Hometown Stories

Season 7, Episode 36

Episode Title: Apprentice Geisha: Making Dreams Come True

Air Date: 2018-12-16

Overview:

Gion, in the ancient capital of Kyoto, is Japan's largest traditional entertainment district. Every year, girls fresh out of junior high school come here dreaming of becoming maiko, or apprentice geisha. They leave home at 15 and live under the same roof with older maiko and other trainees. For a year, they receive strict training in dancing and other performing arts, and also take care of household chores. This program follows the journey of three girls hoping to debut in Gion as maiko.