Have you ever ever had the prospect to observe the film: ‘Memoirs of a Geisha’? Or at the very least learn the e book? I’ve finished each at a younger age and I immediately fell in love with Japan’s geisha as I witnessed their distinctive magnificence, grace, and self-discipline. Actually, ever since then, I’ve been deeply enamored by their mystifying world — which, fortunately, has nonetheless survived as much as this present day!
I say ‘survived’ as a result of I used to be additionally within the samurai (Japan’s olden warriors who sometimes serve a feudal lord or daimyo). I badly needed to witness their noble lifestyle; nonetheless, it stumbled upon the upsetting undeniable fact that they not exist.
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Apparently, their social class has died down across the late 1800s after the emperor favored a contemporary western-style military. In the present day, there could also be descendants and individuals who nonetheless attempt to follow samurai swordsmanship, BUT it’s not the identical given how the entire samurai life-style and system are non-existent anymore.
The geisha custom just isn’t as previous because the samurai however it IS previous and I need to say… I’ve developed some form of delicate concern that they may ultimately disappear too — which I hope to goodness, they gained’t. This fear of mine makes a little bit of sense as a result of there aren’t that a lot of them anymore. To place it into numbers, again within the Twenties geishas numbered round 80,000. The present quantity? It’s now estimated to be only one,000 to 2,000! Due to this, I’ve truly made ‘assembly or seeing a legit geisha‘ as an merchandise on the very high of my bucket listing.
Fortunately, I’ve already made that dream come true from among the many journeys I’ve finished to Japan! For example, I talked to a geisha in Tokyo and Kyoto over a dinner banquet, I performed video games with 2 younger senior maiko in Niigata, I caught sight of a respectable maiko (who was on her method to work) in certainly one of Kyoto’s slim alleys, and I even watched two younger Japanese maikos carry out in Gion Nook amongst many others.
I positively really feel fortunate for having the prospect to endure these breathtaking experiences, and now that I’ve met and seen them, my want for his or her practices to proceed for eternity has been strengthened much more! It’s also my want that extra folks would get to know their custom — and the true one at that.
I say this as a result of there’s a LOT of misunderstandings in regards to the geisha occupation. Actually, ‘Memoirs of a Geisha‘ is a main instance of this! Because it was made in Hollywood, it certainly had a number of facets that have been false (if not overly romanticized) thereby contributing to the already rising misconceptions of the tradition. Due to my discussions with a number of geishas, in addition to to my lengthy analysis sprees, I’ve come to study MORE of the reality.
In the present day, I will likely be imparting that information with you in order that you can also be cleared of any misconceptions that you’ll have about them.
~ Topmost photograph from Shutterstock
Geisha Details
» What’s a Geisha?
A geisha, which interprets to English as “performing artist” or “artisan”, is a high-class skilled and conventional feminine entertainer in Japan educated in numerous types of artwork. Within the west of Japan akin to in Kyoto, they use one other title which is geiko. Whereas within the Kanto space (round Tokyo), they name them geigi. For Tokyo and different locations, they simply generally use the phrase geisha.
For the sake of consistency on this article, I’ll use the phrase geisha. Apart from, it’s a widely known time period that’s used to embody each that of western Japan’s geiko/geigi and Tokyo’s geisha.
Geishas are normally employed to take care of visitors (who’re predominantly and historically male) throughout banquets, meals, events, and different events as they show their expertise by numerous methods akin to dancing to a tune performed with a shamisen (a Japanese stringed instrument), initiating video games, doing the artwork of dialog, and extra.
For these affairs, they meet up with their visitors at an ochaya* (tea home) or at a ryōtei (conventional Japanese restaurant) and cost their clients by the hour with flat charges.
Ochaya are extremely unique locations that usually solely grant entry to common or trusted clients. That is primarily due to how they function: they don’t invoice their visitors on the finish of the night, however somewhat as soon as a month for all of the bills accrued.
That being stated, there’s a particular stage of belief concerned. For example, not nearly anybody can go as much as an ochaya with out being launched to it first by an already current buyer (and that current buyer would basically danger their status by trusting the habits of the individual that they’re introducing to the ochaya). Going by this prepare of thought, hiring a geisha to have a dinner banquet with just isn’t simple particularly when you’re not Japanese and never well-connected, as it’s unique AND costly.
Thankfully, most ochaya have lessened their restrictions prior to now years, and vacationers can now have a geisha dinner in the event that they undergo partnered journey businesses and motels. Nonetheless, you’ll nonetheless want to arrange a substantial price range for this as a result of a full dinner may be price round 50,000 yen and up ($470~ or Php 22,500~) per geisha or maiko. This does NOT embrace dinner but which begins at 10,000 yen ($95~ or Php 4,500~), in addition to an interpreter when you don’t know the best way to communicate Japanese (since geishas and maikos don’t prepare in English dialog).
Wish to meet with a geisha?
TRIVIA: Some folks will say that it’s a ‘waste’ of cash to have a geisha dinner when you don’t communicate Japanese — the magic of all of it might stop to exist! They are saying that it’s because you’ll be lacking out on certainly one of their greatest abilities: dialog or witty banter.
.Regardless of the case, that is all as much as you in fact! The best way I see it, it’d certainly be a waste of cash, BUT I don’t suppose it’s a nasty thought to do it anyway and get an interpreter (higher but, drag alongside your Japanese pal). And when you’re up for it, there are additionally already a number of educated and acknowledged foreigner geisha in Japan who can communicate English. I went by this expertise myself and I loved it a lot! (To study extra about these trendy foreigner geishas, go right here).
“Why are geisha costly to e book?!“
To start with, not solely is their coaching lengthy, meticulous, and dear (which they should slowly pay again to their okiya or geisha home), however their complete apparel (handmade kimono that are designed only for them) are expensive too — it could possibly begin at $10,000!
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» What Is a Maiko?
A maiko, which interprets to English as “dancing baby”, is an apprentice geisha.
Traditionally, a maiko begins her coaching at a younger age of round 3 or 5 years previous. However now, their coaching begins at a a lot later date. In Kyoto, they begin at 15 or 16, and in Tokyo, they begin at 18.
Nonetheless, any lady who desires to enter the group doesn’t have to start as a maiko as a result of it’s stated that they will already proceed to be a geisha. Nonetheless and the identical, they’re required to do at the very least a 12 months’s price of coaching earlier than debuting as a full-fledged geisha. For girls who’re aged 21 to 23 and above, they’re deemed to be too previous to develop into maikos in order that they already develop into a geisha once they get accepted to the group — once more, nonetheless with coaching beforehand.
In Tokyo, maikos are known as as hangyoku (“half jewel”) and so they can stay to be so till they’re 23. For the sake of consistency on this article, I’ll use the phrase maiko.
Historical past of Geisha
» The First Geisha
Geishas began to seem within the pleasure quarters of Japan earlier than the flip of the 18th century — however one fascinating undeniable fact that you need to know is that the primary geishas have been truly males, known as taikomochi (drum or taiko-bearer, although not all of them used this Japanese drum) or hōkan (jester).
These male geishas mainly began as ‘jesters’. They attended to daimyo (feudal lords) within the thirteenth century and offered leisure, if not assist advise their lord about army methods. Within the sixteenth century, they grew to become storytellers (otogishu or hanashishu) and even battled alongside their lord at occasions. When peace started within the seventeenth century, they somewhat needed to change their position to being pure entertainers.
The primary feminine geisha (onna) appeared round 1751 and she or he was known as a geiko (which now stays to be the time period for geisha in Kyoto). Ultimately, teenage odoriko who have been expensively-trained “dancing women” or dancers-for-hire began to seem as effectively.
By the tip of the 18th century, feminine geisha outnumbered the males and the latter’s roles have as soon as once more modified — this time round, as assistants to the ladies throughout events. As time handed additional on, being a geisha was primarily considered a feminine occupation. It grew to become so widespread that lots of them began to work primarily as entertainers. Anybody who was promoting intercourse (which was in opposition to their supposed type of work) have been imprisoned with the intention to shield the oiran who have been licensed high-class courtesans or prostitutes at the moment.
In the present day, there are solely about 8 taikomochi in Japan — 4 in Tokyo, 1 in Kyoto, and the remainder are scattered across the nation.
.UPDATE: I used to be informed that as of 2012, there exists a working geisha who additionally owns an ‘okiya’ and he’s male! His title is Eitaro, dubbed as Japan’s solely male geisha who performs as a feminine dancer, and he’s present in Tokyo’s Omori district.
When World Warfare II started, geishas began to say no. They needed to shut their okiya (geisha homes) and the teahouses, in addition to bars, needed to shut store as effectively. In consequence, they went to different locations in Japan for security or for work (akin to in factories, and many others.). It didn’t assist both that some prostitutes began to confer with themselves as “geisha women” to American army males.
Nonetheless, when the conflict ended, the returning geishas made it a degree to reinstate their conventional requirements as highly-skilled entertainers, and on the identical time, they proposed elevated rights for his or her occupation.
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» Is an Oiran a Geisha?
By no means! As I’ve beforehand talked about, the geishas set themselves other than oirans who have been high-ranking courtesans.
In Japanese historical past, courtesans have totally different ranks and oiran have been thought-about larger in standing than the frequent prostitutes often known as yūjo (lady of enjoyment). The oiran have been even identified for his or her exclusivity as they serviced higher clientele at exorbitant costs; in spite of everything, even when they have been engaged in prostitution, they have been extremely expert in numerous conventional arts. Actually, the highest-ranking oiran even has a say within the clients that they wish to absorb.
In 1800, nonetheless, the oiran slowly fell out of demand when rich Japanese males and retailers began to want geishas as their companion of selection attributable to their ‘stylish’ and trendy demeanor..
Merely put: the rise of the geisha was the autumn of the oiran.
The numbers of oiran steadily declined after which vanished when Japan outlawed prostitution in 1956. In the present day, there are solely oiran “reenactors” who proceed to carry out in Japan (largely in Kyoto) — however they don’t present courtesan companies, they largely do reveals and parades often known as oiran dōchū.
Left & center photograph by: Japanexperterna / CC | Proper photograph by: Keisuke Makino / CC
In the present day’s Geisha
» Present quantity
The geisha custom is dwindling attributable to its exclusivity, costly value, and conventional kind; nonetheless, it’s in Kyoto the place it stays to be the strongest right this moment. Kyoto can be the head space the place assembly geishas stays to be the very best and most prestigious in its 5 hanamachi (geisha districts or “flower cities”), particularly: Gion Kōbu, Ponto-chō, Kamishichiken, Gion Higashi, and Miyagawa-chō.
If now we have to place it into numbers, as I’ve beforehand talked about, there solely about 1,000 to 2,000 geisha now, and they’re present in a number of cities throughout Japan — Kyoto, Tokyo (with well-known hanamachi of Shimbashi, Asakusa, and Kagurazaka) and Kanazawa. It’s stated that there are about 300 in Kyoto — however the actual numbers there in addition to in different areas are unknown to us outsiders.
Talking of hanamachi, these are locations which might be usually known as the ‘flower and willow world’ (karyukai). Provided that they’re speckled with okiya and ochaya institutions which might be owned and run by girls, all the ability is held by females. Males in these districts are somewhat primarily artisans, dressers, or wig makers. If I’ll add, kids who’re women are additionally most well-liked in order that they will later tackle the enterprise — apparently sufficient, it is a trait that’s in distinction to the remainder of Japan.
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» Foreigner or Non-Japanese Geisha
To be able to sustain with the occasions, some okiya have been accepting overseas nationals as geishas. To date there are just a few of them which were admitted and beneath are their Japanese names. (Information beneath is as of 2016.)
- Ibu — Debuted in Anjō of Aichi Prefecture within the Ichikoma okiya on October 5, 2010
- Eve is initially from Ukraine [Retired ~ source]
- Juri — Debuted within the resort city of Yugawara in Kanagawa prefecture
- Maria is initially from Peru [Unsure if still working or retired ~ source]
- Fukutarō — Debuted in Izu-Nagaoka district of Shizuoka Prefecture in 2011
- Isabella Onou is initially from Romania [Retired ~ source]
- Sayuki — Debuted in Asakusa district of Tokyo in 2007 and have become the primary registered overseas geisha in Japan. In 2011, she has been disassociated with the Asakusa Geisha Affiliation and has since labored independently in Fukugawa district.
- Fiona Graham is initially from Australia [Working ~ source]
- Rinka — Debuted in Shimoda of Shizuoka Prefecture on September 2011
- Mutsuki — Debuted in Shinagawa district of Tokyo
- Yixin is initially from China [Working ~ source]
- Kimicho — Debuted in Oimachi district of Shinagawa, Tokyo on August 2015
- Sydney Stephens is initially from America [Retired in 2017 due to personal reasons ~ source]
I had the pleasure of assembly and speaking to Kimicho! Learn in regards to the interview right here.
You’ll not see foreigner or non- Japanese geishas admitted (but) in Kyoto since they nonetheless stay to be strictly conventional. Nonetheless, it’s nice to see that the remainder of Japan is slowly opening its geisha custom to others who love the tradition, even when they don’t seem to be of Japanese descent!
High Myths
1 MYTH: Geishas are prostitutes.
TRUTH: Geishas are NOT prostitutes.
They’re and all the time will likely be highly-skilled entertainers. It helps to notice as effectively that prostitution is unlawful in Japan ever since 1956. Plus, though there have been a few of them within the olden occasions who supplied intercourse to their purchasers, it helps to notice that it was NOT part of their true conventional operate or coaching — name them rebels if you’ll, and so they may simply be so since as I’ve mentioned beforehand, a geisha is imprisoned prior to now ought to they ever supply intercourse to others casually (additionally as a method to shield the oiran).
In fact, a geisha is free to pursue private relationships with any man that she meets by work; however such would almost definitely by no means be informal nor will it ever be her purpose for such an interplay. They dwell in a geisha district (hanamachi) which is a really closely-knit group, and given how vastly they worth their status, they might all the time decide their relationships fastidiously. Ought to they ever fall in love and wish to marry, then generally they have to retire as a result of geishas (most particularly in Kyoto) are anticipated to be single. Nonetheless, there at the moment are lots of locations in Japan like Tokyo that enable married, divorced, and/or girls with kids to develop into geishas.
2 MYTH: Geishas have private relationships with a patron or danna.
TRUTH: That is NOT true right this moment.
It might have been a practice prior to now for them to take a danna or a patron who was rich sufficient to help the bills associated to her coaching and different prices with the intention to have a private relationship in return (which was not inherently sexual). However right this moment, it is extremely uncommon for a geisha to have a private relationship with a danna, and will they ever have one (which is uncommon as a result of most of them like to be autonomous now), it’s primarily due to the patron’s want to assist delay the geisha arts and traditions — nothing extra. Once more, a geisha and her danna can fall in love however intimacy isn’t considered as an trade for the danna’s monetary help.
3 MYTH: Younger women are bought to okiya (geisha homes) by their dad and mom due to poverty.
TRUTH: It might have occurred manner prior to now, however these days, NO.
In the present day, there aren’t any younger women bought to an okiya attributable to poverty; in spite of everything, it’s extra of a private profession selection with the intention to develop into one. Actually, lots of women have to influence their dad and mom right this moment with the intention to allow them to develop into a maiko/geisha. As soon as a woman’s dad and mom consent to it, she must be interviewed first by the affiliation in addition to the feminine homeowners of the okiya (geisha home) earlier than being accepted.
4 MYTH: Geishas are led by males and cash (as portrayed within the film: Memoirs of a Geisha).
TRUTH: That is NOT true.
It helps to all the time keep in mind that the film was primarily fictional and set to be ‘sellable’ to audiences. (Properly, good day Hollywood!). Being a geisha is like being an artist or a performer — it’s a decent occupation. And very like any profession you pursue in life that you’re obsessed with, you do it since you adore it whereas additionally incomes your residing from it. They don’t go round chasing after males both; it simply so occurs that the folks that they current their artwork and performances to are predominantly males.
5 MYTH: Maiko goes by mizuage whereby a patron would pay to take their virginity. (As additionally seen in ‘Memoirs of a Geisha’).
TRUTH: Nope, under no circumstances!
This type of mizuage was truly a ceremony finished by younger courtesans and prostitutes prior to now — NOT by maikos. Although there are speculations that this mizuage (taking of the virginity) was finished by some maikos prior to now, what’s essential to recollect is that that is NOT finished right this moment nor was it ever historically accepted to be finished by geishas for his or her maikos. The one type of mizuage that maikos have finished was a ceremony whereby older geishas would symbolically reduce the topknot of the maiko’s hair to suggest her coming of age (of changing into an grownup).
Learn how to Turn into a Geisha
Coaching to develop into a geisha wherein you begin as a maiko begins at 15 or 16 in Kyoto and 18 in Tokyo (prior to now, it began at 3 – 5 years previous). As of late, women should have at the very least graduated from center college (besides Kyoto who has particular legal guidelines for it) earlier than they will make the choice to coach as a maiko and ultimately develop into a geisha.
Nonetheless, it’s extra frequent for younger Japanese girls to start out coaching after highschool or faculty, and much more would start later. If they’re above 21 to 23, they’ll already begin as a geisha (with a 12 months’s coaching) since they’re too previous to be a maiko. Having stated that, one doesn’t have to start out as a maiko since they will already begin to prepare as a geisha — however in fact, the attract of the general complete coaching course of as you progress from a maiko to a full-fledged geisha may be fairly an expertise. It might probably additionally add extra to 1’s hype or status in the neighborhood.
So with the intention to develop into a geisha, when you attain the age requirement, you or your mother or father have to contact, for instance, Ookini Zaidan or the guild for all of Kyoto’s hanamachi companies. You could fulfill their different fundamental necessities, particularly: you need to not be taller than 160cm, you’re at the very least 43kg in weight, are prepared to coach within the conventional arts for years with out contact with your loved ones, and many others. As soon as they think about you a very good candidate, they’ll ship out your profile to okiya homes that is likely to be serious about coaching you.
NOTE: An okiya will shoulder all of your bills for meals, coaching, garments, and many others. as soon as you’re accepted by them. From that time onward, you’re bonded by a contract, and while you begin working, you’ll be able to slowly repay these money owed.
In case you are non-Japanese, Kyoto is a tough surroundings to crack in so that you’re higher off making use of to different locations like Tokyo. If not making use of to an okiya your self, will probably be so much higher if you recognize somebody who can introduce you to an okasan or a mom of an okiya/geisha home. Talking of which, do NOT attempt to apply when you don’t know the Japanese language but; in any other case, completely no okiya will take you!
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» Maiko Coaching
Photographs by: My Kyoto Picture / CC
There are a number of phases to endure when you first prepare as a maiko. To start with, the stage of…
Shikomi. As you’re taken in, you’ll first be considered a shikomi or somebody who mainly works as a helper for the okiya as you do errands, assist different geishas and maikos costume up, and many others. Throughout this stage, you’re additionally slowly being educated into the approach to life. Instance: you’ll be taught to regulate to carrying a conventional yukata as regular clothes, develop out your hair, study the correct demeanor, go to high school (kaburejo or nyokobo) to study the humanities of the shamisen instrument, dance, tea ceremony, and many others.
» This may final for about 6 months earlier than going to the following stage.
Minarai. At this level, you’ll begin your formal coaching and be considered a minarai which accurately means “studying by watching”. On this stage, you’ll have an older geisha for a mentor whom you’ll name onēsan (sister) and this will likely be a bond that can keep for all times. You might be then anticipated to accompany your onesan to ozashiki (dinner banquet occasions) to be able to sit and observe her in addition to different geishas and maikos work together with the purchasers. By way of this fashion, you’ll not solely acquire actual insights into the job however additionally, you will acquire the prospect to know potential purchasers. At occasions, your onesan will can help you carry out however she’s going to maintain a detailed eye on you. (FYI: Oftentimes, you’ll know when you noticed an actual maiko or geisha while you see them being accompanied by a singular shikomi or minarai wearing a easy kimono or yukata with no make-up or equipment on.)
» This coaching interval begins a month earlier than your official debut as a maiko.
Misedashi. That is your official debut as a maiko and this ceremony is sort of a grand public social gathering whereby your title will likely be unfold out throughout the hanamachi. Additionally, you will endure a ritual known as as sansankudo (additionally finished in wedding ceremony ceremonies) the place you trade cups along with your onesan, different geishas, and senior maikos — individuals who you at the moment are certain to. Afterward, you at the moment are free to carry your individual events and carry out in festivals; however you’ll all the time be a part of your onesan at her occasions and additionally, you will proceed studying from her.
» Usually, this stage will final about 4 to five years.
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» Debuting as a Geisha
Picture by: My Kyoto Picture / CC
Erikae. Across the age of 21 to 23, you’ll be promoted as a full-fledged geisha in yet one more public ceremony known as erikae or “turning of the collar” whereby because the title implies, they’ll flip your purple collar to white as an indication of your transition to maturity from that of a maiko lady right into a geisha lady.
Geisha. You’ll proceed finding out, working, and holding ozashiki banquets till you repay your money owed to your okiya. You can additionally tackle a minarai/maiko below your wing. When your money owed to your okiya are settled, chances are you’ll select to maneuver out, work independently, or proceed residing within the okiya.
Hiki-iwai. This can be a celebration that marks your retirement as a geisha, and it may be due to numerous causes: you wish to stop the geisha life, you wish to pursue one other profession, you’re too previous to work publicly, you wish to get married, otherwise you wish to develop into an okami-san (proprietress of both an ochaya or okiya).
Realistically-speaking nonetheless, not lots of maikos make it to the geisha stage as a result of the approach to life may be fairly troublesome. Additionally, as soon as somebody does develop into a geisha, it’s additionally frequent for them to retire inside 5 years of their debut.
Anyhow, geishas and maikos alike are celebrated and so they have a HUGE fanbase — not solely in Japan however worldwide too!
Learn how to Determine Geisha & Maiko
As you go to Japan, be aware of the beneath factors that will help you rapidly differentiate a geisha from their apprentice (maiko):
» Age
As I’ve already mentioned, maikos normally begin their coaching at a younger age (15 to 16 for Kyoto and 18 for Tokyo) so they’re much youthful than a full-fledged geisha who usually begin at round 21 to 23.
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» Make-up
.On a typical day, a maiko will likely be seen carrying probably the most recognizable characteristic of geishas: the total white face make-up. Geisha, alternatively, do NOT have this make-up on until they will do a particular efficiency or dinner banquet.
Maikos will all the time have a noticeable white band of unpainted pores and skin on their hairline (since they don’t put on wigs) and their eyebrows will likely be shaded in purple or pink, their cheeks blushed, and their eyes outlined with black eyeliner and purple eyeshadow. In the course of the early phases of their coaching, ‘junior’ maikos (or minarai) will solely have their decrease lip painted in purple, and as they advance (as ‘senior’ maikos), each of their lips will likely be painted however solely in a skinny line.
For geisha who have to have their face painted once they work, other than having no seen a part of uncovered pores and skin close to their hairline (provided that they put on wigs), their eyebrows can even solely have a faint shade of purple, their eyes outlined in black (if a ‘senior’ geisha) or with a slight purple (in the event that they’re a ‘junior’ geisha) and their lips painted totally in purple.
Left photograph by: Joe Baz / CC | Circle & proper photograph by: Annie Guilloret / CC
NOTE: This white make-up totally covers the geisha or maiko’s face, neck, and chest — aside from the nape (known as komata or the again of an individual’s neck) which they’ll be sure that is seen once they would, in a while, put on their kimono (as seen in among the photographs on the earlier a part of this publish). This half is taken into account to be a historically erotic space in Japan in order that they intensify this sensuality by usually leaving an inverted “V” form on a geisha and an inverted “W” form (sanbonashi) on those that simply debuted as maikos. This fashion is named as eri-ashi or eriashi.
.TRIVIA: Within the olden occasions, geishas practiced ohaguro or the Japanese customized of blackening one’s tooth and it lasted till the tip of the Meiji interval (although at occasions, there are nonetheless some Kyoto geiko right this moment who generally have pitch-black tooth). In these occasions, pitch-black objects have been considered lovely so they’d their tooth blackened particularly when they’re coming of age as an indication of maturity and wonder (women, boys, and even nobles did it too).
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» Hair
Geishas normally put on wigs, whereas maikos have their hair styled naturally. A geisha’s wig and a maiko’s pure hair are repeatedly styled by highly-skilled artisans. Currently, nonetheless, conventional hairstyling is slowly phasing out as a result of it could possibly generally result in balding on the highest of their head. Nonetheless, it stays to be practiced.
Maikos have their hair styled within the wareshinobu fashion consisting of two “wings” and a giant bun on the middle; however when a maiko turns senior, she’s going to placed on an ofuku coiffure and this normally begins after 2 to three years of being a maiko (the one distinction with the wareshinobu fashion is how the ofuku fashion has an oblong piece of fabric pinned on the backside of the bun with no purple material protruding).
The wig worn by geisha is named katsura that’s styled within the taka shimada coiffure. At occasions, this wig can change and styled right into a kyoufuu shimada fashion. In occasions when they don’t seem to be carrying a wig, geishas put up a yohatsu coiffure which accurately means ‘western fashion’ since it’s modeled to western updo’s or perms.
Left photograph by: My Kyoto Picture / CC | Proper photograph by: Hiromu Aoki / CC
TRIVIA: All maikos have their hair styled elaborately each week. To maintain their coiffure intact, maikos sleep with their necks on small helps or particular pillows known as as takamakura. I can’t discover a picture on-line that I’m allowed to make use of however when you’ve watched the film Memoirs of a Geisha, you’ll know what I’m speaking about.
HAIR ORNAMENTS. Maikos put on extra elaborate ornamental hair ornaments known as as kanzashi and the designs can differ relying on the stage of coaching that they’re at the moment in. A primary-year maiko will put on shidare-kanzashi that flows down the complete facet of their face from her hair to her chin, symbolizing their youth. A junior maiko could have a kanakodome or particular hair decoration in addition to a purple piece of silk (signifying that she’s nonetheless a toddler) on the middle of her bun together with lots of hair ornaments, notably a daikin (major entrance kanzashi), a giant seasonal kanzashi (worn on the left a part of her hair) and a katsuyama bridge (a giant crown-like kanzashi positioned in entrance of the bun). For senior maikos, probably the most notable change is that they’ll cease carrying the katsuyama bridge and begin carrying colourful kushi (comb that’s much less ornamental than a katsuyama bridge, thus signifying maturity).
In distinction, geishas put on easier kanzashi or smaller hair ornaments like a kushi (comb-shaped kanzashi), maezashi (small hairpins), tama kanzashi (single-colored bead hairpin), and hanemottoi (silver paper wires atop the hair).
Photographs by: My Kyoto Picture / CC
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» Outfit & Footwear
KIMONO. A maiko normally wears a colorfully-designed hikizuri kimono (Japanese conventional garment) that has furisode or long-sleeves garment that nearly contact the bottom (generally worn by single girls), together with a wider, longer, and heavier obi (sash) that’s set to appear to be a bow because it drapes all the way down to their again displaying the tip which has the kamon or the emblem of the maiko’s okiya or geisha home — this obi is definitely known as as a darara obi. A maiko’s collar can be a definite characteristic as a result of it’s thick and embroidered, hangs very loosely, and is principally within the shade purple (different colours can solely be gold or white). It would slowly have white embroidered patterns as they advance of their coaching however it is going to all the time stay to be dominantly purple.
TRIVIA: Wanna know the costliest merchandise in a geisha or maiko’s outfit? It’s the pocchiri or obidome which is an adjunct on the obi (belt) made of pricy actual jewels akin to jade, agate, quartz, pearl and extra that may simply match the value of a luxurious automobile. Typically nonetheless, a pocchiri accent is simply normally worn by a maiko.
Geishas, who’re extra mature, put on extra subdued however refined kimonos with shorter sleeves (kosode) which might be normally in a single shade with a easy sample on the backside. Their kimono can be stated to be within the tomesode fashion or probably the most formal kimono a married lady can put on which is actually signifying their maturity. Additionally, their obi is shorter and it appears to be like like a sq. bow knot on the again known as a ‘taiko musubi obi’. Lastly, their collars are utterly white and aren’t as free. (Nonetheless, each maikos and geishas put on kimonos in response to the season).
NOTE: Wanna try to put on a kimono? There are kimono rental retailers in Tokyo! Learn right here to study extra.
TRIVIA: Questioning in regards to the ‘bag’ that they normally carry together with them? That’s known as a kago or a bag with a bamboo base and it incorporates enterprise playing cards, dancing followers and different equipment — however by no means electronics, as they don’t seem to be allowed to carry them whereas working. Furthermore, even a maiko and geisha has variations within the bag: maikos have shiny and colourful kago, whereas geishas have minimal or solid-colored kago.
FOOTWEAR. Maikos usually put on excessive picket sandals to stop their kimono from touching the bottom, and they’re known as as okobo. Geishas use shorter picket sandals known as zori or senryo geta. Maikos will put on this too if the state of affairs requires it; however they put on okobo extra.
Left photograph by: Japonismo / CC | Proper photograph by: Tugumi Yoshikawa. / CC
IMPORTANT NOTE: The maiko within the photograph above is carrying a black kimono as a result of she has simply formally debuted as a maiko. However general, a maiko’s kimono is way more colourful and daring with larger patterns (a geisha’s patterns on her kimono solely begin on the backside hem and by no means goes over the waistline). Plus, a maiko’s obi normally has her okiya’s crest printed on the backside (as additionally seen within the photograph above).
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You may even differentiate a junior from a senior maiko from the patterns on their shoulders — a junior maiko has them on each shoulders, whereas a senior maiko solely has it in a single shoulder.
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» Learn how to spot faux a maiko and geisha
You may need heard of makeover (henshin) studios in Japan that can costume vacationers up as a geisha or maiko for a day. With this in thoughts, if in case you have ever seen one if you are round standard spots in Japan — like in components of Kyoto or Tokyo — it’s extremely possible that you’ve witnessed or took an image with a faux one.
That will help you establish and spot these vacationers who’re solely dressing up, see beneath the a number of options that they’ll possess. Finally, henshin studios make it a degree to NOT costume up their purchasers authentically; in any other case, they are going to be shut down by the authorities.
- They’ve mismatched hairstyles, make-up, and clothes. Making an allowance for the descriptions that I’ve made beforehand of genuine geishas and maikos’ options, a vacationer in disguise will all the time have a fallacious mixture of traits. For instance, most of them could have the ornamental lengthy hair decoration (of a junior maiko) but with each her lips painted (like a senior maiko or geisha) and with a wig on (although some retailers can now do your hair too). They can even have shorter sleeves on the kimono regardless of being dressed up as maiko.
. - They’re strolling round crowded areas. A real maiko or geisha is aware of that she is sought out by vacationers and so they can get ‘mobbed’ in a way; so, you’ll NEVER discover them strolling by a populated space whereas of their full regalia. What they normally do is stroll by again streets and alleyways with the intention to keep away from the group. Therefore, when you ever see a maiko or geisha strolling casually by a widely known place, she is definitely a vacationer dressed up as one.
. - They’re out throughout the early time of the day. Geishas and maikos generally work within the evenings; although it’s doable that they’re booked for an early banquet, it virtually occurs not often.
. - They’re willingly taking photographs with others. Geishas and maikos are literally paid for the time that requires them to get from level A to level B; so when they’re out on the streets, they’ll by no means cease by to take photographs with vacationers. (You may all the time ask them although when you can take a photograph, however do it fast). Subsequently, when you see one who’s taking her candy time pleasing a crowd of vacationers to take a photograph of her (until it’s an official occasion) then she is a vacationer who had a makeover.
. - They’re accompanied by different people who find themselves in regular clothes. Noticed a geisha or maiko with an elder or a companion who has to assist her whereas she walks in her excessive picket sneakers? That’s a vacationer. Actual geishas and maikos are educated to stroll effectively with their zori or okobo sandals. Apart from, they all the time know their manner round city too. If they’re ever accompanied, it is going to normally be by a younger lady in a kimono who will carry her belongings (as talked about beforehand, this will likely be a brand new maiko in coaching who is named a ‘shikomi’ or ‘minarai’).
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Truly, you wouldn’t pay attention to it however you may need had a respectable geisha or maiko in your midst particularly while you’re strolling round in Kyoto. Once they’re of their regular garments (akin to a yukata), figuring out them will naturally be powerful — until you’re a fan who acknowledges their face or until they’re carrying their signature kimono and conventional white make-up (shiro-nuri).
NOTE: There’s one other type other than henshin vacationers whom you would simply mistake as respectable geishas and maikos, and so they’re known as furisode-san or kimono-san.
.A longtime enterprise by ‘Furisode Gakuin’ at Tokyo’s Asakusa district within the Nineteen Nineties, these furisode-san are paid entertainers solely who mimic the look and companies of geishas and maikos at a less expensive value (normally round 25,000 yen or $250 for a 2-hour social gathering). They solely have about 3 months of coaching and once more — they’re NOT actual geishas nor maikos.
.Actually, a lot of the geisha experiences that you just may need learn in different journey blogs are literally experiences with a furisode-san. How do the Japanese really feel about these folks? A mixture of approval and disapproval. Approval since they assist collect curiosity in actual geishas; disapproval since they deem it as disrespectful to the true custom.
.How then can you make sure that you’re not reserving an expertise with a furisode-san? Other than a budget value as an indicator, just be sure you e book by respectable journey businesses who solely search to supply actual geisha/maiko experiences (notice: I’ll replace this part quickly with related hyperlinks for reserving legit geishas).
The place to Discover and Meet Geisha?
The geisha world must survive. It used to solely be solely accessible for the wealthy or well-connected Japanese, however now it’s doable for different folks in addition to vacationers to fulfill and see them by journey businesses and motels.
However definitely, like I discussed above, a personal face-to-face dinner banquet or social gathering can nonetheless show to be dear. If such is the case for you — don’t fret as a result of there are nonetheless different methods to see REAL geishas and maikos at a a lot inexpensive value as listed beneath…
- Go e book a spot in Niigata Hanamachi Chaya’s program in Niigata Metropolis. That is the least expensive method to meet, play, and discuss to an actual geishas up shut because you solely should pay 3,000 yen ($26~ of Php 1,300~). It’s similar to an ozashiki (dinner banquet) expertise. To search out out extra about it, learn this: Meet, Play & Discuss with Niigata’s Furumachi Geigi (Geisha) for Solely $26!
- Go to Miyako Odori in Kyoto. This can be a yearly spring dance throughout April finished by Kyoto’s geishas and maikos. Ticket costs begin at 2,500 yen ($24~ or Php 1,100~) and you’ll see extra data about this right here.
- Go to Kamishichiken in Kyoto throughout February and July to September. Geishas and maikos of this district serve tea and wagashi (conventional Japanese sweets) to about 3,000 visitors in an annual open-air tea ceremony held on February 25 (the plum-blossom competition within the Shinto shrine of Kitano Tenman-gū). Moreover, ever since 2010, there’s a beer backyard that opens as much as the general public on the Kamishichiken Kaburenjo Theatre from July to August (6PM to 10PM) the place you may get the prospect to be served by maikos and geishas. At evening, geishas would additionally generally to conventional dances.
- Go to the slim alleyways of Gion, Kyoto to catch sight of a maiko or geisha. The primary time I caught a glimpse of an actual maiko was after I was strolling by Gion (on my method to Gion Nook). It was all unplanned since I used to be simply following the quickest strolling route proven to me by Google Maps! I used to be mindlessly going by slim streets when ‘lo and behold, I noticed a maiko rising from a close-by alleyway who proceeded to face on the nook, seemingly ready for her taxi. From what I bear in mind, it was across the Tominagacho space; my buddies informed me that it was doable that the maiko I noticed visited a close-by shrine/temple earlier than going to work (which they normally do).
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“When is the very best time to identify a maiko or geiko in Kyoto?”
Their work usually begins at round 6PM to 8PM so it’s doable to see them whereas they’re on their method to the teahouse (strolling or getting on a taxi). However ordinarily, you’ll be able to have a greater probability of discovering geishas or maikos at round 10PM to 11PM on the streets of Gion once they make their manner again to their okiya. (Once more, be aware of my suggestions above on the best way to spot the true ones!).
Sadly, there may be NO assure that you will note them as they are often elusive and they are often anyplace! Although if in case you have the time, it’s advisable to linger in a single place to extend your possibilities of sighting them. It’s stated that the most typical hubs can be the road of Pontocho Alley finish of Shijo-dori and Hanamikoji-dori (round 5-6PM) provided that lots of the okiya are discovered there. Plus, as I discussed above, it doesn’t harm to go by the encircling shrines or temples since they may have made a cease there to hope earlier than going to work.
TIP: If you wish to do a guided tour round Kyoto and study extra about geishas, you’ll be able to be a part of this geisha district tour.
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NOTE: Don’t anticipate to see geishas and maikos of their full regalia round Gion throughout “Obon Pageant”, the annual Buddhist occasion for commemorating the souls of 1’s ancestors, as a result of they don’t work at the moment. This occurs throughout the center of August.
.ETIQUETTE: Do you have to ever see a geisha or maiko as you undergo the alleyways of Gion, be respectful. Taking a fast photograph is okay so long as you don’t get of their manner; however in fact, it’s additionally extra tactful when you ask for his or her permission first. Additionally, NEVER ever contact them and their kimono nor pull them again to make them cease and pose for you; that’s simply plain impolite BUT additionally as a result of you must keep in mind that their kimonos are INCREDIBLY costly. A well-known geisha as soon as stated this: “We’re not Mickey mouse and this isn’t Disney World, we aren’t right here to entertain the general public, we’re right here to entertain our patrons.”
- Go and watch the present at Gion Nook in Kyoto. This can be a theater that presents common one-hour reveals of seven performing arts in Kyoto — certainly one of which is the well-known kyo-mai dance efficiency by maiko dancers. There are 2 reveals on daily basis at 6PM and 7PM [see schedule here] with costs for adults at 3,150 yen ($30~ or Php 1,400). I went to this present and I liked it! (Lots of people on TripAdvisor left such dangerous critiques for this present, however that’s primarily as a result of they didn’t learn their pamphlet beforehand; most of them didn’t perceive that there are 6 Japanese performances which might be other than the well-anticipated maiko dance.)
- Go to Azuma Odori in Tokyo. A dance efficiency by the geishas of Shinbanshi, Tokyo is held yearly on the Shinbanshi Enbujo Theater in Might. (For more information, go right here).
Different FAQ About Geisha & Maiko
They’re NOT prostitutes. Geishas are and all the time will likely be highly-skilled entertainers — nothing extra, nothing much less. It helps to notice as effectively that prostitution is unlawful in Japan ever since 1956. Actually, this concept that geishas are prostitutes may need come about not solely from Hollywood motion pictures that misrepresented them but in addition from individuals who have mistaken geisha for “oiran” (the true high-ranking courtesans again in olden Japan; since 1956, they not exist).
In hanamachi communities like these in Kyoto, among the fundamental necessities is that you just should be a Japanese lady who graduated from center college, you should be 15 or 16 years previous, you need to have black hair, you need to not be taller than 160cm, you’re at the very least 43kg in weight, are prepared to coach within the conventional arts for years with out contact with your loved ones, and many others.
Often, you or your mother or father would wish to contact the guild of all of the hanamachi companies to use — as soon as they think about you a very good candidate, they’ll ship out your photograph and profile to okiya (geisha homes) that is likely to be serious about coaching you. Different okiya may even require an introduction, whereas some others will settle for functions from nearly anybody by electronic mail or phone.
In case you are non-Japanese, Kyoto is a tough surroundings to enter into as a result of they’re nonetheless fiercely conventional. You’re higher off making an attempt your possibilities in different places like Tokyo who’re extra lenient in direction of accepting foreigners. To do that, you’ll be able to apply to an okiya your self by telephone or electronic mail, however will probably be so much higher if you recognize somebody who can introduce you to an okasan or a mom of an okiya/geisha home. Talking of which, do NOT attempt to apply when you don’t know the best way to communicate the Japanese language but; in any other case, completely no okiya will take you!
The most typical reply is that they’ve been extremely impressed by the elusive and alluring world of the hanamachi and its group of stylish geisha. Many of the women, nonetheless, don’t debut as a geisha due to the troublesome life-style; whereas others merely simply wish to expertise working as a maiko with no plans to realize a geisha debut.
So long as an individual is working as a geisha, they have to stay single — therefore, a geisha should not get married. The one factor they’re allowed to be “married into” is their artwork or occupation. If a geisha truly desires to get married, they must stop or retire as a geisha and that is celebrated by a ceremony known as hiki-iwai. As soon as they stop, it’s not doable to come back again as a geisha however it’s doable to develop into an okami-san (proprietress of both an ochaya or okiya). That is usually the norm in locations like Kyoto, however there at the moment are lots of locations in Japan like Tokyo that enable married, divorced, and/or girls with kids to develop into geisha. Likewise, maiko aren’t allowed to have boyfriends.
For geisha, as they’re already educated for the occupation, they’ve extra freedom to take days off in addition to create their very own schedule. Nonetheless, for maiko who’re geisha-in-training, the principles are fairly strict as a result of they’re anticipated to give attention to the normal arts. Often, they’re solely allowed 1 or 2 days off per 30 days!! Which means that they might not see their household throughout their complete coaching interval. Maiko can take longer holidays for the three main holidays in Japan although, akin to New Yr, Golden Week (a set of 4 nationwide holidays in 7 days held round Might), and Obon (Buddhist occasion in August).
From the second {that a} maiko is accepted to an okiya, they’re bonded by a contract whereby the okiya will shoulder ALL their bills for lodging and coaching; in trade, as soon as a maiko truly begins performing, she’s going to progressively repay that debt to the okiya by her work. So no, maiko don’t obtain a wage as a result of they don’t seem to be full-fledged geisha but (however on their days off, maiko are given a small allowance).
Geisha, alternatively, obtain compensation and it’ll rely upon the quantity of labor they obtain that’s, in fact, altogether depending on their expertise and recognition. Their actual wage just isn’t extensively shared however to present you an thought, it could possibly begin from $3,000 to $10,000 — and extra! If they’re extremely standard, geisha will even usually obtain luxurious presents and gadgets from followers, patrons, and purchasers.
It’s stated that previously, provided that there was no electrical energy, carrying white make-up as a basis (shiro-nuri) was practiced as a result of a geisha’s face will then be higher seen within the candlelight. This beauty follow remained right this moment and has develop into a signature look of each geisha and maiko. In spite of everything, it helps create a hanging distinction to their general look in a kimono.
Other than the kimono, the costliest accent is normally the pocchiri or obidome which is an adjunct on the obi (belt) that’s made of pricy actual jewels akin to jade, agate, quartz, pearl, and others. These are sometimes expensive, beginning at a value of $5,000 and past (a few of which may simply match the value of a luxurious automobile). Typically nonetheless, a pocchiri accent is simply normally worn by a maiko.
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General
I hope this text helped make you acquire extra perception into the mysterious but charming world of geishas and their apprentice maikos. It took me some time to complete this however I actually loved writing it… and I hope you loved it as effectively!
If in case although that that is the primary time you’ve heard of Japan’s geishas, it’s subsequently additionally my hope that you just’ve now found a terrific appreciation and help for his or her wondrous traditions.
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P.S.: In case you are extra educated about geishas than me and that I’ve by chance made a false assertion above, do let me know within the feedback beneath. In spite of everything, I perceive that this custom maintains an air of mysteriousness and anonymity because it provides to their general ‘attract’; subsequently, there is likely to be some conflicting info on-line and in some supplies and interviews. Regardless, I’m fairly assured with the accuracy of the issues above particularly after doing lengthy hours of analysis after which conversing with genuine geishas to confirm my info. Let me know!