舞妓さんちのまかないさん (Maiko-san chi no Makanai-san) with story and art by 小山 愛子 (Koyama Aiko) has been a sleeper favorite manga of mine. With its mixture of slice of life comedy, food porn, and educating insight into the world of the maiko and geiko living in Kyoto’s Gion District, I took to it quite quickly. As an iyashikei or “healing” genre manga, it’s wholesome nature is a nice change of pace from the bombardment of shonen, isekai material that seems to be dominating the current manga/anime scene.

At the heart of this story lies possibly my favorite friendship in all of manga and anime. Kiyo, played by Mori Nana, and Sumire, played by Deguchi Natsuki, are childhood friends from the Aomori Prefecture in Northern Japan who venture together to Kyoto. Through a set of circumstances that happen to align, Kiyo finds herself becoming the makanai or house chef for the “dormitory” or yakata where the maiko and the maiko trainees live. Sumire quickly becomes recognized as a gifted talent and becomes the rising star of her house. The two young women lovingly and enthusiastically support each other. Getting to observe their journey together is a simple joy to behold.

The Palme d’Or winning Kore-eda Hirokazu serves as producer, show runner, co-writer, and diretor (on certain episodes). This Netflix series does seem to slightly shift its focus away from the slice of life comedy aspects of the manga, in favor of focusing on the relationships and personal interaction between characters. In fact there are several characters that have been introduced that are unique to this Netflix series. In reading a variety of interviews with Kore-eda, it seems that he sought to represent perspectives regarding the varying opinions people have on Geisha culture. He is aware that there are voices pushing for reform and a modernization of some of the long held traditions. I for one was glad to see a respectful interpretation that introduced new character dynamics that enriched the story without detracting from the “heart” of the source material.

If your image of geisha culture has been shaped purely on many of the more popular representations, that often depict tragic stories of women trapped in lifestyles of abuse, debauchery, or destitution; please take the time to sit with this story of sublime sisterhood. These maiko and geiko are women dedicating their lives to an artistic craft. And much like in theater or film, there are a whole host of individuals who tirelessly work in the background to allow these artisans to shine. The Makani illuminates the collective efforts of those who seek to carry on the traditional art of Geisha culture, speaks to the concerns of those who seek to reform it, and holds at its core the beautiful bond of friendship between two young maidens navigating their professional and personal journeys.