Maiko Kikuyae performing her very last dance as a maiko. The dance is called 'Kurokami' (black hair).

The 'Kurokami' dance symbolises the transition from youth to adult world.

Maiko Kikuyae just after performing her very last dance as a maiko. She's wearing the sakkoo hairstyle indicating the last stage of her apprenticeship.

Just before the start of the 'danpatsu shiki' ceremony Maiko Kikuyae shows her shyness and emotions.

The kanzashi decorations are taken out of her hair.

Maiko Fukukana is cutting through the small strings that keep maiko Kikuyae's sakkoo hairstyle together.

During the danpatsu shiki ceremony other maiko and family members carefully cut out the individual hair extensions.

Kikuyae drying her tears after the danpatsu shiki ceremony has finished. Her teeth are blackened with ohaguro (black tooth wax).

Former geiko Kikuyu applies the white oshiroi make-up on the day of Kikuyae's debut as a geiko.

Touches of pink are applied to symbolise her youth. The older she gets the less pink her face will be.

A metal stencil tool is used to paint the 3 pronged white 'sanbonashi' shape in the nape of her neck.

Red details are added to Kikuyae's make-up.

The wig makers adjusting and styling the look of Kikuyae's 'katsura' wig.

Geiko Kikuyae checking herself in the mirror. She was very surprised by her new look.

Her friends from the Miyagawacho geisha district drop in to get a first glimps of geiko Kikuyae's new look.

The 'otokoshi' (dresser) has arrived.

While her close friends are watching, the otokoshi is dressing geiko Kikuyae into her most formal kimono.

Geiko Kikuyae is holding one of the thin cussions that will help to get the seven meter long obi belt into the right shape.

While the geisha mother looks on, the wig maker is doing a last minute adjustment before geiko Kikuyae wil step out to start her introduction round in the Miyagawacho neigbourhood.

Geiko Kikuyae is ready to meet the waiting press and fans outside her geisha house.