Photo/Illutration “Maiko,” or apprentice geisha, in Kyoto’s Pontocho entertainment district apply hand sanitizer before practicing for the Kamogawa Odori traditional dance performances on March 27. (Hideo Sato)

KYOTO--Two teenage “maiko,” or apprentice geisha, tested positive here for the novel coronavirus, according to an association of one of the city’s five “kagai” entertainment areas.

The infection routes of the two patients remain unknown, the association of the Gion Kobu entertainment district said on July 6.

The Ochaya teahouse, a geisha party operator, and other places the girls visited have temporarily closed in response to the infections.

The two maiko belong to the same “okiya,” a lodging house for geisha, and were confirmed to have been infected with the virus in late June, according to the association. 

Their symptoms were minor, and they have already been discharged from the hospital, the association said. It added that all 20 or so people believed to have come into close contact with the girls tested negative for the virus.

Businesses operating in Gion Kobu are considering strengthening measures against infections, such as shortening their operating hours and having geisha wear face shields at geisha parties.





Related News