Three prominent figures

Kayo Era in Gion Nerimono

Three prominent figures

As a performer in Gion Nerimono, It was a great honor to be selected as the performer. This time I introduce three legendary Geikos who appeared as performers.

They are Kayo Era, Kosan Suzuki and Sata Matsumoto.

Kayo Era is certainly one of the most beautiful Geiko in Gion history.

Her first patron was Kaoru Inoue who was a distinguished politician and was always accounted for in the Japanese high school history text books.

Kayo Era was a performer among 22 performers in 1877’s Gion Nerimono. Usually Gion Nerimono was held twice, on the10^th and on the 28^th in July.

On July10^th in 1877, the roads were muddy just after raining, so she elaborately dragged her long pants on the roads. However finally she wasn’t able to move forword, because of the wet and muddy pants.

She called a dressmaker and made cut the lower parts of the pants with scissors. People, who saw this scene , were surprised as they knew her pants were very expensive.

On 28^th People were astounded again and said “ How did she do it ! ” when she appeared with brand-new pants.

Well known great Kabuki actor Utaemon Nakamura once said, “ I saw Kayo when I was a child. Her face was glittering ! I’ve never seen such a beautiful womzn in my life.”

Kosan Suzuki was a perfect Geiko. She was a great dancer. She was very beautiful. Moreover she was popular with other Geikos. Latter she became a dancing teacher,changing her name to Gin Suzuki. She performed in 1893’s Gion Nerimono.

Sata Matsumoto also was a great dancer and was supposed to hade succeeded genius Yachiyo Inoue the 3^rd and to become a dancing mistress.

She declined to succeed as the head of the Inoue school and said “ I am just a Geiko and not a teacher.”

She was very proud that she had performed in the procession several times, including1893’s procession with Kosan Suzuki and others. When she talked about her participation in Gion Nerimono., she was just like a girl.

Written by Ryohei Masawaki

Kosan Suzuki in gion Nerimono

Sata Matsumoto in Gion Nerimono