We’ve talked before about geisha as one of Japan’s distinctly female professions, so this time we’re going to share with you a few fun facts about the geisha and their floating world.
How many of these things did you know about geisha?
1. In their heyday, geisha were fashion trend-setters and were even used to promote beauty products.
Geisha were subjects of woodblock prints, kabuki plays and they became role models for Japanese women. Many people even collected geisha photo cards.
2. Geisha have traveled abroad to perform for audiences around the world.
3. Geisha also entertain women.
Contrary to popular belief, geisha are not just for men. They also entertain female clients who revere them as models of feminine grace. In addition, they perform publicly at designated times during the year.
4. Geisha are treated like celebrities in Japan
It’s unusual even for Japanese people to get a chance to see geisha or be entertained by one in private unless they are a politician or business executive.
5. Young girls who decide to become geisha at a young age will opt out of high school so they can begin their training.
They then become apprentices in boarding houses called "okiya" where they continue their education.
6. The younger the woman, the more red she wears.
Have you ever wondered why geisha paint their faces white? The traditional colors used for make up are black, white and red, all of which provide a striking contrast to the colors in their kimono.
However, Peter Macintosh who teaches geisha culture at Kansai University in Japan adds: “They started wearing white make up so their faces would reflect in the candle light.”
7. Geisha are mostly dressed by males called "otokoshi."
While geisha (also called "maiko" or "geiko" in Kyoto) apply their own make-up, "otokoshi" have the skilled task of dressing them.
Decorative obi (belt) ornaments, called "pochhiri" are often studded with precious or semi-precious jewels and start from $5,000.
9. Geisha can never completely relax, even at home.
The pressure and expectation to be models of proper manners never abates. “If I want to just lie on my side and watch TV I can’t because I am always supposed to sit up straight,” says a geisha in the documentary ‘Real Geisha Real Women.’ “If I go up to my room, my younger sister is there. She would remind me that as her senior, I am setting a bad example.”
10. "Ryotei" or "ochaya" (members-only tea houses) are exclusive venues where geisha perform.
These restaurants and tea houses are places where VIPs can go to make deals and know they are in complete privacy.
Sources: NHK’s Begin Japanology, YouTube (Real Geisha Real Women), Facebook (Real Geisha Real Women), Kyoto Sights and Nights, Peter Macintosh
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They forgot about the obi worn higher up or lower down to denote age/level/seniority. Not a significant point I must admit.
And they are not whores, a more thoroughly significant point though
Otherwise some bits above epitomise much of social expectations here outside of that world:
The pressure and expectation to be models of proper manners never abates. “If I want to just lie on my side and watch TV I can’t because I am always supposed to sit up straight, ... If I go up to my room, my younger sister is there. She would remind me that as her senior, I am setting a bad example.”
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nandakandamanda
Geisha are women, people like anyone else, but they have chosen a very demanding way of life.
No one rule for all, there are/were levels of Geisha, and the lower you got, the lower you got, until the word Geisha was not particularly applicable any longer.
On the ship coming over to Japan the sailors all used to say "Geesha" with a knowing leer.
Thanks for the info, Amy! :8)
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Janar Sibul
geishas were also used as assassins during the samurai wars era
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gokai_wo_maneku
One more interesting point: actually geisha were men. "geisha" is not used in Kyoto, where they use "maiko" and "geiko", as the article notes. The reason is that in Kyoto, traditionally geisha were men, and after the last one died about 30 years ago, people in Kyoto did not use the word geisha anymore. Geisha for women is in Tokyo.
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Dan Lewis
I read this article twice, but the second time, it was all lies - I already knew those things.
The Japanese word geisha literally means “art person,” and singing, dancing, and playing the samisen (a lutelike instrument) are indispensable talents for a geisha, along with the ability to make conversation. Many geisha are also adept at flower arranging, performing the tea ceremony, or calligraphy.
The Japanese word geisha literally means “art person,” and singing, dancing, and playing the samisen (a lutelike instrument) are indispensable talents for a geisha, along with the ability to make conversation. Many geisha are also adept at flower arranging, performing the tea ceremony, or calligraphy.
The vast majority of geisha after the war were aged 20–24, as many retired in their mid-twenties after finding a patron – a trend carried over from the pre-war karyūkai: I showed the mother of the Yamabuki [okiya, in 1975] some statistics on the age distribution of the geisha population in the 1920s.
Maiko get some small stipend each month, so they can go shopping during their days off. Geiko (geisha) receive a full compensation for their job engagements, however, the monthly income depends on the amount of hours they work.
She quickly gained fame and became the most sought-after geisha in Gion, the most famous geisha district in Kyoto. She entertained many celebrities, politicians, and members of the royal family, including Prince Charles and Queen Elizabeth II.
"Sex has never been part of the geisha's job." If geisha decide to have a relationship with a customer, Sayuki says it is not because of any professional obligation. "Geisha women, like any other women, fall in love and they might have affairs, but it's never, ever part of the job," she says.
Participants, especially women, express a strong interest in understanding the cultural aspects of being a geisha. Some believe that women are generally more curious and interested in exploring different cultures, such as Japanese culture through the geisha experience.
' As such, geisha are prohibited from getting married and would have to quit the profession if they want to marry. They're also not allowed to have boyfriends, which can make the job less desirable for many women. That said, many patrons will develop an affection for a particular geisha.
In the past, there was no electricity in Japan, so artists entertained by dim candlelight. Eventually, they started painting the faces white to look more beautiful in such conditions.
Male geisha are required to master traditional art forms such as dance, music, tea ceremony, and waka and perform them. They perform dances, songs, and musical instrument performances to entertain guests at banquets and special events. Also, male geisha play an important role in hospitality and conversation skills.
While many geisha remain in the profession for much of their lives, it's also fine to retire whenever they desire. This often happens if a geisha wants to start a family or marry, as geisha are expected to be single while working.
Geisha were entertainers who were indentured to geisha houses through a contract system, whereas concubines had a 'stable, ongoing sexual relationship' with a man of the household but occupied a position below the wife. In Japan, concubines were registered as part of the household until 1882.
While geishas are traditionally women of Japanese origin, a few non-Japanese women have completed geisha training. If you are in your later teens or even early 20s, it's possible that an okasan may accept you but it's not typical.
But Sayuki decided to put the documentary idea aside and was accepted as the first white woman in Japanese history to become a geisha. "I became a geisha 12 years ago," said Sayuki. "I'm the first white woman in 400 years of geisha history." Sayuki is fascinated with the history of geishas in Japan.
Let's remember that a maiko is a geisha/geiko's apprentice, which means that this young girl is in the process of learning and doesn't have the knowledge or the experience of a geisha. The kimono is a Japanese traditional dress that maikos and geishas still wear nowadays, to work and in their daily life.
If you've ever wondered about Japan's most intriguing cultural tradition, look no further. Geishas are highly respected in Japan. The primary role of a geisha – throughout history and in the modern day – is to professionally entertain, usually at teahouses and restaurants for parties of businessmen.
Nowadays, there are just 1,000 geisha left in Japan, most of whom live and work predominantly in Tokyo and Kyoto. These modern geisha tend to remain within their district, where they're treated with the utmost respect by Japanese locals, and not approached for photos or conversation.
Additionally, the life of geisha usually includes dedicating time to mastering various performing arts, encompassing dance, singing, and proficiency in musical instruments such as the shamisen (a three-stringed instrument), koto (Japanese harp), and taiko (Japanese drums).
How do Geisha sleep? Maiko would often be trained to sleep using a Takamura as a pillow to maintain their hairstyle. While geiko or geisha would sometimes do the same, some opt to use a wig because the hairstyle often damages the natural hair over time.
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