Photo/Illutration Geisha and "maiko" chat with one another at a ceremony to welcome the New Year in Kyoto on Jan. 7. (Yoshiko Sato)

KYOTO--Geisha and their apprentices pledged Jan. 7 to perfect their art at ceremonies in major “kagai” entertainment quarters held to welcome the New Year.

Though they make the vow annually, the pressure is on more than ever since the eyes of the world will be on Japan for the Tokyo Olympics this year.

“The Olympics and Paralympics give us a rare chance to show our traditional performances and kagai to the world,” said Yoshio Tateishi, who heads the Kyoto Traditional Art Foundation.

“I hope from the bottom of my heart that you will show off your skills beautifully and with dignity while improving your artistic ability.”

About 100 geisha and “maiko” apprentices from the Gion Kobu district, decked out in kimono bearing their family crests and rice stalk-shaped “kanzashi” ornamental hairpins, attended a ceremony at the Yasaka Hall theater in the city's Higashiyama Ward.

Geisha and maiko took part in similar ceremonies in the Miyagawacho, Pontocho and Gion Higashi districts the same day.

The Gion Kobu event kicked off with the teachers and students repeating a traditional vow to train their hearts and master the skills of their profession.

Inoue Yachiyo V, a master and teacher of the Inoue School of “kyomai” dance form that originated in Kyoto, performed her “Yamatobumi” dance, a regular ritual at the event.

Inoue, 63, is designated as a national treasure by the central government.

At the ceremony's conclusion, the geisha and maiko exchanged New Year greetings in the Kyoto dialect, saying “omedetosandosu,” as they drank “omiki” sake served in a “sakazuki” tass, a small saucer-like cup.