Geiko, maiko pray for good summer of performances in Kyoto ritual

Japanese "geiko" and "maiko" traditional female entertainers participated in a traditional ritual Monday in Kyoto, western Japan to pray for a good summer of performances.Despite the rain, about 60 people, including maiko apprentices from the Miyabi-kai, a group comprising students from the Inoue school of traditional Kyoto dance, took part in the ritual, known as "Osendo," at Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto's Higashiyama Ward.Holding umbrellas, they circled the main hall of the shrine to offer prayers to improve their skills and stay in good health.They then underwent a purification ritual inside t…READ FULL ARTICLE