The costume fitting for the 52nd "Gion Odori," or Gion Dance, which is known as an annual autumn highlight in Kyoto, was held at Gion Kaikan in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, on August 31. The performance will be held from November 1 to 10, and is sponsored by "Gion Higashi Kabu-kai," a geisha association in Gion Higashi. "Geiko" and "Maiko," or geisha and apprentice geisha, slipped into their new costumes for the dance performances and attended a photo session for the program brochure.

This year's program entitled "Higashiyama Ryoiki," or Higashiyama mysterious legend, is based on the seven wonders of Chion-in Temple and composed of six scenes. It starts with Maiko visiting Chion-in Temple, and then moves to a scene of cats and sparrows chasing each other based on the paintings of "Sanpo Shomen Mamuki no Neko," or a cat staring in every direction, and "Nuke Suzume," or sparrows that flew away from the painting. Following this is a scene where three thieves trying to steal temple treasures are astonished by "Uguisubari no Roka," or the corridor that sounds like birdsong when walking through it. The finale is "Gion Higashi Kouta," or a brilliant dance with the title song of Gion Higashi, in which all the dancers perform.

On the morning of August 31, Geiko and Maiko in gorgeous long-sleeved kimono and costumes appeared on stage and posed accordingly for each scene. Yuri Kano and Ryoka Kano, who just became Maiko in October and are making their debuts, nervously said, "We will dance with all our might in order not to cause trouble for our seniors." Performances will be held twice daily, starting at 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Tickets including tea service cost 4,000 yen. They will be sold from October 27. For more information, contact the Gion Higashi Kabu-kai at 075-561-0224 (Japanese language inquiries only).