Summer 2021. Sadly, the pandemic continues. Following precautions, maiko wear masks. And some people wear “maiko masks.” Today we learn about summer greetings in the hanamachi and mask advisories in Japan.
How did maiko perform summer greetings in 2021？
On August 1, Kyoto’s hanamachi celebrate Hassaku八朔. Geiko and maiko visit their arts teachers to pay their respects. They also call at the teahouses in their district to thank them for their patronage. Hassaku originated in farming communities. Farmers performed rituals on the first day of the 8th lunar month in hopes of an abundant harvest.
“Wearing masks, taking ample precautions, geiko and maiko pay Hassaku respects.” Kyoto Shimbun August 1, 2021.
This August, Kyoto Shimbun featured this photograph of geiko and maiko wearing masks during their greetings. Also, they had to take care in the scorching heat. Kyoto Shimbun reports that some in the hanamachi called for suspending the ritual this year. Those participating wore lighter summer kimono instead of the formal black kuromontsuki. They also made their rounds in small groups this year.
Since 2020, videos of masked maiko in dance practice have also popped up on YouTube.
Add a touch of maiko fun to masking
Mask with maiko figures.
Creema 2021.
Mask case. Eirakuya 2021.
We also find examples of “maiko masks” and mask cases. Creema offers this pink, maiko-laden mask. I found maiko masks sold on several other sites, too.
The Kyoto textile firm Eirakuya produced a mask case featuring a maiko walking among the torii at Fushimi Inari Shrine.
When not to wear a mask: Heat Advisories
In Order to Avoid Heatstroke. Amagasaki . Jun 1, 2021.
This heat advisory posted in Amagasaki City in Hyogo Prefecture warns residents to avoid heat stroke.
Outside and safely distanced, it’s better to take off your mask in the summer heat.
The fun of teacher-student greetings in August
Thinking about Hassaku greetings in the hanamachi reminds me of greeting teachers in the U.S. As a graduate student at UCLA, I loved visiting my professors in August, excited to tell them about my summer research in Japan. I appreciate their encouragement all the more now. Later, as a professor myself, I enjoyed meeting my students and hearing about their summer adventures. Trips abroad, summer camp counseling, internships–so many experiences they’d had.
I do look forward to the return of easier face-to-face communication.
I am vaccinated and I do wear my mask in public places.
Jan Bardsley, “Mask up like a maiko,”janbardsley.web.unc.edu, August 10, 2021.
Even maiko are caught up in the pandemic! I have never seen a mask case before. Those are smart!
I think the maiko-print masks are cute. But I hope some day we can put those aside….
That was my first introduction to a mask case, too. Let’s hope for the mask-free environment in the near future. Jan
A mask case—very Japanese idea in the country where people always try to keep everything clean and sanitary.
I like the mask case idea. Mine can get pretty jumbled in my bag or in the car. This sounds like a good idea.
Today in Japan, we can buy many goods related to masks. In addition to the mask case, there is the mask spray to keep a good fragrance, accessories to decorate on the mask…a huge mask market! Now the mask became one of our fashion items.
Wow, Haruka, I had no idea that masks and their accessories had become such a fashion item in Japan. This offers a way for people to have fun masking, using this necessity as an opportunity for creativity. Thanks for sharing!