Geisha Contrary to popular western notions, the Japanese geisha is not generally a woman of ill repute. The word literally means �art person� and a geisha is a highly trained professional woman whose traditional occupation is to entertain men. Singing, dancing, playing music, knowledge of history and current events, the ability to make conversation and to create an atmosphere of relaxation and entertainment are the essential skills of the geisha. Skills specific to Japanese culture would include being able to perform the tea ceremony or perhaps even being skilled at flower arrangement or calligraphy. Geishas are immaculately and sumptuously dressed in ornate and expensive kimonos. Not a strand of hair is out of place, their white facial make-up is perfect. Their manners are not only impeccable but delicate and calm, in keeping with the ideals of feminine beauty that they embody. In modern Japan, geishas have been transformed into symbols of traditional values. In the west, the geisha has become a symbol of the exotic grace and beauty of the East.

I think western culture has brought about a lot of confusion as to the sort of women Geisha really are, and the proud artistic traditions they uphold.

Apprentice Geisha hopefuls usually begin their training around the ages of 16 - 18 as Hangyoku.
Unless they are the daughters of Geisha or grew up in the Okiya (geisha house), then their training could begin earlier.

To become Maiko (apprentice geisha) training begins around the age of 18 at the position of Minarai. The Minarai stage will last for about a month, and if she studies and progresses well she will be promoted to Maiko.

After living as a Maiko for around 5 years (usually around the age of 22) she will be promoted to a full-fledged Geisha.

Unless you are Japanese (or a very determined westerner..look at Fiona Graham) you won't.

You can become something *similar* to a geisha though, by refining yourself (language, posture, fashion, self-care, conversational skills, etc.) learning all you can about world events, and learning a "gei" (an art...think ballet, or piano).

Traditionally, a girl was sold to the Okiya by her poor family, to boost income. She spent years training to be a geisha, and "came of age" and made her debut in her mid 20s.

The modern geisha choose to enter the profession. They don't start training until they are 15 years old (Japanese law prevents them from starting any sooner). They graduate their training, and become "full" geisha in their mid 20s, sometimes later.

Geisha always wear beautiful, elaborate, and expensive kimono that are 'tied' at the middle with a thick sash-like cloth called an obi.

Geisha are very beautiful, highly skilled, intelligent, well poised Japanese women that uphold many years of Japanese culture and tradition.

From Kyoto or Tokyo, they have the oldest Geisha districts.

The shape of the lipstick, whether it is just the bottom lip, just the top lip, or both lips. How think or full it is applied can signify how old the woman is, and how far along she is in her training. Whether or not she is a Hangyoku, a Maiko, or a Geisha.

No, it's almost impossible for anyone not Asian to be a Geisha. The only acceptance ever made was Liz Dalby who did her dissertation on Geisha. She lived in Japan for several years and spoke with the Geisha and they decided to let her train to become one.

She has a fascinating book called Geisha, you should check it out if you have an interest in them. It's very good.

A geisha's job is to entertain clients, who are usually business men. Geisha's are trained in the art of conversation, dance, music, and many other things. They would entertain there clients by singing, dancing, preforming skits, playing an instrument and basically give the client company.

A female artist,dancer, singer, and musician

Geishas are Japanese.

Geisha are paid performing artists. They never take part in sexual acts with their customers.

Prostitutes sell their bodies for money.

Yes, Geisha are real. They are also known as Geiko.

Geisha always wear beautiful, high quality, expensive silk kimono, a white collared naga juban (under kimono), and a carefully selected obi. With zori shoes and tabi socks.

Their kimono will always match the season, time of the year, and occasion in which they are to attend that day.

Over an hour.

Geisha are traditional Japanese entertainers, They are NOT prostitutes. They pactice art, music, dance, song, and many many more things for years and years.

Their lives are very repetitive, and they are extremely hard working. Some of them only get a few hours of sleep a day, due to being so busy.

When they wake they will have breakfast, then they leave the house to go to any classes they might have that day. Or rehearsals for upcoming performances.

From their they check in with the head office or their okiya to see where they are scheduled to be that night. It takes them a few hours to be dressed and to put on their make-up, also to make sure their hair is just right. They spend all night going from tea house to tea house to perform, dance, sing, and keep their patrons company. After that they go home, change out of their elegant kimono, have dinner, go to sleep, and start it all over again the next day.

It has its origins from Ancient China.Japan was heavily influenced by China.

Geisha wear beautifully elaborate and expensive kimono with an obi around their middle. Their kimono and obi depends greatly on what time of the year it is and what sort of even they are to attend. As does the kanzashi (hair ornaments) they wear. They also wear tabi socks, and oboko or zori shoes.

There are different stages of training leading up to becoming a Geisha.

Usually Hangyoku, Maiko, and finally Geisha.

There are no Geisha at all in China. Geisha are Japanese.