Mimosa 'Mineko Iwasaki''s definitions

Satine and the Penniless Poet

1. True Love

2. Fictional Characters in the (2001) acclaimed film, Moulin Rouge.

Satine and the Penniless Poet fell in a deep love.

by Mimosa 'Mineko Iwasaki' January 16, 2007

Gion Kobu

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.

I practice as a geiko in Gion Kobu.

by Mimosa 'Mineko Iwasaki' January 12, 2007

Maiko

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)

I am a geiko of Gion Kobu, but last year I was still a maiko.

by Mimosa 'Mineko Iwasaki' December 9, 2008

-san

Attachable suffix used in Japanese language, usually with proper nouns or pronouns. Most often attached to the end of a personal name or surname, but never a nickname. For nicknames, see -chan.

'Iwasaki-san? Are you coming?'

by Mimosa 'Mineko Iwasaki' January 16, 2007

Onesan

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

Maiko

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)

I am a geiko of Gion Kobu, but last year I was still a maiko.

by Mimosa 'Mineko Iwasaki' December 12, 2008

-chan

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.

My name is Mineko, but Okasan(Mother) calls me Mine-chan.

by Mimosa 'Mineko Iwasaki' January 16, 2007