Last night I was accepted into the Yoshiwara Okiya as a minarai. I met my “Big Sister” and her Onesan, a full Geisha. I was taught many of the basics I will need to know to make my way from minarai to maiko. I’m very happy about being accepted but am somewhat overwhelmed at all I must learn. As a minarai, I do not wear makeup and wear my hair down and subdued. Many of my friends have expressed their support for this path I’ve chosen, and I’m very grateful for that support.