The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles presents

Real Geisha, Real Stories
2019 West Coast Tour

 

The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles proudly presents three authentic geisha performers from Kyoto, Japan, along with geisha expert Peter MacIntosh for a series of extraordinary cultural events during their inaugural U.S. West Coast tour. Through dance, music, lectures and film, they will be introducing the beauty and mystery of Kyoto's "flower and willow world." This will be a rare opportunity to meet with real geisha and learn the history and continuing traditions of ancient Japan.

 

Wednesday, September 4, 2019
7pm-8:30pm

Portland Japanese Garden
(611 SW Kingston Ave., Portland, OR)

SOLD OUT

Geisha: Unraveling the Art and Mystery

For More Information: japanesegarden.org

 

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Thursday, September 5, 2019

2:15pm-3:35pm

Santa Monica College
Main Stage, Theatre Arts Bldg.
(1900 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica)
Map

Admission: FREE

Lecture & Performance
Geisha expert, Peter MacIntosh will share his insights on geisha culture while laying a cultural framework to help demystify it. Three authentic geisha -- 1 geiko (Kyoto term for geisha) and 2 maiko (geisha in training) -- will perform traditional dance and music. Q&A session and geisha games will follow.

 

4:30pm-5:30pm

Santa Monica Pier

FREE Public Event

Meet & Greet: Geisha at the Pier
Come and meet in person three geisha in their traditional kimono and oshiroi makeup along the beautiful Santa Monica Beach. This will be a rare opportunity to take photos and video of these elusive performing artists.

 

7pm-9pm

Edgemar Center for the Arts
(2437 Main St., Santa Monica)

Click HERE for information about the venue

Admission: FREE
Registration Required

*Light refreshments will be served.
---Photo opportunities with geisha before & between programs---

 

Engagement #1This event is FULL
7pm  Documentary film screening: Real Geisha, Real Women
8:15pm  Lecture & Performance

 

Engagement #2 This event is FULL
7pm  Lecture & Performance
8:15pm  Documentary film screening: Real Geisha, Real Women

 

Program includes:
• Lecture by geisha expert Peter MacIntosh, and traditional dance and music performed by three geisha. (45 min.)

• Documentary film Real Geisha Real Women (2009), produced by Peter MacIntosh featuring the lives of several women in Kyoto of various generations who are, or have been, geiko (Kyoto term for geisha) and maiko (geisha in training). Their stories are told in their own words as a series of vignettes without the use of a narrator. Rare footage of their journeys outside of Kyoto includes a hometown visit, a trip to Tokyo, as well as travels abroad. (40 min.)  

 

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Friday, September 6, 2019

1:45pm-4pm

SuihoEn Japanese Garden 
(6100 Woodley Ave., Van Nuys)

Click HERE for information about the venue

Admission: FREE
This event is FULL.

1:45pm-3:00pm
Meet & Greet with Geisha
Three geisha in their traditional kimono and oshiroi makeup will welcome you. There will be opportunity to meet them in person and take photos and video.

3:00pm-4:00pm
Lecture & Performance
Dance and music performance and lecture in the beautiful Shoin Building.
*Seating is limited and on a first come first serve basis. Please arrive early for best seating.

 

 

6pm-9pm

Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden
(270 Arlington Dr., Pasadena)

Admission: $100 General, $90 Garden Members
Registration Required ⇒Click HERE to Register

An Evening with Geisha from Kyoto, Japan
Enjoy the beauty and artistry of Japan's most famous and historical entertainers as they perform in the Niko-an Teahouse. Experience the essence of omotenashi, the abstract concept of both visible and invisible hospitality in Japanese culture. 
 

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Performers:

Miehina (Geiko)Miyagawa-cho Geisha District
Born in Kyoto, Miehina is considered a “star” in Kyoto and hired throughout Japan for her dancing and shamisen music skills. She has traveled internationally to perform as a geisha at events in England, Ireland, Holland, Finland, and New York City. She will be playing the shamisen during this tour.

 

Kanako (Maiko) Miyagawa-cho Geisha District
Born in Osaka, Kanako is a senior maiko who will become a full-fledged geisha this fall. Among her many customers are kabuki and Hollywood actors. She will be dancing during this tour.

 

Konami (Maiko) Gion-kobu Geisha District
Born in Niigata, Konami is one of the most popular maiko in Gion, and in high demand. She is a senior maiko known for her beautiful dancing skills. She will be dancing during this tour.

 

Lecturer:

Peter MacIntosh
Peter is a geisha culture expert, media fixer, interpreter, mixed media artist, and entrepreneur.After playing professional soccer for the Nova Scotia Clippers, he left his hometown of 22 years in 1993 and traveled to Kyoto. He first began photographing the ancient capital's nature and architecture, and soon found his niche among the geisha in the "Flower and Willow World."By 1999 he had established himself as a Kyoto-based fixer and cultural liaison for television, film and print media. He subsequently worked with dozens of international projects. This included location scouting for the Hollywood film Memoirs of a Geisha (2005).These experiences gave him the confidence to write, produce and direct his first, feature-length documentary Real Geisha Real Women (2009). That same year he began teaching his course Geisha: Past, Present, Future for the Japanology division of the International Studies Department at Kansai University (2009-2017).In addition,he is a professional photographer and painter, and his works can be seen at his Gallery Kohfu in the heart of Kyoto.