Running Head: Geisha

Cultural Immersion - Geisha

Jasmaine Price

Wilmington University

July 20, 2018

Running Head: Geisha
2

Table of Contents

Intro

History

Stages of Training

Appearance
Make-up
Hair
Attire

The Arts
Music
Dance
Conversation

Modern Geisha
Non-Japanese Geisha

Public Appearances

Indirect: Movie – Memoirs of a Geisha

Direct: Interview

Cultural Competency
Agency
NOHS standard
Personal
Geisha Terms Glossary

References
Running Head: Geisha
3

Intro

Geisha’s are often referred to as ultimate icons of style and grace, curators of tradition,

and skilled artists; phrases that have described them since their inception (A.C. Scott, 1960) (The

Secret Lives of Geisha, 1999) (K. Petraglia, personal communication, July 18, 2018). These

words are a far cry from words such as prostitute, call girl, and street walker. So why do people

think Geisha are prostitutes? Most of this misconception stems from opportunistic prostitutes

who took advantage of the Geisha name during the 1950’s just after WWII (P. Schrijvers, 2005).

Or maybe it’s because of the emergence of the onsen geisha during the time of WWII. Onsen

geisha are geisha with a questionable reputation and a more sexual reputation. Onsen geisha,

who operated in the Japanese hot springs resorts during WWII, are less educated and are not as

highly trained as the Geisha of Kyoto or Tokyo (P. Schrijvers, 2005).

The word Geisha literally translates to performing artist. In Japanese, “gei” means art and

“sha” means people or person. Geisha are trained professionals who spend 30 – 40 years

perfecting their craft; whilst the prostitute does not participate in such trainings (The Secret Lives

of Geisha, 1999). Geisha train in the areas of singings, dance, instruments, and conversations (J.

Gallagher, 2003). A Geisha’s main focus is to entertain in the arts; a prostitute’s main focus is to

entertain with sex (A.C. Scott, 1960). Geisha mainly make appearances during private parties

held at the ochaya or specifically scheduled community events and festivals. Their goal is to

make their patrons feel like honored guests (M. Iwasaki, 2003).

Two of the major visual differences between a prostitute and Geisha are the obi and their

hair ornaments. Geisha wear their obi tied in the back, while a prostitute wears her’s in the front

for easy removal. Geisha wear generally simple hair ornaments, while a prostitute wears very
Running Head: Geisha
4

elaborate and eye catching hair ornaments. Geisha are not prostitutes; the two worlds could not

be more different (L. Downer, 2002) (Haute Culture).

-For the purposes of this paper, we will be discussing the Geisha of Kyoto, Japan. These Geisha

are considered to be the most traditional and highly trained.

-The words Geisha and Geiko are often used interchangeable, mainly depending on what part of

Japan you are in. In Kyoto the term Geiko is used, Geisha is used as a more general term. For the

purposes of this paper Geisha will be used.

-Important terms (Geisha Terms Glossary) have been included to assist with the reading

History

The timeless tradition of Geisha has been around for over 400 years hidden in a world of

secrecy and privilege. It is a profession that is completely controlled and run by women (The

Secret Lives of Geisha, 1999). The art form of Geisha began in the 1600’s during the Tokugawa

period of 1600 – 1868 in Japan; however, Geisha didn’t gain its footing until the Meiji period of

1868 – 1910 in Japan. The very first Geisha were actually men who performed as court jesters

(A.C. Scott, 1960). The Geisha would dress up in costume, dance, and play instruments to

entertain the waiting guests of the courtesans (L. Downer, 2002). The first female Geisha arrive

in the 18th century. She was originally a courtesan whose clients were rapidly declining. In an

effort to try something new she decided to take on the ways of the male Geisha. She studied

singing and dancing and performed for her clients. As a result, her clientele grew greatly as men

were interested to see what she was doing (L. Downer, 2002). Female Geisha quickly grew in

numbers and eventually took over the profession.

Running Head: Geisha
5

In 1813 Geisha was recognized as a profession in Kyoto when Kemban regulations to

set, this was done so that the lines of prostitution and Geisha would not cross (The Secret Lives

of Geisha, 1999) (Geisha of Japan, N.D.). After 250 years of living under the oppression of the

shogun, a group of Samurai warriors planned to over-through the government. The Geisha tea

houses were selected as their meeting places because of their tradition of secrecy and discretion.

After the Samurai defeated the Shogun, Geisha became allies to the most powerful men in the

country (The Secret Lives of Geisha, 1999). In the early 1900’s Geisha numbers were close to

25,000. Gion Kobu was home to the most prestigious Geisha. They were seen as “Perfection

personified” (The Secret Lives of Geisha, 1999). By the 1930’s there were 80,000 Geisha in

Japan. This is also when the practice of selling young girls into the Geisha profession began (The

Secret Lives of Geisha, 1999). Families often sold their girls to an Okiya in exchange for money

so they could feed and take care of themselves. Orphans were also subject to be sold into the

Geisha world (J. Gallagher, 2003).

The ever misunderstood Mizuagi ceremony emerged in the 1930’s as well (A.C. Scott,

1960). For Geisha, the Mizuagi ceremony was a rite of passage into womanhood; it was selling

the opportunity for a patron to deflower a Maiko. The amount paid is then used to go towards

reimbursing the Okaasan for all the money she put out to prepare a Geisha. It is estimated to cost

at least $500,000 to train and dress a Geisha. A Geisha’s ultimate hope is to secure a Danna who

would then take over paying all of her expenses. By the 1940’s many Geisha houses closed

because there were fewer patrons and resources due to the ongoing war (A.C. Scott, 1960). After

the war Geisha houses reopened but now with the focus on catering to American Soldiers (The

Secret Lives of Geisha, 1999). During the 1950’s there was an estimated 50,000 Geesha girls,

prostitutes masquerading as Geisha, who were providing sexual services to the American
Running Head: Geisha
6

Soldiers who were stationed in Japan. This crossing of the lines made it hard for real Geishas to

maintain their good name (The Secret Lives of Geisha, 1999).

However, in true Geisha fashion, Geisha continued to entertain and push forward. Over

the years the desire for Geisha experiences and the desire to enter the profession have dwindled.

Some speculate that the lower desire for Geisha has been due to bad publicity and scandals. They

also believe the lack of desire comes from the lack of understanding, of the profession, from the

new generation. In 1999 there was only an estimated 100 true Geisha left in Japan (The Secret

Lives of Geisha, 1999).

Stages of Training

Liza Dalby, the first foreigner live among the Geisha, give a very detailed description of

the stages of training to become a Geisha on her website. This is a more modern order of events.

In earlier times, girls could start their journey as young as age 5 (A.C. Scott, 1960). During a

Maiko’s training, the most important person in her life is her Oneesan. Her Oneesan will train

her and guide her through the process. The Maiko will benefit from her Oneesan’s reputation and

access.

Shikomi
The approximately year-long training period before appearing as a maiko. After
graduating from middle school at about age 15 or 16, a girl moves into the geisha house.
She begins dance lessons, and starts to learn the rules of the community. She practices
speaking Kyoto dialect. At this stage she wears informal kimono every day but no make-
up.

Minarai
When her debut day is set, she begins going to the teahouse every day in order to
observe geisha parties and participate as a trainee. This stage lasts about a month. Now
she wears her hair done up, a similar kimono to that of the maiko, but her obi is only half
as long.

Misedashi
Running Head: Geisha
7

The debut ceremony for a new maiko. For the first three days she wears full formal
kimono to engagements. From then on, for her first year she can be called to any teahouse
in the community. The hairstyle for a first-year maiko has slightly wider side wings,
(wareshinobu) and she wears long hair ornaments. Also, in all the hanamachi except
Pontochô, only her lower lip is painted red. She is easily recognized as a first year maiko.

After one year: Having experienced a full round of the seasons, she paints both lips, her
hair ornaments are not so elaborate, and she is supposed to look more sophisticated. She
is more familiar with how to behave at banquets, and she participates more.

After 2-3 years: Her hairstyle changes to the ofuku style. Hair ornaments are more
subtle. In her kimono, she shows less of the red collar, less obiage. The straps on her
okobo change from red to pale blue or other more subdued colors. She behaves more like
a mentor to the younger maiko.

The Transition from Maiko to Geiko

Erikae
"Turning the collar." The ceremony when a maiko becomes a geiko (geisha).
Usually after 4 –5 years of being a maiko, around age 20. For her last week as a maiko
she wears the sakkou hairstyle.

Ippon
“Adult geisha”. Now her traditional hairstyle changes to that of an adult, but it is
no longer her own hair. Instead, she wears a wig. She changes to a different style of
kimono. Maiko kimono are based on a style worn by unmarried women. Now she wears a
geisha’s kimono, based on the adult style. She takes responsibility at banquets and is
treated as an adult.

Jimae
"Independence.” Her period of indentureship ends, and the woman moves from
the geisha house to her own place. She takes charge of her own economic life. She
chooses whether to be primarily a jikata (musician) or tachikata (dancer.) She can also
have her own business, such as bar, or teahouse or geisha house. Making this a full
career, she is now a mentor to the community, and can continue working up into her
seventies.
Appearance

Maiko and Geisha have their own distinctive looks. There are differences in their make-

up, attire, and hair. Maiko wear heavier make-up then Geisha do. When working, Maiko always

wear the world famous white faces of Oshiroi. The use of oshiroi started during the times before

there was electricity. With rooms only being lit by candle light, it was often hard to see just how

pretty a Maiko/Geisha was. In order the have their features stand out more they began painting

their faces white. The oshiroi covers the entire face and their neck, front and back. The perimeter
Running Head: Geisha
8

around their hairline and a few strips on the back of the neck were left bear to invoke eroticism.

Older Geisha have a choice if they wear oshiroi. Most Geisha only wear oshiroi during

ceremonies or traditional events. Geisha generally wear more subtle make-up as a whole.

Maiko/Geisha lips are always painted red and shaped so they have pouty lips. Young Maiko only

paint their bottom lip to show that she is still a child and not yet a women; older Maiko paint

both lips. Geisha paint both lips fully; showing that she has completely come into her

womanhood (J. Gallagher, 2003).

Hair is also a big part of the Maiko/Geisha tradition. Geisha often wear wigs; Maiko are

only permitted to wear a few hair extensions but mostly use their own hair for the elaborate

styles. The actual hair design is determined by the Maiko/Geisha’s ranking. Maiko get their hair

done every 7 – 8 days because it is often expensive and very time consuming to get it done. In an

effort to help preserve their elaborate hair styles, Maiko slept on takamakura, which often lead to

painful and sleepless nights. Maiko and Geisha also decorate their hair differently as well. Maiko

wear their hair adorned with beautify combs and flowers. These adornments are very personal to

them and would never be borrowed or loaned out to another Maiko. Geisha wear little or no hair

adornments at all (M. Iwasaki, 2003) (The Secret Lives of Geisha, 1999).

Wearing a kimono has always been a tradition in the Geisha profession. Wearing a

kimono is seen as one of the ways they keep their connection to the past. Maiko/Geisha’s

kimono are made of the highest quality silk and are custom made hand painted works of art.

When requesting a kimono, the buyer has the option to customize the length, color, pattern, and

sleeve length. A proper kimono takes at least a few months to make. A kimono is made up of

many different pieces. The kimono also has some expensive assessories that compelte out the

look. The obi can cost up to $250 each and a matching handbag can cost $500(The Secret Lives
Running Head: Geisha
9

of Geisha, 1999). Putting on a kimono is an art form in and of itself. The many layers must be

placed just right and all of the straight lines must be meticulously laid as well. The close fit of the

kimono makes it so that the Maiko/Geisha have to move slower, thus appearing more elegant and

meticulous in their movement (K. Aihara, 1999). This close fit also prevents the women from

wearing underwear as it will show through the silk material. A successful Geisha should have at

least 24 kimono, each costing a few thousand dollars (The Secret Lives of Geisha, 1999).

Maiko wear brightly colored kimono with long sleeves and a long obi. The first layer of a

Maiko’s kimono outfit consists of a white rode with a red collar. Geisha wear more subtle

colored kimonos with shorter sleeves and a short obi. The first layer of a Geisha’s kimono outfit

consists of a white rode with a white collar. During the Erikae Ceremony is when a Maiko goes

from wearing a red collar to a white one. Both Maiko and Geisha wear wooden shoes; Maiko

wear Okobo shoes and Geisha wear Geta shoes (M. Iwasaki, 2003).

The Arts

The Geisha profession is based on the delivery of many art forms. From the moment a

women enters the Geisha profession they are expected to train in music, dance, conversation and

the mastery of carrying out a tea ceremony. When it comes to music, Maiko train in singing as

well as learn to play instruments such as the flute and the shamisen. Maiko also spend many

hours learning traditional story telling dances. When a Maiko becomes a Geisha she can decide

which of the three she would like to specialize in; singing, playing an instrument, dancing or all

of them. Since all Geisha train in all of these as a Maiko, switching back and forth between them

is no problem because their ultimate goal is to entertain their patron as they request (M. Iwasaki,

2003).
Running Head: Geisha
10

All Maiko are taught how to carry out a tea ceremony (Chanoyu) to perfection. This is

one of the few times when a Geisha will actually serve a patron; as they are not servers but artists

(K. Aihara, 1999). The Chanoyu is first performed by a Maiko once she has reached her 5th year

of training. Performing the movements of the Chanoyu is as choreographed as any other dance a

Maiko would learn. The Chanoyu is used to welcome guest and to show appreciation for their

attendance (J. Gallagher, 2003) (Geisha of Japan, N.D.).

The art of conversation is just as important as any other art form for the Maiko/Geisha.

Maiko/Geisha are expected to be prepared to talk about whatever interests their patron. This skill

is developed over time as the Maiko/Geisha learns the personalities and tastes of their patrons.

On the opposite end, Maiko/Geisha are also sought out for their listening skills and their level of

secrecy. What’s said and done around a Maiko/Geisha is never to leave the room (The Secret

Lives of Geisha, 1999).

Modern Geisha

Keeping with tradition, those in the Geisha profession must remain unmarried. However,

unlike the Geisha of the 1960’s and before, modern Geisha have the choice to leave the

profession should they chose to want to get married (K. Aihara, 1999). Modern Geisha also have

the option to have children by her Danna if she chooses. If she has a girl it is expected that she be

raised as a Geisha as well. If she has a boy there really is no place for him as the Geisha

profession consists of only women (The Secret Lives of Geisha, 1999). In recent times, entering

the Geisha profession is now mostly by choice. Because Japanese women have more options for

providing for themselves and they have move access to education, the desire to become Geisha

has dwindled.
Running Head: Geisha
11

This trend has caused some Hanamachi to start allowing non-Japanese women to come

train to be Geisha. While Kyoto does not allow foreigners to work as Geisha, other districts do.

The first non-Japanese to train as Geisha occurred in the 1970’s when Liza Dalby entered the

profession as a part of her doctoral studies. A non-Japanese women had not entered this world

again until Fiona Graham debut as geisha in 2007. This was the first time a non-Japanese women

formally debuted as Geisha (The National, 2013).

Public Appearances

Traditionally, the only way to catch a glimpse of a Maiko or Geisha was to see them in an

Ochaya, hustling through the streets in between patrons, or during carefully planned festivals.

Now there are several different ways to catch a glimpse of a Maiko or Geisha. While they still

provide services in traditional Ochaya, they can also be seen in places such as Gion Hatanaka (a

dinner experience) or Gion Corner (a theater) (Japan Guide: How to meet with Geisha (Geiko)

and Maiko in Kyoto: Japan Travel Guide, 2016). Or if you still want to see then for free you can

catch a glimpse of them on the street.

Indirect Experience

In recent years there have been several documentaries, books, and movies discussing the

secret world of the Geisha. One of the most noted is the movie Memoirs of a Geisha. Memoirs of

a Geisha was released in 2005 and has become a widely known movie. Memoirs of a Geisha is a

drama that takes place in the 1920’s and follows the life of Chiyo who was sold to a Geisha

house at the age of 9 years old. Its followers her though years of training and grooming. It shows

the many ups and downs she experienced as a Maiko. She eventually debut as a Geisha under the
Running Head: Geisha
12

name of Sayuri and she went on to be highly sought after. By the end of the movie she ends up

securing a danna and is on her way to achieving as much greatness as a top Geisha could hope

for. This depiction of the life, test, and trials of a Geisha has echoed many of the experiences of

real life Geisha all over Japan.

Direct Experience

Since Geisha are only located in Japan, the closest direct experience I was able to have

was discussing this profession with a staff member from the Japan America Society of Greater

Philadelphia. Kara Petraglia, Associate Director of Development and Data Analytics, explained

to me that the world of Geisha is one of secrecy and discretion. Not many non-Geisha women or

common men know much about this profession. Women did not go to see Geisha because the

house wife and Geisha rarely cross paths. Common men could not afford to spend time with

Geisha. Very wealthy men and Okaasan are the ones that spend the most time with Geisha.

Geisha is even a secret world amongst other Japanese people. Up until about the 1970’s the role

of Geisha was not fully understood amongst even Japanese people, more less the rest of the

world. Geisha are now seen as the keepers of tradition and are fascinating to see (K. Petraglia,

personal communication, July 18, 2018).

Cultural Competency

The Salvation Army as an organization has dedicated its work to providing services to

those in need throughout the world. By doing so, the organization has had to work within many

different cultures. In an effort to provide effective service, The Salvation Army makes it a

priority to understand the culture of those they serve. This is evident in The Salvation Army’s
Running Head: Geisha
13

decision to hire workers that matched the identity of the culture being served and by providing

printed material in the language of the people being served. My host site, The Salvation Army

Community Center has a very welcoming atmosphere. The participants are greeted by name and

staff often engage with them in conversation about family and current/future plans. The staff

make it a point to get to know their participants on a personal level and me a genuine investment

in their future successes. Most of the participants are from the local community just as the

community center staff are as well. Because of this common ground, participant and staff have a

similar life experience. On an agency wide level, The Salvation Army offers culturally

competency trainings throughout the year for their staff.

NOHS Standard

STANDARD 10: Human service professionals provide services without discrimination or

preference in regards to age, ethnicity, culture, race, ability, gender, language preference,
religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, nationality, or other historically oppressed
groups.

The Salvation Army’s mission is to provide services without discrimination and they

make every effort to do so (P. Cain, Personal Communication, July 19, 2018). Having this as a

main staple in The Salvation Army’s mission shows that they are very conscious of not

discrimination against participants. Not only do they do this in word, but they show this in the

work they do. They accepted participants from all economic levels, races, genders, ages, sexual

orientation, language preferences, and cultures. The Salvation Army welcomes all to their church

services and community events. The Salvation Army also offers membership to its community

centers to anyone who wants one. The Salvation Army also has a Code of Ethics that promotes

providing services without discrimination.

Running Head: Geisha
14

Personal

I believe I have a high level of cultural competency with it comes to different cultures. I

have traveled out of the county several times and interact with people of different cultures on a

regular basis. My personal belief is that people of different cultures are people first and foremost.

I was raised to treat others how I want them to treat me. This way of living has allowed me to

show empathy toward people of different cultures, even when their way of living is different

from mine.
Running Head: Geisha
15

Geisha-terms Glossary

https://geimei.tumblr.com/glossary

Chanoyu – Chanoyu translated is Tea Ceremony – It is a ritualized preparation of tea where

mindfulness and harmony are the main focus of the experience.

Danna - A danna is the patron or sponsor of a Geisha. Usually a rich businessman, aristocrat or
politician, he (or she!) pays for a part of a Geisha’s rent, bills, food, training costs and/or clothing
and accessories.

Erikae - An Erikae is the official day a Maiko becomes a Geiko. She dresses in her most formal
Kimono and, accompanied by her otokoshi (dresser), visits her most frequented ochaya and her
teachers to thank them and ask for their continuing support.

Geesha Girls – Geesha girls were prostitutes masquerading as Geisha in the 1950’s.

Geiko - Geiko literally means “woman of the arts”. It is the word for Geisha or Geigi. Geisha or
Geigi are used in eastern Japan, where usually more “standard” Japanese is spoken.

Geisha- Literally, “performing artist.” In Japanese, “gei” means art and “sha” means people or
person.

Geta - Geta are traditional Japanese sandals made of wood, and they are only worn by Geiko
(Geisha), never by Maiko.

Gion Kobu - Gion Kobu is a Geisha-district in Kyoto. It is the most famous and prestigious
Geisha-district not only of Kyoto, but of all of Japan and also the biggest of all five hanamachi
of Kyoto in space and numbers, with 91 active Geiko and Maiko, 23 Maiko and 68 Geiko.

Hanamachi - Hanamachi (花街) literally means “flower town(s)” and is a Japanese name for
Geisha-district(s).

Hanameishi - Hanameishi are sticker namecards used by Geiko and Maiko. They have the
Geimaiko’s geimei in Calligaphy on them (in Kanji or Hiragana) and also often feature seasonal
motifs. They are given to clients as a sort of memento.

Hikizuri (Hiki) - The Hikizuri (引き摺 り) is a type of Kimono worn by Maiko. It is over 2
metres long. It is so heavy that it has to be put on by someone else (the complete attire of a
Maiko weighs about 40 pounds. Maiko wear Hikizuri almost every day. They are made of silk
and each of the is hand-painted and one of a kind, featuring seasonal motifs, which also explains
their very high price around $10,000 USD
Running Head: Geisha
16

Jimae Geiko - A Jimae Geiko or “Jimae-san” is an independent Geiko. She is not financially
dependent on her okiya anymore (although they still have a close bond) and lives in her own
apartment.

Kamishichiken - Kamishichiken (“seven houses in the upper area”) is one of the five hanamachi
of Kyoto. It is the oldest hanamachi not only of Kyoto, but all of Japan. It came into existence in
the late 16th century.

Karyukai - Karyukai (花柳界) is a term used to describe the Geisha-world and means “The
flower and willow world”.

Katsura - A katsura is a wig worn by a Geiko. All Geiko wear wigs; they are made of real
human hair and specifically modelled to fit the shape of their heads.

Maiko - “Maiko” literally means “dancing child”. A Maiko is an apprentice Geiko, so she is not
a fully-fledged practitioner of her art yet. The Maiko stage usually lasts five years, from age 15
to 20.

Misedashi - The “Misedashi” ceremony is the official debut of a girl as a Maiko; it literally
means “making business public”.

Mizuage - In the Geisha-world, the mizuage ceremony is a rite of passage into womanhood.
When a junior Maiko becomes a senior Maiko, she changes her hairstyle from the wareshinobu
to the ofuku hairstyle. For Maiko, the mizuage is (and was) the change of the hairstyle and a
party in honor of the respective Maiko to celebrate her maturity.
However, for courtesans (Oiran) before WWII, the mizuage ceremony was a ceremony during
which the respective courtesan was ritually deflowered. A patron paid a considerable amount of
money to have the right to deflower her, and afterwards he often became the woman’s sponsor
(danna).

Obi - An “Obi” is the sash or belt one wears with a kimono and that keeps it together.

Ochaya - An “ochaya” is a tea house; it’s where Maiko and Geiko work most of the time (during
the evenings and at night) and earn most of their money.

Ofuku - The “ofuku” hairstyle is the hairstyle senior Maiko (girls above the age of 18) wear.

Okiya - An “Okiya” is a house in which Maiko and Geiko of one “family” live together.

Okaasan - The proprietress of the okiya or ochaya is called okaasan (お母さん), which literally
means “mother”- It is both a honorific, but also an endering term. All Maiko and Geiko living in
the okiya call and treat their respective okaasan like their real mother, with a lot of respect and
dignity.
Running Head: Geisha
17

Okobo - “Okobo” are high wooden-platform shoes traditionally worn by Maikos. They can be
up to 17 centimeters high and have bells inside them that make a distinctive sound whenever a
Maiko moves.

Oneesan - An “Oneesan” is the official “older sister” of a Maiko/Geiko.

Onsen Geisha - “Onsen Geisha” are Geisha working in Japanese cities/towns with natural hot
springs, called onsen in Japanese (Japan has a lot of them). Historically, onsen Geisha were
considered the lowest rank of Geisha, because of several reasons. Mainly because of their lack of
training compared to a traditional Geisha.

Oshiroi - “Oshiroi” is the heavy, white water-based foundation used by Maiko and Geiko.
Maiko and Geiko until the age of 30 or before having finished 10 active years of work are
required to wear it; older Geiko can choose to wear more subdued makeup.

Otokoshi- “Otokoshi” is someone who helps a Maiko/Geiko (Geisha) get dressed.

Ozashiki - “Ozahiki” are Geisha-parties, usually held at ochaya, but sometimes also at other
places, such as banquet-rooms at traditional Japanese restaurants.

Sakkou - The word sakkou refers to two things: The sakkou stage, which describes the two
weeks before a Maiko becomes a Geiko (Geisha) and the hairstyle that is worn during the sakkou
stage. The sakkou hairstyle is the most elaborate and complicated hairstyle a Maiko will ever
wear.

Shamisen - The Shamisen is a three-stringed, traditional Japanese instrument, often compared to

a lute, which is played with a special plectrum. It is the most essential instrument for the music
and dance of Maiko and Geiko and every Maiko and Geiko knows how to play it.

Shikomi - A Shikomi is a Maiko-in-training. A Shikomi already lives at the okiya, but she does
not entertain. Instead, she attends lessons in traditional Japanese dance, singing, instruments and
the tea ceremony, helps doing chores around the okiya, and helps her older sisters get ready and
helps them undress once they get home from engagements.

Tabi - Tabi are the white socks Maiko and Geiko wear.

Takamakura - A takamakura is a special kind of pillow used by Maiko. It is basically a wooden

cradle padded with a small pillow, traditionally filled with rice or beans, but today it is usually
filled with other material. Maiko use it so their elaborate hairstyles don’t get ruined at night.

Yūjo - A Yūjo (遊 女), which literally means “woman of pleasure” was a prostitute in old Japan.
Prostitution was outlawed in 1956, so they don’t exist anymore.
Running Head: Geisha
18

References

Aihara, K. (1999). Geisha: A Living Tradition. London: Carlton Books Limited.

Barber, G., Birnbaum, R., Whitcher, P., Cohen, B.,(Producers), & Marshall, R. (Director). (2005). Memoirs

of a Geisha [Motion picture]. USA: Dream Works Picures, Spy Glass Entertainment, & Red

Wagon Entertainment

Dalby, L. (N.D.) Stages of a Kyoto geisha’s career. Retrieved from

http://www.lizadalby.com/LD/ng_stages.html

Downer, L. (2002). Women of the Pleasure Quarters: The Secret History of the Geisha. New York, NY:

Broadway Books.

Gallagher, J. (2003). Geisha: A Unique World of Tradition, Elegance, and Art. London: PRC.

Geisha of Japan: Women of Tradition and Art (N.D.) Retrieved from http://geishaofjapan.com/

Haute Culture. (N.D.). What are Maiko, Geisko, & Geisha?. Retrieved from

https://gallery.mailchimp.com/79f73b5f963a14491943496a8/files/GuidetoGeishaCulture.pdf

Iwasaki, M. (2003). Geisha, A Life. New York, NY: Washington Square Press.

Japan Guide: How to meet with Geisha (Geiko) and Maiko in Kyoto: Japan Travel Guide (2016)

(Published on May 6, 2016). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oK8MmZcsSj0

Seaman, A. (June 15, 2013). The Western woman who became a geisha. Retrieved from

https://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/the-western-woman-who-became-a-geisha-1.293284

Schrijvers, P. (2005). The GI War Against Japan: American Soldiers in Asia and the Pacific During World

War II. New York, NY: NYU Press

Scott, A.C. (1960). The Flower and Willow World: The Story of the Geisha. London: Orion Press.

The Secret Lives of Geisha (1999)(Published on Sep 13, 2014). Retrieved from

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4b4khFSChd4&t=13s