I must admit it, I am quite fascinated by the Hanamachi, the so-called flower town, or the world of the Maiko and the Geiko (Geisha). Whenever I can, I go to admire them walking along the streets of Gion or Miyagawa-Cho in their beautiful kimono. They’re always so elegant, so gorgeous, so cheerful.
I also admire their patience toward all of us with our cameras, waiting for them, sometimes even tracking them, following them, surrounding them, to take their photo. It often goes well and there is usually no problem.
Over time, I’ve learned the basic etiquette of taking photos while trying to bother them as little as possible. It isn’t complicated — once you understand that they are real people, busy performing their work duties, with no time to stop for a selfie, everything else follows logically. They are not Mickey Mouse in a theme park; they are people like you and me, in no way obligated to pose for us or accept our photos. Just respect them and leave them be.
The basics:
- Don’t block their way or hinder their passage in any way. Don’t force them to walk around you — make sure you all stay on the same side of the street and leave the other side for them.
- Never use a flash!
- Never take any photos or videos if they’re walking with a client!
- Don’t stop them to ask for a photo or a pose — especially if you can see they’re walking quickly. They’re working!
If you’re being ignored, you’re doing it right!
All of this should be common sense and standard behavior. And yet I am still shocked at times by how little respect some people show them — harassing them, snapping photos with flash at close range, without asking, without any thought that the flash could startle or even hurt them!
Maiko and Geiko walking through the streets of the Hanamachi is a beautiful sight. I hope we can keep it this way.
Maybe we could consider appreciating the present instant. We could stay aside, without a camera or a smartphone, and just admire the Maiko and Geiko gliding through the picturesque streets of the Hanamachi. Witness their elegance and beauty unfold before our eyes, a timeless sight that continues to enchant visitors from near and far. Let their presence inspire us to appreciate the artistry and dedication they embody, as we become silent observers in their captivating world.
