I spotted a Geisha

Must have been the best of my luck to spot a Geisha (or geiko in Kyoto dialect) while we were roaming around the narrow roads going somewhere Maruyama-koen and Yasaka-jinja.

I did only one shot. In fact, I stole this shot. And this is the best angle I could get. The Geisha was posing for another photographer (to her left), and I positioned myself to her right, distant from the pro photographer. I was not so sure if the photographer was paying for the shot, so I quickly took my one-second chance to press the shutter. Besides, my memory card was already full and I only had one shot to spare.

Anyway, this was my first time to see a real Geisha. Usually, I only see them in Japanese movies. They look so gentle, and I wonder if they are comfy with their rather elaborate kimonos.

Geishas, for those who are not aware of who they are, work in Japanese teahouses and entertain gentlemen of considerable means or their patrons. Not all young ladies could be one, for it takes talent and skills to master the traditional fan dance, and other forms of visual and performing arts, notably the shamisen performance. According to Lonely Planet Japan (pp. 344, sorry no online link), there are only about 1000 geishas and maikos (apprentice geisha) around, with about 200 found in Kyoto. And this number is ever decreasing.

My research also tells me that not all interested gentlemen can see a performing geisha. First of all, one needs about $3000 to spend an evening with one or two geishas. Secondly, one needs a referral or introduction of an established patron in order to be entertained. Ows, could there be some "exclusivity" in here?

So, if you are a gentleman with some money to spare, and a friend who knows the way, then go for it -- that is, if you are interested in the first place. Better yet, contact Peter for a walking tour.

As for me, I am more than happy to have this single shot. ;)

Bōnenkai

Dear hubby is gonna be home late tonight because his Laboratory is having Bōnenkai (bon-en-kay) tonight.

Literally, Bōnenkai means "forget-the-year party", which is a Japanized English for "year-end party." From what I've gathered, this is a drinking party held to "forget the woes and troubles of the past year, usually accomplished by consumption of large amounts of alcohol." (see Wikipedia) But what about the good things? I don't think they're supposed to be forgotten, too. ;)

I haven't attended any Bōnenkai in my entire stay here in Japan. I envy those who are lucky enough to attend three Bōnenkais at the most (see this survey) -- all for FREE, usually paid for by the company. Although in my husband's case, each attendee paid 4000yen for the party. Why is that?!

Anyway, in the eikaiwa I work for, we had a "staff gathering" early this month, but I am not so sure if that party can be qualified as Bōnenkai for no one did not mention such term. Or could it be that because the school practices what English natives do, that is, Christmas. So, we had Christmas Party with the Japanese students.

By the way, Japanese don't celebrate Christmas as only about 1% of the population are Christians. Thus, Dec 25 is NOT a holiday. Bōnenkai is the most appropriate counterpart of Christmas in Japan. Of course, almost all Japanese are aware of this most important occasion for Christians. This can be gleaned from the oh-so-Christmas-y decorations in shopping malls, and other entities.

Whether Christmas or Bōnenkai, the most important thing is that we are all happy for the year that was, and all are hopeful for the year that is to come.

Happy Holidays! Or should I say, Kampai! (cheers)

P.S. If you are a gaijin in Nihon and happen to attend the Bōnenkai for the first time, check out these tips -- funny but informative.