GROUP 5

MAIKO

☆Explanation 　Do you know what a "maiko"is?　A maiko's job is to sing　songs and dance in front of guests.　It is difficult to become a maiko.　She has to memorize special phases or speeches.　She practices musical instruments in the morning, take a rest at noon, and go to work in the evening.　If you are lucky, you can see a maiko going to work then.　She has a lot of events to keep Kyoto popular. 　It is said that a maiko works at a café from the age of fifteen to twenty. 　There are six areas called "hanamachi" in Kyoto.　A hanamachi is an old town.　Five out of six hanamachis have maikos.　A maiko finally becomes a"geisha.　So she is called a maiko before becoming a geisha.　The appearance of geisha is different from that of a maiko.　A maiko looks like a girl, but a geisha is look like a lady.　Their kimonos or makeups depend on their careers.　A maiko is one expression of traditional Japanese culture. 　Next, I want to talk about special words called "kyokotoba." A maiko can talk in the words.　But most Japanese cannot understand them.　The words came from old Japanese words.　They were used by maikos or geishas in hanamachi areas in the old days. 　Finally, I want to talk about a "kanzashi."Her hair has a "kanzashi," a hairpin.　She puts on different one every season.　For example, a hairpin for February has decoration of Japanese apricot.　A hairpin for April has decoration of cherry blossoms.　A kanzashi is sold at souvenir shops around here.　Why don't you buy one?
☆Members' voices 　My first job is research about Maiko in thin learning. I researched by Internet.　I was very troubled.　But I could research.　And we went to Heian Shrine and Kiyomizudera. First we could'nt find foreigners.　But we could them in Nanzenji.　And we tried.　But we were rejected. 　Next we tried again.　We had been heard in our presentation.　They are very kind.　We were very happy.
Yusuke Suzuki
I enjoyed the trip.　Foreigners are very kind presentation to listen to our Japanese culture, "Maiko" 　We got some Singapore money from a traveler after we talked about "Maiko." I wanted to buy some presents, but we could buy nothing.　I had a good time in Kyoto.　I am looking forward to going to Singapore this summer.
Hiroyuki OKAMOTO
One goal is to communicate with many foreigners.　And we communicated with them well.　An Austrian is one of the friendliest of them　 And they asked us many questions.　But we were not able to answer very much about that.　However, it became study very well. 　Another goal was to be able to enjoy talking with a foreigner.　And I enjoy the study in Kyoto.　And I was happy to communicate with them. Therefore, I want to go to Kyoto again and to talk with a foreigner.　And I wished to go to Singapore early
Jumpei INABA
I was very excited.　So we tried to speak to many foreigners. But it is not easy because they are tourists.　But we can five groups. And talk about many kinds of tour. 　I said to a man and his daughter.　I'll go to Singapore next year.　They were going to go to there three days ago.　And he gave me money of Singapore. And he said "Please use this money next year". 　We had many special experiences.　I want to do it for a longer time.　They were the best for us.　And his daughter is a teacher in Japan.　We did our best then.　I was very happy and glad!
Yuta Sugishima
I got a special skill.　It was hard to communicate with foreigners.　So I was excited.　I met a kind man and woman.　They listened to my presentation.　We will never forget all the foreign people we met yesterday.　I enjoyed Kyoto because Kyoto was very beautiful.　I will go to Singapore this summer.　I went to Kiyomizudera to practice the skills I will need for the trip.
Hiroaki ONISHI