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Geisha to Grace Hakata-za’s Stage

The Japanese term for the office or agency which owns and arranges geisha for private parties is kenban. The first kenban in Hakata opened in 1889, and by the early 20th century there were five of them here. During this heyday there were over 2,000 registered geisha in Hakata. For Hakata geisha, the year begins in January at the festival held at Tokaebisu Shinto Shrine where all the geisha gather for the Kachimairi ceremony. They also participate in the Hakata Dontaku Minato Festival in May. Once the Dontaku is over, they start practicing for the Hakata Odori, which is performed every December at Hakata-za. At this stage, all the geisha perform traditional Japanese music and dance to close the year, showcasing their year’s work.