Photo/Illutration Geisha and “maiko” apprentice geisha from the Gion Higashi Kabukai teahouse association pose for stage photos of the “Gion Odori” dance performance at the Gion Kaikan hall in Kyoto’s Higashiyama Ward on Aug. 31. (Kensaku Nishida)

KYOTO--A geisha community here will put on its annual “Gion Odori” dance performance in November for the first time in three years.

The Gion Higashi Kabukai association, based in one of Kyoto’s five “kagai” traditional entertainment districts, canceled the event during the past two years due to concerns about the novel coronavirus pandemic.

“The kagai districts have been thrown into difficulties due to the pandemic, but geisha and ‘maiko’ apprentice geisha have endured the hardship and continued their strict dance lessons,” said Mon Fujima, head of the Fujima school of traditional Japanese dance who serves as director and choreographer.

“We hope everyone will enjoy the stage to support their efforts.”

The 63rd installment of “Gion Odori” will be themed on the four seasons of Yasakajinja shrine in the city’s Higashiyama Ward.

Geisha and maiko attended a photo session at the Gion Kaikan hall, also in Higashiyama Ward, on Aug. 31 to take stage photos for the show’s program.

Among the dancers will be four maiko, three of whom will take the stage for the first time.

“It has been my dream to appear on stage, so I’m very happy,” said Tomieri, 17.

The dance performance will be held at Gion Kaikan on Nov. 1-10, during which two shows will be presented each day.

Tickets cost 5,000 yen ($35) for first-class seats and 3,500 yen for second-class seats.

For information, visit the official website at (http://www.gionhigashi.com/).

Of Kyoto’s five kagai districts, Gion Higashi Kabukai is the only one that offers an annual dance performance in autumn.

Kamishichiken Kabukai, an association based in the city’s Kamigyo Ward, will perform its annual “Kitano Odori” spring dance performance in October only for this year.

It will be performed at the Kamishichiken Kaburenjo Theater from Oct. 8 through 22, with two shows given each day.

All seats are reserved and cost 5,500 yen each.

For inquiries, visit the official website at (https://www.maiko3.com/).

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“Maiko” apprentice geisha from the Gion Higashi Kabukai teahouse association pose for stage photos of the “Gion Odori” dance performance at the Gion Kaikan hall in Kyoto’s Higashiyama Ward on Aug. 31. (Kensaku Nishida)

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