Q&A Forum. Find answers and give advice about kimono rules, etiquette, coordination, accessories, care, how to DIY, occasions to wear, where to buy, and more.

WAi! WAi! JAPAN

OCT 15, 2019　15:41

The film Memoir of Geisha (Or “SAYURI” for the Japanese Title/Novel) has offered a window to the world telling the life of a geisha, however, it’s representation [in association with prostitution] caused many backlashes and hurt the actual geisha’s reputation - especially for the person who became the main source for the novel.

The geisha profession still suffers from its false image of prostitution (especially in the West) however, geisha are not, and were never prostitutes.


◉ GEISHA ”芸者” literally means “Artisan”
Geisha, or “Geiko” as they are called in Kyoto (the ancient capital of Japan) are women who dedicate their lives to Japanese traditional arts and display their talents to entertain or have conversation with customers. Entertainments include Japanese Dance [with the use of a fan], singing, literature, poetry, flower arranging and playing traditional instruments).

Becoming a geisha requires intensive work and dedication that takes years to master. They would attend lessons, dress and put on elaborate geisha make-up with a schedule to attend events where they would mix with powerful businessmen, artists and academics.

◉ MAIKO
An apprentice geisha are called “Maiko” in Kyoto, and they often wear very distinctive makeup which covers their face with thick layer of white, red lipstick, and black is used around the eyes/eyebrows. Geisha, on the other hand only wear makeup for special occasions in order to display their natural beauty.

——
Geisha are distinguished by their manners and sophistication - during their performance, they must entertain the customer while showing the utmost restraint and without ever showing vulgarity. In the course of history, they have performed in the same neighborhood as prostitutes (while prostitutes would use the appearance of a geisha during the war, calling themselves “geisha girls”) and there may have been other confusing factors contributing to the image of geisha=prostitute but that idea is absolutely false.