Geisha Girl: Facts & Secrets of the Japanese Geisha | WHO (2024)

Known their thorough training in dancing, singing, and the art of conversation, geisha are surrounded by an air of mystery.

So, what exactly is a Japanese geisha, and what does it take for someone to ascend to their level of artistry? Here, we look at their customs, the kind of training they undergo, and the mistaken stereotypes which have been attributed to the queens of the ‘floating world’.

What Is A Geisha?

The word ‘geisha’ comes from putting two characters together: ‘gei’, which means ‘art’ and ‘sha’, which means ‘person’. The Kyoto dialect refers to them with two different terms according to age and training. The geiko are those older than 20, while the maiko are between 15 to 20 years old.

Geisha Girl: Facts & Secrets of the Japanese Geisha | WHO (1)

Many geisha go through shikomi, a training stage which can last up to a year before they are allowed to become maiko. For training, a geisha girl is taught to sing, play traditional Japanese instruments, dance, and entertain with lighthearted conversation.

Though there used to be male geisha known as taikomochi, their training is different. Also called hokan, these male geisha specialised in storytelling, conversation, and appreciation of the tea ceremony. However, their numbers have declined. There are now only four taikomochi in Tokyo and just one in Kyoto.

Geisha Style

One of the things you’ll notice right away is the striking way that the geisha dress and do their makeup. Their stark white face paint, contrasting with their red lips and dazzling kimono, draws the attention of many a tourist in Gion Corner. Their dramatic look has even inspired contemporary beauty bloggers to create geisha doll makeup tutorials—but not all geisha are dressed according to the same customs.

Geisha Girl: Facts & Secrets of the Japanese Geisha | WHO (2)

It is actually the maiko who is more elaborately dressed. A maiko is seen to be a novice who still needs to build connections and encourage patronage, so they often have elaborate hairstyles adorned with cascading floral ornaments called hana kanzashi. This hairstyle takes two hours to complete, and is done every week. Geiko have simpler accessories and are allowed to wear wigs.

These wigs usually cover the back of a geiko’s neck, so you can also spot a maiko by looking for unpainted skin at the nape. These unpainted lines are meant to make the neck look longer. A geiko’s kimono sash, known as an obi, is folded into a box shape, while a maiko’s obi hangs down her back.

Why Is The Geisha World So Secretive?

The secrecy of the geisha revolves around the concepts of exclusivity and refinement. Geisha training is seen as a passage of tradition and history, not just skill. They remain some of the few who still know how to play traditional Japanese instruments. Preservation of these dying arts is a duty for the geisha, meaning they hold themselves responsible for passing on ancient Japanese songs and dances to new apprentices.

Geisha Girl: Facts & Secrets of the Japanese Geisha | WHO (3)

The reputation of the geisha has also suffered from the link to prostitution. It must be emphasised that courtesans are not geisha, and there is no such thing as a geisha bar where you walk in and pick a girl to entertain you. For the geisha, sex is not something they will ever offer to a client. Though prostitutes in the pleasure districts called themselves geisha in the Edo period, this custom fell out of favour.

Even the virginity auction called mizuage, described in detail in Memoirs of A Geisha, has long ceased to be practised. It is these misconceptions, along with the aversion to having traditions exoticised, which explains why they are very careful with guarding their customs.

Where Can You Find Geisha Today?

Geisha cannot be found all over Japan. Most of them reside in Tokyo and Kyoto. In Kyoto, there are five geisha districts, also known as kagai: Kamishichiken is the largest, Gion Kobu is the largest, and the other three are Gion Higashi, Miyagawa-cho, and Ponto-cho. Tokyo has six districts, the most active of which are Kagurazaka and Asakusa.

In Kyoto, it is estimated that there are a total of around 186 geiko, 73 maiko, and 132 ochaya. An ochaya is the teahouse where geishas entertain. It takes some time and socialising to meet a geisha the traditional way. Usually, you won’t be able to get into an ochaya unless you’ve built up a good relationship with the okaasan, who is the owner of the ochaya.

If you’re lucky, you can score a reservation at one of the exclusive restaurants where geisha entertain. Geisha also perform in Kyoto’s annual dance festivals, so if you want to catch a glimpse of their skill, go to one of the dance events. If you miss one, you can schedule a trip to see the next event, as each kagai holds a separate festival to show off their talent.

Geisha Girl: Facts & Secrets of the Japanese Geisha | WHO (4)

Rhys McKayContributor

Related stories

Slip Into Style: The Must-Have Lingerie Piece for Every Wardrobe

The 11 Trench Coats That Will Have You Set All Winter Long and Never Go Out of Style

Consider It Self-Care! The Best cl*toral Stimulation Vibrators For Solo Play

Shoppers Wild For Sellout ‘Miracle’ Pants: ‘Instant Booty Lift’

Want to Dress Like The French? Here’s 4 Tricks To Try

WHO’s Fashion Team Puts 6 Bestselling Jeans To The Test

8 Shirt Dresses That Are Anything But Basic and How To Style Them

01:04

Go-To Skincare’s EOFY Lucky Dip Sale is Here!

7 Luxurious Experiences for an Unforgettable Uluru Trip

Nail Colours To Copy This Winter

Geisha Girl: Facts & Secrets of the Japanese Geisha | WHO (2024)

FAQs

What do geisha girls do? ›

The geisha entertains guests through dancing, performing music, conversations, and other arts held in teahouses. They are also modern-day models and local ambassadors of traditional Japanese culture. Nowadays geisha also promote traditional Japanese culture.

Why did the geisha cut her leg? ›

To inflame a doctor's lust for Sayuri (for the impending bidding war for her virginity), Mameha intentionally cuts Sayuri's leg high on her thigh (off camera). Mameha tells the doctor the cut came from a scissors accident; he stares longingly at her leg before stitching it up.

What is a fact about geishas? ›

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.

Can geisha have boyfriends? ›

' 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.

Do geisha get paid? ›

It can be anywhere between $3K a month to tens of thousands of dollars for a popular geisha as she can also get gifts from her clients including expensive silk kimono and gems that cost more than 5 figures etc.. Geisha's salary is secret. Why do geisha have white powder on their face?

How do geishas sleep? ›

It is therefore in everyone's interest to keep the hair in immaculate condition. For this reason, a Geisha sleeps with her neck on a small wooden support or takamakura. This can cause crippling pain and sleep deprivation, and keeping the head balanced on the stand is a difficult skill to master.

Why do geishas have yellow teeth? ›

At the core of their traditional Japanese performance art, geishas apply distinctive white makeup, known as oshiroi, to achieve an otherworldly and ethereal appearance. This makeup symbolizes the ideal beauty and grace associated with a geisha. The stark white geisha makeup made natural teeth look yellow by contrast.

What is the geisha secret about? ›

The Geisha Secret is an original dating book that mixes the ancient secrets of femininity, elegance, and intellectual and artistic achievement of Japanese Geisha adapting them to the dating needs of modern women.

What happens when geishas get old? ›

Geishas are required to remain unmarried, but can work in the profession as long as they want without retiring. So even now, aged 80, Ikuko is not only head of the Akasaka Geisha Association – she's also a practicing geisha.

Are geishas respected in Japan? ›

No, as prostitution is illegal in Japan and the geishas are cultural performers who are deeply respected.

Why do girls want to be geishas? ›

Cultural Interest and Curiosity:

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.

Why are geishas white? ›

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.

Is a geisha a concubine? ›

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.

Can you ask a geisha for a photo? ›

Of course, politely asking for a photograph is okay – but often a geisha will be on her way to an appointment.

What is the difference between a maiko and a geisha? ›

The main differences between Maiko and geisha (geiko) are age, appearance, and skills. Maiko is usually younger than 20, wears a more colourful kimono with a red collar, and lacks conversation skills. Maiko means "dancing child, " referring to apprentice geisha still training.

What do modern day geishas do? ›

Many experienced geisha are successful enough to choose to live independently, though living independently is more common in some geisha districts – such as those in Tokyo – than others. Geisha are often hired to attend parties and gatherings, traditionally at tea houses or traditional Japanese restaurants (ryōtei).

Why do geishas have white faces? ›

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.

What do geisha do during the day? ›

Part of the geisha's daily routine includes studying how to host traditional Japanese wedding ceremonies and also learning to dance, sing and play musical instruments like shamisen (a three-stringed instrument), koto (Japanese harp) and taiko (Japanese drums).

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Lidia Grady

Last Updated:

Views: 5820

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (65 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Lidia Grady

Birthday: 1992-01-22

Address: Suite 493 356 Dale Fall, New Wanda, RI 52485

Phone: +29914464387516

Job: Customer Engineer

Hobby: Cryptography, Writing, Dowsing, Stand-up comedy, Calligraphy, Web surfing, Ghost hunting

Introduction: My name is Lidia Grady, I am a thankful, fine, glamorous, lucky, lively, pleasant, shiny person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.