MISE-DASHI - There's a New Maiko in Town

Shikomisan is the term for a girl in training before she becomes a Maiko. Girls used to become Maiko at a very young age but these days they first become Shikomisan at the age of 15, upon graduating from junior high school, to commence their training to become Maiko.

It depends on the Hanamachi but Shikomisan typically make their debut as Maiko after about a year and a half. The ceremony for their debut as Maiko is called the MISE-DASHI.