Geisha Minarai
Once settled into the nyokoba, the girls entered the next phase of geisha training. They began the minarai, period, or ‘learning by watching.’ Minarai had their household chores, keeping the okiya clean and in order, and were at the beck-and-call of the okiya ‘mother.’ They served as attendants to the higher-ranking geisha in the okiya, helping them prepare for their appointments, get their shoes on, running errands, and other chores. While acting as a servant, the minarai developed a special relationship with the higher-ranking geisha, who became her mentor, her onēsan. They followed their mentors to appointments to observe their techniques and conduct in a formal setting. Minarai saw their onēsan in action, observing how she interacted with clients, and began networking with clients herself. She dressed similar to her onēsan, but a little less decoratively, indicating her lower rank.