Kyoto Journal is an award-winning,
quarterly magazine founded in Kyoto, Japan,
presenting cultural and historical insights from
all of Asia since 1987.

“To become a successful independent geiko (jimaesan) like Tsunekazu, a senior maiko must be able to transition from ‘cute’ to ‘classy’, excelling in her preferred art while mastering the geiko’s conversational charm and ‘embodied grace’. These days there is concern in the kagai about the small numbers of senior geiko who can maintain the traditions, be inspiring role models and provide training. The demands of more than five years of rigorous training, the ong hours and the communal living in an okiya (maiko/geiko house) and the wish to explore other sides of life, including marriage, since geiko may only be single or divorced, means that many maiko retire before, or shortly after, becoming geiko.”

— Robert van Koesveld :Tsunekazu: a life dedicated to art: Kyoto Journal