iwasaki' January 10, 2007
