Contrary to Western belief, geisha (or geiko in Kyoto) and maiko (apprentices) are not relics; they are high-end entertainers. A night in the Gion district involves the ozashiki asobi (parlor games), shamisen music, and kouta (short ballads). Similarly, Noh theater and Kabuki have smartphone-wielding young audiences who appreciate the kabuki-go (specialized language) and dramatic mie (poses).