Jewels of Kyoto – lecture and demonstration by Japanese Maiko
In early March this year, Victoria became a window to the illusive ‘flower and willow world’ of Japanese Geisha and Maiko. On 4 and 5 March 2016 the University played host to two visiting Maiko from the Higashi Gion district of Kyoto, Japan. This is the first time that Maiko have visited New Zealand, rounding off their tour of Australasia.
Maiko are apprentice Geisha, traditional Japanese female artists who have done rigorous training and are accomplished in the Japanese arts, such as tea ceremony, singing, and dancing.
On 4 March there was a dance performance and tea ceremony demonstration given by the Maiko for Vic students of Japanese language. This intimate event allowed students to see a side of Japanese culture that is outside the reach of many Japanese, let alone New Zealand university students.
A public dance performance on 5 March saw the Memorial Theatre filled at capacity. Associate Professor Allison Kirkman, together with His Excellency Ambassador Toshihisa Takata, opened the event with official welcomes before the Maiko took to the stage for two hours of dance, music, informative talks, and traditional games.
Both of these events were made possible by the Japanese Embassy in Wellington and the Japan Foundation, with the generous support of the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Engagement) and the School of Languages and Cultures, Victoria University of Wellington.
For more photos please view the photo gallery.