You're Wrong About Geisha

Of all the categories of persons in Japan, arguably the most misunderstood are the geisha. If you want easy evidence, just Google "geisha" and see what you get. There will be geisha cosplayers, western artist creations, fan art, ordinary women in Kimono, and of course, the "sexy geisha costume." The ratio of people who have an accurate understanding of what geisha are to people who casually use the term is remarkably low. Here is a brief history and an attempt to debunk some of the most egregious misconceptions of geisha.

A Brief History of Geisha:

The history of geisha dates back to the 18th century in Japan, during the Edo period. Originally, geisha were male performers who entertained at gatherings with music, dance, and witty conversation. However, as time passed, women gradually assumed the role and became synonymous with geisha.

Geisha flourished during the 19th century, particularly in the cultural center of Kyoto, where they gained prominence as highly skilled entertainers. Their artistry extended beyond performing arts to include skills such as traditional tea ceremonies, calligraphy, and playing traditional musical instruments like the shamisen.

During the Meiji era in the late 19th century, Japan underwent a period of modernization, and geisha faced challenges as traditional customs were questioned and Western influences grew. However, geisha managed to adapt and continued to thrive by preserving their traditions while adapting to the modern world.

Throughout their history, geisha have been respected as purveyors of refined culture and elegant entertainment. They have captured the imaginations of artists, writers, and visitors from around the world with their grace, beauty, and mastery of traditional arts.

Dispelling Misconceptions:

Despite their long-standing presence in Japanese culture, geisha have been subject to various misconceptions, perpetuated by cultural misunderstandings, misinterpretations, and inaccurate portrayals in media.

Misconception 1: Geisha are Sex Workers:

Contrary to popular belief, geisha are not sex workers. While geisha and oiran (historical elite class of professional courtesan) may have been present at some of the same events, their job descriptions were distinct and different. Geisha focus on entertainment, intellectual stimulation, and maintaining a refined atmosphere for their guests. By the time the oiran arrived, the geisha were long gone. The main exception to this would be the few times that oiran would hire geisha to perform to entertain the oiran. The main source of this confusion probably stems from the American occupation of Japan, when GIs were busy mangling Japanese words and concepts.

Misconception 2: Geisha lead lives of servitude:

Geisha are not indentured servants; they choose their profession and undergo extensive training to refine their artistic skills. They reside in okiya, communal houses where they receive support and guidance from the okāsan, the proprietress of the house. Once a geisha has advanced far enough in her career, she may choose to live in her own home outside of the okiya, but still located within the geisha district so that they may continue to entertain clients. Geisha enjoy a sense of independence and respect within their communities.

Misconception 3: Geisha are exclusively women:

Although female geisha, known as geiko, are more widely known, there is a lesser-known male counterpart called taikomochi. Taikomochi entertain guests through dance, music, and comedic performances. Westernization saw a drastic decline in the number of taikomochi. Today there are less than ten taikomochi in all of Japan, and they are aging in conjunction with the general Japanese population. It seems inevitable that the taikomochi will cease to exist in the near future.

Misconception 4: Geisha are romantic companions:

Geisha provide companionship and engaging conversation to their guests, but their interactions are professional and rooted in respect. Their focus lies in ensuring guests have an enjoyable and culturally enriching experience, rather than pursuing romantic relationships. While during the late Edo period, relationships between geisha and clients may have developed into a romantic connection, this was the exception, not the rule, and was not exclusive to geisha.

Misconception 5: Geisha are relics of the past:

Geisha continue to play a prominent role in Japanese culture, participating in traditional festivals, special events, and serving as cultural ambassadors. They adapt to modern times, utilizing social media and other platforms to showcase their artistry, ensuring their relevance in contemporary society. While it might be extremely expensive and difficult to have a party with geisha performing at it, geisha also do regular performances for tourists and visitors, particularly in Kyoto.

The geisha are a living, vibrant connection to Japan's past. They have been independent and successful businesswomen from a time when that was unusual in most of the world, not just Japan. Appreciate and respect them for their history, skill, and commitment. And stop buying those "sexy geisha" costumes on places like Aliexpress and Amazon. In addition to being demeaning to actual geisha, they never fit right.