Photographer Philippe Marinig's new book, "Secret Moments of Maikos: The Grace, Beauty and Mystery of Apprentice Geishas," is a revealing glimpse into the lives of maikos. (All photos by Philippe Marinig).
Photographer Philippe Marinig's new book, "Secret Moments of Maikos: The Grace, Beauty and Mystery of Apprentice Geishas," is a revealing glimpse into the lives of maikos. (All photos by Philippe Marinig).
Courtesy Gatehouse Publishing
Taken in Kyoto's Gion Quarter, the images feature unguarded moments from the geishas in training.
Taken in Kyoto's Gion Quarter, the images feature unguarded moments from the geishas in training.
Courtesy Gatehouse Publishing
The world of geishas and maikos is highly private, but the award-winning photographer was able to gain access.
The world of geishas and maikos is highly private, but the award-winning photographer was able to gain access.
Courtesy Gatehouse Publishing
His book serves as a tribute to the trade, which was established around 300 years ago.
His book serves as a tribute to the trade, which was established around 300 years ago.
Courtesy Gatehouse Publishing
Young maikos train for at least five years before they become full-fledged geishas.
Young maikos train for at least five years before they become full-fledged geishas.
Courtesy Gatehouse Publishing
They go through rigorous training in traditional Japanese arts, such as tea ceremony, flower arrangement and various musical instruments.
They go through rigorous training in traditional Japanese arts, such as tea ceremony, flower arrangement and various musical instruments.
Courtesy Gatehouse Publishing
Marinig's photographs capture the apprentices displaying their natural smiles as well as some playful glances.
Marinig's photographs capture the apprentices displaying their natural smiles as well as some playful glances.
Courtesy Gatehouse Publishing
Geisha are professional entertainers hired to perform and interact with guests during dinners and other occasions.
Geisha are professional entertainers hired to perform and interact with guests during dinners and other occasions.
Courtesy Gatehouse Publishing
"The whole process took four years," says Marinig. "I'm a man who likes a challenge."
"The whole process took four years," says Marinig. "I'm a man who likes a challenge."
Courtesy Gatehouse Publishing
"It wasn't only about the photography," he adds. "I maybe used photography as an excuse to be part of their world for a moment."
"It wasn't only about the photography," he adds. "I maybe used photography as an excuse to be part of their world for a moment."
Courtesy Gatehouse Publishing