Activity Journal

Messages from the 30th-Anniversary Commemorative Grant Project Members

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吉川 弥栄子さん顔写真
Yaeko Yoshikawa(Okami of Higashi Chaya District)

[2017 Kanazawa Traditional Performing Arts Training Incentive Grant]

Congratulations on the 30th anniversary of the Yokohama Memorial Kanazawa Cultural Foundation. I offer my heartfelt congratulations.

This foundation has been providing grants to support the cultivation and promotion of cultural heritage and traditional performing arts that have been passed down in Kanazawa, especially the "Kanazawa Subayashi." Grants have been given to new Geigis (or the Shin-bana), who are trying to enter the profession, and to the chaya that have supported them. The efforts of the past chairpersons and board members have brought this foundation to its 30th anniversary, and I deeply respect their dedication.

In 1991, the year the foundation was established, I made my debut as a new Geigi under the name "Kanoko" at the chaya "Fujitoshi" in the Higashi Chaya District. At that time, there were no grants for new Geigis, but 25 years later, I became the first chaya owner to support a new Geigi. I had the honor of attending the grant ceremony, which allowed me to connect with this foundation.

Both I and Shichiha were newcomers in the world of Geigi and chaya. I constantly wondered how to help her become a great Geigi and whether I could properly guide her future as an "okami" (chaya owner). Those were truly challenging times.

Therefore, the encouraging words from the Yokohama Memorial Kanazawa Cultural Foundation really touched my heart. I realized that there are people who support new Geigi s and us chaya. As one of the few okami in the world of entertainment, I received this encouragement with the determination to carry forward the legacy of the Karyukai (world of Geigi) to the next generation.

Although the number of Geigis has decreased significantly, I remain positive about continuing to nurture Geigi. Time has passed, and I now hope to cultivate more Geigi, following Shichiha. Reflecting on my 30 years in the world of Geigi and the foundation's 30 years of history, I sincerely pray for the continued progress of this foundation as it moves forward toward the next 40 and 50 years.

七葉さん顔写真
Shichiha(Higashi Chaya District, Geigi)

[2016 Kanazawa Traditional Performing Arts Employment Incentive Grant]

I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations on the 30th anniversary of the Yokohama Memorial Kanazawa Cultural Foundation. I pay my respects to the legacy of the founder, Mr. Shigeo Yokohama, and the foundation’s efforts to preserve Kanazawa’s cultural heritage and traditional performing arts up until today.

It was in 2016 that I made my debut as a Geigi in Kanazawa’s Higashi Chaya District. At that time, there were renovations taking place, and I had some concerns about the future, but thanks to the support from the foundation, I received invaluable assistance. I am still able to pursue my art today thanks to the foundation’s continued support.

I still remember the words spoken by the current chairman, Mr. Takeshi Yokohama, during the award ceremony three years ago, when I had the opportunity to speak briefly. I said, "I want to continue to enjoy my work," and he replied, "I think it’s wonderful to pursue something with joy. Please never forget that feeling." At that time, I was still figuring out my place in the world of Geigi, but his words reassured me that the path I had chosen was not the wrong one.

The number of Geigi has been steadily decreasing over the years, and the impact of COVID-19 has drastically reduced the number of gatherings at chaya.

Two hundred years have passed since Higashi Chaya District was officially licensed in 1820. I will continue to work tirelessly and with enjoyment, striving to become a geisha who can confidently pass on the traditions that have been woven by the older women over this long history to the next generation of geisha. I will also work to promote geisha culture, recruit and train aspiring geisha, and other activities to help the entertainment industry recover in the future.

In closing, I offer my heartfelt congratulations once again and wish for the continued success and prosperity of the Yokohama Memorial Kanazawa Cultural Foundation.

西村 紀美代さん顔写真
Kimiyo Nishimura(Kazue-machi Chaya District, Okami)

[2020 Kanazawa Traditional Performing Arts Training Incentive Grant]

Congratulations to the Yokohama Memorial Kanazawa Cultural Foundation on its 30th anniversary. Since its establishment, the foundation has supported us Geigi, and thanks to this support, the Geigi who have debuted at our teahouse are now steadily growing into their middle years. For the new Geigis, the support we receive is invaluable, and we sincerely appreciate the understanding and cooperation from the local people of Kanazawa.

The fact that the foundation provides grants to new Geigi and teahouses is, as I've heard, a rare initiative compared to other districts. Recently, more newcomers from outside of Kanazawa, such as from Yokohama and Sendai, have joined our teahouse. Young people who are drawn to the unique culture, traditions, and streetscapes of Kanazawa will surely continue to aspire to become Geigi in the future. This is thanks to the foundation’s support and the rich environment of Kanazawa. We are also deeply grateful for the additional support toward the training of new Geigi, and it strengthens our resolve. We will continue to work on creating an environment where young Geigi can thrive and continue working for many years to come.

This past year has been especially challenging due to the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting both Geigi and teahouses. Despite this, all of us Geigi continued our training diligently. As a side note, the unveiling of our new Geigis were unfortunately postponed due to the impact of the virus, but they continued their trainings without a second thought. This perseverance is made possible thanks to the efforts of all those who support the Geigi profession. I look forward to seeing them continue to grow in the future.

We will strive to preserve the unique qualities of Kanazawa while also creating new opportunities for both teahouses and Geigi, ensuring the long-lasting continuation of the Kanazawa Geigi tradition.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the foundation’s chairman and board members for their continued support.