I read the entire series of Komomo Confiserie this month. At the start of the series, the main female character is a rich girl who orders around the main male character who works for her family. However, the series shortly has that girl losing all her money and having to work for the guy who now gets to order her around.

Book themes for Saturnalia: The god Saturn has a planet named after him; read any work of science fiction that takes place in space. –OR– Read a book celebrating free speech. –OR– A book revolving around a very large party, or ball, or festival, –OR– a book with a mask or masks on the cover. –OR– a story where roles are reversed.

A Geisha's Journey is the story of a young girl who dreams of becoming a maiko. Starting in China, we meet a Japanese girl named Ruriko, who travels to Miyagawa-cho, one of the five famous hanamachi districts in Kyoto. Ruriko is given the name of Komomo as she starts her journey as a maiko. Learning how to wear kimono, speak the hamamachi dialect correctly, and immersing herself in historical dance and music, Komomo's story gives us a beautiful insight into a disappearing world.

Full of gorgeous photographs taken throughout a 7+ year time period, this hardcover is a purchase I am glad that I made. Where Komomo describes her life and feelings, Naoyuki Ogino translates that story into some of the more beautiful photos that I have seen. From seeing Komomo has the young girl Ruriko in China, to candid photos of her shopping with other maiko in Kyoto, to capturing a vision in dance, I can only stare at the beauty captured in color.

Unfortunately, it appears that this book may be currently out of print, but if you can find a copy online or even borrow one from your library, it is a wonderful glimpse into the hanamachi and the people living the traditions today.