Mimosa 'Mineko Iwasaki''s definitions

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 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

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

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' January 21, 2007

Ochaya

Japanese word for 'teahouse'. An ochaya does not serve food, but it will order it from caterers. Ochaya have many banquet rooms, called zashiki or ozashiki. Customers have after-work parties here, and hire maiko or geiko to attend as entertainers.

I am going to the ochaya now, to entertain.

by Mimosa 'Mineko Iwasaki' December 10, 2008

okasan

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.

Okasan greeted the maiko and geiko as they came inside her okiya.

by Mimosa 'Mineko Iwasaki' December 12, 2008

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