The History of Geisha is not a story of Prostitution.

MAIKO: an apprentice Geisha. Word origin.: Japanese, literally meaning: dancing child., as in old, they started at a very young age.

Geisha: gei & sha (Kanji: 芸者 ) lit: 'art person'.

Geiko: (Geigi or Geiko) refers to Geisha in the Kyoto dialect (a refined dialect of the Edo period). Also, a requirement for Geisha to master. Girls from ALL over Japan, learn to speak the local dialect when residing in Kyoto as apprentices, even today.

Though somewhat copied, are unique to Japanese culture.

There are differences between Geisha trainees in Tokyo-( Tokyo is written as 東京 in Japanese. 東 means Eastern (East) and 京 means metropolis or capital, lit: 'Eastern Capitol' )-and in Kyoto (京都 ) The capital of Japan for more than 1,000 years -794 to 1868-( Kyōto-lit:, ( “Capital City" ).

Kyoto Geisha apprentices, who wear the draping sash, are called Maiko. But in Tokyo, the sash is shorter, and the apprentices are called 'hangyoku'. (“half jewel”) then Maiko before becoming Geisha.

( Hangyoku: describes ladies outside of Kyoto, (mostly in Tokyo) as these ladies have been trained with different values in mind than their Kyoto, Maiko counterparts. There is a large demand, where these ladies are asked to practice their skills by hosting professional or important gatherings or meetings.

Their presence will bring good luck and an air of frivolity to the people gathered.

The word 'hangyoku' translates to ‘half jewel’ because they were paid half as much as their fully-fledged Geisha colleagues).

Tokyo Geisha dress in a more modern, tailored for better comfort fashion kimono. ( the new capital) and Kyoto, more traditionally.

My post follows along the lines of traditional Kyoto Geisha, the city of their origin in Nippon. (Japan).

Maiko stage usually lasts five years, from age 15 to 20, sometimes also 16 to 21. Historically, Maiko were literal children, as their name suggests. Many of them started training in dance at the age of 3, however, most of them would start a little later. Most house apprentices become Shikomi (hiragana: 仕込み lit: to attend, doing, official, to serve, a scholar ), which means “In Training". commonly called 'Maiko' (Geshia trainees) and debuted between the ages of 9 and 13, sometimes as young as 8 or 7, and usually became fully-fledged Geiko (Geisha) between the ages of 15-18.

There are more involved levels, especially for Maiko in her stages of training to become Geisha not mentioned here. ( such as an apprentice being referred to as minarai (見習い, literally 'learn by watching). This is actually a brief overview of their lives.

It is only if one marries do they lose this status as Geiko or Geisha in Japan. It is said, “being married to the art, not a man” is the reason for this, much the same ideology as Priest in the Roman Catholic Church.

t began with taking in the many displaced children in the 600s (Asia still holds the record for the most orphaned children in the world ).

Early Geisha were actually male. (Otoko) They were male advisors and entertainers to their daimyo (feudal lords), dating back to the 1200s. They were also tea connoisseurs, artists, and gifted storytellers.

In fact, the first female Geisha ( Onna ) didn’t appear until several centuries later (the 1200s) but after 1751, grew so quickly in popularity that they soon outnumbered the men.

It is the female side we all know, and I refer to here. ( 7 known male Geisha still exist today in Japan ).

The capital of Japan was moved to Kyoto following the Ritsuryo era and the legal code system reform of 794, to abolish the old ways of Government.

Emperor Kanmu called it 'Heian-kyo', inspired by the 'grid system' of Chang'an, the capital of China in the Tang Dynasty. and what we see today.

Before that, Japanese cities were built along the lines of a 'maze system'. ( a sort of 'labyrinth' ).

Today it is called Kyoto.

Many different Emperors moved the capital many times.

Before Kyoto, it was Southern, Kamakura-(under the old system) near the Pacific coast.

In modern times its home is in Tokyo.

In Kyoto the beautiful Geisha girls debuted from these teahouses in the traditional arts to earn money, entertaining dinner guests.

These dinner houses -( tea houses ) are still very exclusive, most only allowing trusted friends. ( some do allow tourists or guests the experience of learning about Geisha). They are expensive and very formal. Many only allow Japanese to attend.

The going rate today, (-post covid ) just part of the overall cost of one of these 'dinner parties' is $165.00 USD ( in the exchange rate to USD) per girl / per hr.

Most of these functions employ more than one Geisha, most using 2 or 3-depending on size, to properly attend to the customers.

All arrangements are handled by the house mother in an official capacity. ALL are expected to uphold the name of the house in their execution of serving, food quality, atmosphere, and entertainment of their patrons. It is what is expected and is paid well to do.

Geisha are professionals in traditional Japanese dance, carrying on female orientated (point-of-view)-conversations with patrons-(though they do overhear many between clients-why they are sworn to secrecy about what is discussed at functions)- Proper Japanese use of amenities involved with traditional methods of presentation. Most important is the tea ceremony, known as sadō/chadō (茶道, "The Way of Tea") or chanoyu (茶の湯) thus the term for them, tea houses and organizing the group participation or visual games played amongst themselves with guests.-mostly, with alcohol consumption falling to the losers, but in good sport.

Yes, Geisha drink alcohol, but I wouldn't try to drink one, as they say, under the table. They are well disciplined in being able to hold their own in a professional manner during formal dinner parties. 😏 Trained as well, in floral arrangements, Japanese Kanji calligraphy (書道, shodō), and playing various traditional Japanese instruments. (mostly the Shamisen, a plucked stringed instrument similar to a guitar or banjo- often seen in pictures depicting Geisha). They are literally an entertainer.

This comment is said with Westerners ( like me) in mind. Especially in the United States which sees alcohol consumption to be done socially in moderation. ( the old 'Baptist and Puritan' morals raise their ugly head here..lol 😮🤣🤣🤣😏👍)

This is not always the case in Asia (especially in South Korea and Japan).

South Koreans, though mostly beer and wine are quite heavy drinkers in public.

The Japanese would take first place and seem to use alcohol for stress-related, self-medication due to the long hours involved with their companies, which spill over into late-night parties, where they seem to drink themselves ( mostly male, some female) into oblivion.

You often see Japanese businessmen passed out in very public places like train stations or bus stops....🤪crazy! 😜🤣🤣😋

Think Americans would be too scared to pass out (intentionally) in some public place, for fear of being robbed.

But as I comment later, Japan is quite a safe place if you choose ( maybe not ) .haha 😂🤣 to do this.

Maiko has a choice to pursue a career in a more specific role, strictly as a musical entertainer or stage performer in dance but, all Geisha master some sort of musical instrument in their time as Maiko.

Often mistaken for concubines. They are NOT.

Geisha in the past were a part of the Oiran.

Oiran (花魁) was actually used as a collective term for the highest-ranking courtesans in Japanese history, who were considered to be above common prostitutes (known as yūjo (遊女, lit. 'woman of pleasure') for their more refined entertainment skills and training in the traditional arts.

Today the highest-ranking Geisha of the house will usually inherit ownership to continue the duties of running it, as has been done for hundreds of years.

Through a ceremony called Misedashi (見世出し), which means “Open For Business", they become Maiko ( as mentioned a lit: 'dancing child ') She will then attend parties but mostly in an observational capacity-Shikomi: (仕込み)- to learn the ways from her full-fledged Geisha sisters. Encouraged by patrons, she is seen as an interesting a welcome novelty to the group.

As she becomes more familiar with the patrons, her skills will be somewhat put to the test. Her sisters defend and correct her actions. All present, are part of the learning process.

In past parties, all in attendance sat on the floor on mats in the traditional fashion.

Today the convenience of chair seating is offered to patrons in attendance, -( a difference still seen, between Tokyo and Kyoto functions and in some tea houses )-BUT Geisha still sit in the traditional fashion, on the floor, ( a lower position)-a sign of respect to their guests and for easier movement around the table as they attend to them.

South Koreans, though mostly beer and wine are quite heavy drinkers in public.

The Japanese would take first place and seem to use alcohol for stress-related, self-medication due to the long hours involved with their companies, which spill over into late-night parties, where they seem to drink themselves ( mostly male, some female) into oblivion.

You often see Japanese businessmen passed out in very public places like train stations or bus stops....🤪crazy! 😜🤣🤣😋

Think Americans would be too scared to pass out (intentionally) in some public place, for fear of being robbed.

But as I comment later, Japan is quite a safe place if you choose ( maybe not ) .haha 😂🤣 to do this.

Here the term 'Maiko' in reference to MISA is used with loose meaning, ( the dancer or entertainer of the group ) to a better known, young Geisha “performing artist” in training.

Maiko has a choice to pursue a career in a more specific role, strictly as a musical entertainer or stage performer in dance but, all Geisha master some sort of musical instrument in their time as Maiko.

Often mistaken for concubines. They are NOT.

Geisha in the past were a part of the Oiran.

Oiran (花魁) was actually used as a collective term for the highest-ranking courtesans in Japanese history, who were considered to be above common prostitutes (known as yūjo (遊女, lit. 'woman of pleasure') for their more refined entertainment skills and training in the traditional arts.

Today the highest-ranking Geisha of the house will usually inherit ownership to continue the duties of running it, as has been done for hundreds of years.

Through a ceremony called Misedashi (見世出し), which means “Open For Business", they become Maiko ( as mentioned a lit: 'dancing child ') She will then attend parties but mostly in an observational capacity-Shikomi: (仕込み)- to learn the ways from her full-fledged Geisha sisters. Encouraged by patrons, she is seen as an interesting a welcome novelty to the group.

As she becomes more familiar with the patrons, her skills will be somewhat put to the test. Her sisters defend and correct her actions. All present, are part of the learning process.

In past parties, all in attendance sat on the floor on mats in the traditional fashion.

Today the convenience of chair seating is offered to patrons in attendance, -( a difference still seen, between Tokyo and Kyoto functions and in some tea houses )-BUT Geisha still sit in the traditional fashion, on the floor, ( a lower position)-a sign of respect to their guests and for easier movement around the table as they attend to them.

Mizuage -(水揚げ), "hoisting from water" seen in Western culture w/ baptism and the arisen person transformed. )- was a ceremony undergone by apprentice Oiran (kamuro) and some Maiko (apprentice Geisha) as part of their coming-of-age and graduation.

For Kamuro, ( younger girls or women that attended the needs of the greater courtesans ) who had often already lost their virginity, a patron would pay for the exclusive privilege of being a new Oiran's first customer.

For Maiko who underwent mizuage, it formed part of a number of ceremonies and occasions used to mark graduation into Geishahood, including symbolic changes in hairstyle,( more to less ornamental, natural hair w/ Maiko, Traditional wigs with Geisha) -make up-heavier on Maiko using more red in eye shadow-lips just a touch-to give the appearance of being dainty thus attractive. -Geiko, less and simpler hair ornaments, makeup-much less red eyeshadow) and dress-( Maiko wears a more youthful, colorful Kimono dress, Geisha more casual, less colorful, conservative dress -all this is a matter of attraction )- and official visits to benefactors. - the local establishments, friends, and patrons of the house, where it resides.

Most will know Maiko before this in an unofficial capacity through casual acquaintance but will be considered secondary to the conversation between the house mother, Geisha, and others. ( like a child is when present in adult-orientated conversations in western cultures ).

This changes, them becoming more individual and carrying more weight and responsibility to the house after they graduate to Geisha.

These establishments are a source of income, that the house survives on and gives back to the community by making use of their services such as-attending classes of the masters in various arts and makeup, visiting markets for food and supplies, use of the suppliers of many needed floral arrangements to decorate, as well as the need for hairdressers for the task of the ornamented and complicated style of Geisha, especially Maiko whose real hair is used. Geisha wigs are individually custom-made to fit-( and very expensive)-with real hair that Geisha maintain but, must be touched up regularly by professional hairdressers.

Done by appointment only and takes hours just for one client. Obviously not cheap. It is a matter of professional pride, the hairdressers are mastered in their art.

All these services are supplied by the merchants in the area, many being patrons of the house as well.

Before the outlawing of prostitution in Japan, ( not legally until 1956-today this has been succeeded with donations in the form of monetary gifts, similar to brides in the west and the Chinese hóngbāo or traditional monetary red envelope at their New Year )- Maiko who underwent mizuage would see patrons and benefactors bid large sums of money for the privilege of taking their virginity, a sum of money the Okiya (the Geisha house an apprentice was affiliated to) would take entirely.

This was seen as normal, for the house to cover the costly expenses of raising the child in the ways of Geisha, (training with various masters in each specific art as Maiko. ( ie. kimonos, jewelry, etc. ) along with the child's already many years of working within the house ( learning the ways of Geisha)-establishing themselves as a member with all the support that comes from a strict family unit for a mandatory 5 years as Maiko though, Geisha live under this system with their adopted house-( in terms of association)-sisters for life.

SIDE NOTE: ( Playing on the ways of historical tradition, many underworld crime syndicates have exploited these traditions w/ modern-day 'human trafficking ' where immigrants and their families, become hopelessly indebt and therefore easily manipulated under threat to their 'so-called' sponsors).

Once Geisha, and depending on choice and position, some move into a nearby dwelling but, the teahouse still functions as the center for all Official Geisha activities by the "mother" (okā-san). or mama-san-( ママさん). a looser term in Asia to include bars or nightclubs (bar girls).

It is known that some have left their house-(and association with it )-altogether upon graduation or retirement, but most remain.

There is in Geisha's thought, no real retirement, though some do.

It is a never stop learning process for life.

Upon graduation, the benefactor (Danna) of a Geisha, ( in most cases was desired ) would take over the cost of her support, as the expenses can be great, with many seasonal Kimonos costing in the hundreds of thousands of US dollars to have custom-made, by a local traditional craftsman. ( again this is a monetary, not sexual relationship between them, more of a status symbol).

Of course, the benefactor (Danna) would become much more exclusive to her services but, understood, secondary to the teahouse in obligations to him. ( A good reason for Geisha to move into their own private dwellings even sometimes at his cost).

Some Kimono are heirlooms passed over to younger Geisha to fit their new position in rank. No tossing or donating of old clothes here! Kimonos are a standard uniformly cut and issue for many generations... though somewhat varied with taste, pattern, season, or occasion.

Most full Geisha Kimonos have the house emblem-( similar to the British 'Coat of Arms' ) stitched onto the 'OBI' sash, a prominent display for all to see which house they belong to.

As we know kimonos are fashioned with silk.

For Geisha this is custom-harvested (silkworms) pure then, weaved material, specially made for the masters who make Kimono to specific instructions of Geisha and the house.

Many famous Kimono artists, add personal signature touches to their Kimonos like an artist signs a painting.

To the house and on a personal level to Geisha, they are considered sacred. A source of national identity the World over.

Today; Okā-san ( house mother) will tell you many of these practices are not possible anymore.

They are now legal entities in Japan, therefore in keeping with the law, some things are subsidized by publically funding.

Even for Geisha, traditions in modern times through better medical science have adapted.

Many traditional ways of face whitening used materials-(lead-based)- found to be toxic to humans, as well as the ( no pun intended) 'fall out' from traditional ways of hair straightening w/ toxic chemicals and intense pulling to create the Geisha hairstyle we see as a mark of Beauty in Japanese society.

( side note: another trade was in watchmaking where many Japanese girls were used as 'painters' of ' Radium-226, pointing the brushes by manually licking and shaping them, prior to painting the fine lines and numbers on the dials. This practice resulted in the ingestion of radium, ( which caused serious jaw-bone degeneration and malignancy-cancerous-and other dental diseases).

In the present day, a Maiko's graduation is known as erikae (襟替え) or "turning the collar" [of a kimono]- Drapped in the back to show a very sensual area to Japanese men, ( like breasts are to westerners)-lined in red only for Maiko w/ white paint to reflect two lines of bare skin for normal functions and 3 for special occasions -(a beauty mark )-on the upper back. All white collar for Geiko- full white paint on the back, along with many less significant differences in Geiko and Maiko's dress and attitude.

The whitening of faces came from the days of candlelight areas, which enhanced their beauty.

The Geisha process today, is entirely for beauty and is non-sexual.

Shocking to western cultures the 'Ohaguro' (translated as ‘blackened teeth’)- can still be seen today as a mark of beauty, ( as well, in many cultures past and present) as well, to say in an immediate fashion that she is 'unavailable' to others. This is not practiced as much in today's Geisha culture and is by choice.

As a system on the whole, unlike in other cultures of the world-( though some come to mind like the military)- it is a self-sufficient, self-supporting entity that takes care of its own through life till death while allowing it to remain and thrive in the world today.

A dead giveaway that they are Yūjo-( a concubine) and as well, non-Geisha women wearing Kimonos, in Japanese society was the 'OBI'-( that box-shaped pieces of silk, that holds the kimono closed like a belt, one of the most complex pieces to tie in Kimono dress- done by a dresser so tied correct )- Yūjo wore this in 'FRONT' of a simplified kimono, instead of in 'BACK' for Geisha.

This allowed Yūjo easy removal when practicing their craft.

Some Maiko kimono dress, have long trailing sashes-( as well in practicality )- are mostly used for ceremonial occasions and similar to western culture, wedding dresses. ( Princess Diana, for example, at her wedding to then Prince Charles ).

Geisha always have a dresser to wear the more complex multi-layered Kimono -( some, as many as 10 layers ).

The Kimono does not bend to the person, the person bends to the Kimono. An exercise in itself wearing one for Geisha.

A good example of this practice in action by Maiko or Geisha is watching them when entertaining guests.

They will bend over to as far as a half stance, when serving customers, but any further. ( to say ground level) they will kneel to perform their function in public when fully dressed to accommodate the Kimono. A seemingly strange way to go about doing things to the western eye but is all about the art of presentation to us by them. It is why most kneel before serving the table at its low level and proper presentation.

Geisha go about with small dainty steps, the kimono-and for Maiko their tall sole-height-geta called 'okobo'-(shoes or slippers)- is not designed for running or even walking in stride.

Geisha move about to the whims of their Kimono as it is intended to be.

All their movements are a learned art with the presentation, even of themselves, to others with that in mind.

Much is to be learned about this by simple observation.

More well-known is the kneeling to open a door when entering or leaving a room but, this is done more with regard to respect than the Kimono itself.

Japanese as in many Asian cultures remove their outdoor shoes for indoor slippers in most homes and traditional Japanese places, but it has its practical reasons, being that most have matted floors to accommodate the many activities done there (sleeping on bed mats, serving of food and many more activities are done on the floor). Besides hygiene, it saves on 'wear and tear' on these delicately matted areas. Japanese are very clean people.

In many Asian countries where homes are small in area, sleeping areas serve as multi-purpose rooms so the portability of items is necessary to make room for other activities.

On a somewhat embarrassing and more personal level.

If you ever happen to find yourself with a Japanese girlfriend,(or boyfriend) in his/ her relative's home and say, need the use of their facilities -(ah hmm bathroom 😏)Better not to leave any traces you were there, streaks of missing the bowl! ..lol 🤣🤣😂😁👍.

You will probably not know or understand ( out of politeness) why all of a sudden they are all kind of pissed at you, but if your GF/BF is close and knows you pretty well, will probably fill you in as to why you embarrassed her with her relatives later after you leave their home so you don't do it again. lol 😏 These are people with a lot of pomp and circumstance when it comes to entertaining others BUT, Asian moms are quite outspoken when it comes to family. They will always be a child in learning from their mom. 😂Your significant other will probably be grilled about your offense and if returning, expected that they have corrected any of your future actions 😁👍

The average Kimono weighs 10 kilos ( 22 lbs.) and up, for more complex ones.

The dresser -( otokoshi, usually a male position).

Geisha-style kimonos (kitsuke) are difficult to put on correctly, and it is almost impossible for a woman to dress herself in one.

This has led to the commonly asked question in jest...How do you use the bathroom?? 😂😂..generally, a polite reply is given, mostly it is unanswered with .. "we have our ways! " lol 😏👍

One advantage to this ( in my opinion on the matter) is Geisha -(in full Kimono)-wears no bra or type of underwear, as the lines take away-(distract)- from the lines of the Kimono.

The undergarments of a Geisha are draped -(hung) on bare skin.

After the Second World War (WWII ) and the influx of US soldiers into Japan, (Nippon). Many American-style nightclubs (watering holes) sprung up in major cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto.

This gave rise to what we call 'bar girls' dressed like traditional Geisha, and the misconception of the association of Geisha with prostitution. It is still looked upon as such by many today.

(Even Google terms list 'prostitute' when searching the word 'Geisha'}. 😕😠

It should be self-evident here that Geisha, are more than just physical appearance but, a spiritual mindset instilled by years of practice in the traditional Japanese arts and culture within which they live.

It is interesting to note that in World War II, after the American's bombing of Japan, many Geisha houses burned and Geisha in many numbers, traveled back to cities such as Kyoto, to try and salvage not only what was left of the house, but what was left of the Kimonos that are considered to Geisha and Japan as priceless pieces of Art, like in western cultures.

Many from long past, master tailors who created them.

Many are now exhibited there in museums.

...Anyone in Japan who sees an authentic Geisha /Maiko belonging to a house (in dress), around town-( hard to miss- a crowd-stopping attraction of paparazzi, proportions)- treats them with the utmost honor and respect they deserve. They are considered some of the last upholders of the much-coveted traditional ways.

For tourists, the 'Gion district' of Kyoto is a popular hang-out to spot both Maiko and Geisha in public donning-full dress, traveling to an appointed function mostly in the evening hours.

They are a hybrid, as both the hosts of the house and guests of the function. Outside of the presentation, preparation falls to others. (similar in tradition to other cultures on different levels, who host private parties in their own abode).

Not well known but, Geisha -(and Maiko but less so seen outside)- do dress in normal street attire -( w/o wearing traditional Geisha makeup. This is an operation done all over for each function, or Geisha, their wigs )- during non-business hours. They just look like nicely dressed women but, in districts, say Kyoto,-( Kamishichiken, Gion Kobu, Ponto-Cho, Miyagawa-Cho, and Gion Higashi )- they are still known, for who they are, and treated accordingly.😁

When Geisha walk into a local establishment they are like Western celebrities, with preferential treatment given but..who knows?? Perhaps the storekeeper is a patron of the house she resides with.

For this reason, as well as safety in these times, most have scheduled pickups/dropoffs, by limos or high-end taxis, arranged by businesses or housemothers to avoid the public, when traveling in full Geisha or Makio attire. ( I have actually seen Geisha, step into a 'custom-designed' Rolls Royce, styled in baby pink with a glimpse of a custom-made 'Hello Kitty' embroidered interior in Kyoto, not your normal N.Y. City cab... 😳🤯).

Japan is considered, even in these times, as a relatively safe, honest, law-abiding citizen country. Leave a package on a public bench, come back an hour later, and most likely it is still there unmolested.

Parents are socially able to take advantage of this by, allowing children to walk to school unescorted and unattended for long distances. Same w/ errands to the store. Teaching them responsibility and giving them some independence and judgment skills in their growth from a young age.

( Japanese society tends to a 'mind your own business thought, but when it comes to children, are very interactive. 😁🥰

If they see a child in confusion, or trouble, will always be there, to attend to the child as they need till it is figured out, then on their way.

You will see school children at a road crossing bow to your car as you pass, -( we sometimes wave, especially in our own community)- even more so when you stop for them to cross the road, will bow, as they cross.

Bowing, so seldom seen in some cultures, is a form of respect for others in some societies.

Very common in Japan, even today. The depth of the bow is a sign of the person they are bowing to, and their position in society.

Public schools do not have a janitorial system to clean the classrooms, hallways, and other infrastructure. A designated day is set aside for students to perform the task.

Meals unlike western-style cafeterias, though prepared in school kitchens, are fetched and served in the classroom by homeroom students assigned to the task, who also gather and clean after meal time, returning the utensils to the kitchen area, where other students are tasked with cleaning and putting them away.

This whole process is repeated each school day.

The holidays are set aside for more disruptive tasks by students, such as painting classrooms for the next semester.

Much in Japan is centered around group effort.

A commonly misunderstood concept ... 'sacrifice of oneself, for the good of all' ideology.

Crime against Geisha, (outside tourist stupidity- but even then) is unheard of!

..it would bring too much dishonor, to be even imaginable, by the Japanese people. Not only them but mostly, their family.

Japan, though it has large numbers of Christians today-( w/ religious doctrine that the sins of the father, are not that of the son ) - is not so in its traditions and the sins of a relative affect the family as a whole with disgrace in the community.

Besides, if word got out that a certain person hurt a Geisha in any way. They would be lucky to live to tell the tale to anyone.

Geisha have widespread community protection by many from all walks of life.

You and your family would be ruined for life there.

( Why so many in Japan were shocked by Shinzo Abe, the former Prime Minister's assassination!)

Some refer to them as, women of the 'Willow World' ( Sealed Red Lips), because who they are, what they hear, and what is known about their personal lives, is still shrouded in secrecy.

They are a historical ICON to the Japanese culture.

There are many celebrations centered around the 'change of seasons' in Japan.

They are very popular in part because Geisha (rarely seen in public ) are expected to come out and attend these festivals.

Most take place in the spring over the months of March, April, and May.

The most accessible among these is the Miyako Odori, where the public is able to interact with Geisha. It is part of their duty and much of their life such as dress and functions are based around these festivals and great lengths go into preparation for them each year.

...For those who may look upon some of this with strife, it must be remembered that western attitudes are based on Christianity, especially in the United States, and raised with puritan morals.

It was not like this in many other cultures, with sexuality looked upon, and practiced differently.

If you consider the World of Geisha, that is their life. It is actually, a very practical, fine-tuned, common-sense system that works well for all involved. Why it has survived for so long.

The rules set out by honor and tradition, grease the wheel that keeps it moving forward.

It is a life of tradition and discipline, mastering an art, that not many young girls (or their maternal families, who become secondary to the dedication to the house. Historically this was not an issue to orphans ) are willing to undertake. Part of the reason for its decline in Japan today.

I apologize for the length but, it is hard to be more concise with such an important part of Japanese culture that has existed for such a long time.

I would hope this overview helps to demystify Geisha, to see them for what they really are, and gives them the respect they deserve. 🙏