Misedashi

is a ceremony where a (an aspiring geisha) becomes a (an apprentice geisha) and officially begins their career. The is guided around her local area to call on businesses, teachers, and other by her 's (male dresser) to thank her teachers and peers for their support and to let them know of her debut.

are usually 17 or 18 when this ceremony takes place as post-WWII labor laws prevent from beginning their employment as apprentices at an earlier age as in pre-WWII eras. Some apprentices, however, skip the stage, being too old to debut as a young apprentice, and instead begin their apprenticeship appearing as a geisha.

Attire

Because the debut is considered one of the most important moments of a geisha's career, only the most formal attire is worn.

;
: The is a traditional hairstyle worn by junior . A bun is made by inserting two lengths of padded red silk, and is then decorated with a large, short-pronged hair pin known as a in the centre of the bun. For , apprentices wear formal hair ornaments made out of tortoise shell, silver and red , and two .
;
: is the white face makeup worn by geisha and . Though it is usually applied by the wearer, because of the importance of the ceremony, a professional will apply the makeup.
;
: A (a trailing black kimono with five crests) is a formal black trailing kimono decorated with five crests of the 's , placed on the centre back, the back of the sleeves, and the front shoulders. are usually in length, with a padded hem to aid the skirt in trailing across the floor. When outside, a will hold her up with her hands or tie it in place so that it does not touch the ground.
;
: The is a long belt worn exclusively by . The end of the is decorated with the crest of the the belongs to. For formal occasions, wear a gold brocade .

See also

*
*

References

Bibliography

*

Geisha

{{Japan-culture-stub