Geisha and Geiko: Who are they? 🎎 (2024)

FAQs

Geisha and Geiko: Who are they? 🎎? ›

Geisha (or geiko) are professional entertainers who attend guests during meals, banquets and other occasions. They are trained in various traditional Japanese arts, such as dance and music, as well as in the art of communication.

A geisha is an entertainer or host registered with the official geisha associations. As a note, a geiko is a geisha, specifically in Kyoto. Outside of the Kyoto area, they are referred to as geisha. Geisha are highly trained entertainers who perform in the arena of singing, dancing, and music.

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).

Maiko get some small stipend each month, so they can go shopping during their days off. Geiko (geisha) receive a full compensation for their job engagements, however, the monthly income depends on the amount of hours they work.

As a professional entertainer, the geiko's role is not only to play music and dance, but also to make the customers feel at ease with witty conversation and even join in drinking games as the night progresses.

The white face makeup customary to geisha and maiko originated in China. At that time, they wore thick white makeup because it looked better in the light, particularly if they were to perform to or entertain nobles. In the dim candlelight, wearing thick white makeup created a porcelain look.

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.

' 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.

Especially in the Gion district, tourist frenzy got so bad that the city actually BANNED taking photos of geisha in Gion. You have to have an official permit to photograph geisha in Gion and there is a fine if you are caught.

Mineko Iwasaki - The Most Famous Geisha

She began her training as a maiko, an apprentice geisha, at the age of six and made her debut at the age of 15.

What happens to geishas when they 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.

Though technology and social media have had an important impact on the Empire of Japan, many Geisha prefer not to evolve with modern times. Apprentice Geisha are not permitted to use mobile phones, however they keep up to date with current affairs including economy and politics by digesting the daily newspapers.

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.

Due to their seniority, geisha will wear wigs called Katsura (かつら) when they entertain. This was originally adopted after World War II when the number of hairstylists was very low and they could not manage to style both the hair of the geisha and the maiko.

Geisha are not prostitutes and are highly respected for their deep level of training in many arts and activities. They are also master conversationalists, and usually the life of the party.

Geckos are mostly small, usually nocturnal reptiles with a soft skin. They also possess a short stout body, a large head, and typically well-developed limbs. The ends of each limb are often equipped with digits possessing adhesive pads.

Taikomochi or Houkan, the Male Counterpart to the Geisha (Original source of this entry)

Maiko who are over the age of 20 years are allowed to become geiko. There is no test for maiko to become a geiko. Usually, the headmaster of the house decides when the maiko gets to become a geiko (around the age of 21 or so).

While geishas are traditionally women of Japanese origin, a few non-Japanese women have completed geisha training. If you are in your later teens or even early 20s, it's possible that an okasan may accept you but it's not typical.