S A N B O N A S H I : Hassaku

S A N B O N A S H I : Hassaku, originally uploaded by mboogiedown.

"Hassaku is a very important event in Gion Kobu. In the heat of the summer, robed in the most formal black kimono and full makeup, young maiko and geiko visit the teahouses, teachers, senior geiko and establishments they depend upon to express their gratitude for their support and beg their favor in the future.

Because it is a very formal, specical occasion, they leave three tapered prongs of skin bare on their neck, as opposed to the usual two. This is called sanbonashi, or "three legs"."