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Japanese Geisha
In Japanese culture Geisha’s are female entertainers trained in art, music and dancing. If you translate Geisha into English, you get artist. Find out about the facts and the myths within this category.
131 Questions
Why do some Japanese women use parasols when it is sunny?
The lighter women are considered more beautiful, so the women try to stay out of the sun to stay light
How much of Memiors of a Geisha was based upon fact?
'Memiors of a Geisha' is a work of fiction. Much of the information in the book is false and incorrect. The book is based loosely on the life of Geisha Mineko Iwasaki.
If you want to read about her actual life, in her own words translated into English she has released a book called 'Geisha, A Life.'
Are Japanese females willing to be geisha?
While the number of Geisha in Japan has been rapidly declining over the years there are still a few Japanese young women that are willing to continue the art and tradition.
No. A geisha is skilled in non sexual arts. She may (or may not) have a sexual relationship with a client, but this is her own business, and is not part of her entertainment. An Oiran (a Japanese courtesan) is the woman you are thinking of. She was skilled in the sexual arts, and freely sold her services. The Oiran do not exist in modern society.
Does anyone know about Geisha if so can you tell us about them please?
Geisha are living moving works of art. They train for many years to become a full Geisha, and prior to that stage in their profession there are a few different titles they will go through.
She begins her training around the age of 15 as a Minarai or Hangyoku, she may attend banquets with her designated onee-san (older sister), learn and observe but she is not allowed to entertain.
She becomes a Maiko (apprentice Geisha) around the age of 18. She wears very elaborate beautiful kimono and obi, their fashion stands out more than that of a full Geisha.
She will wear 5 different hairstyles during her time as a Maiko to signify the different stages of her training.
She will be schooled in the arts of dance, music, song, tea, and conversation. She is now allowed to entertain at events, but still attends them with her older sister.
Around the age of 20 to 22 she will go through a 'turning of the collar' ceremony, to become a full Geisha. The collar of her naga juban (under kimono) will now be changed from red to white, she was have a new hair style (usually a wig), and will become a full Geisha.
As a Geisha (or Geiko, depending on the region) she is now allowed to charge her patrons full price for her time. She is fully skilled in her arts, and is a perfect beautiful artist.
