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When people think of Japan, geisha often come to mind as one of the most recognizable symbols. Many in the West believe they understand geisha, often associating them with women who wore heavy white makeup and worked as prostitutes.
However, this portrayal is far from accurate. Geisha were not prostitutes, their makeup wasn’t always white, and historically, some of the earliest geisha were actually men.
10. The Original Geisha Were Male
The concept of female geisha didn’t emerge until 1751, and when the first woman entered the profession, it was seen as an unusual and groundbreaking idea. She was marketed as the “female geisha” because, prior to her, all geisha had been men.
Male geisha had existed for centuries. While the term 'geisha' wasn’t formally used until the 1600s, the role itself had been around for over 500 years. Since the 13th century, men had been entertaining male lords by serving tea, performing music, sharing jokes, and ensuring their guests felt valued and important.
By the 1600s, these men began identifying as geisha and worked in the establishments of high-class courtesans. Their role was to entertain guests and keep them engaged while they waited for their appointments.
It wasn’t until the 1800s that female geisha became more common. Before then, they remained a rarity, even after the first one paved the way. Interestingly, in Japan, female geisha are often referred to as geiko, as the term 'geisha' traditionally implies a male performer.
9. Geisha Were Not Prostitutes
Contrary to popular belief, geisha did not engage in selling their bodies. In fact, they were strictly prohibited from having intimate relations with their clients.
Geisha were employed to entertain male patrons while they waited for their appointments with the actual prostitutes, known as oiran, who were high-class courtesans. Their role involved playing music, dancing, and engaging in light-hearted conversation to keep the men occupied.
Their primary objective was to ensure the men stayed entertained and felt confident. They allowed the men to envision themselves as charming individuals capable of winning over beautiful women, rather than clients paying for services. However, geisha never engaged in physical relationships with their clients. Some brothels even enforced rules preventing geisha from sitting too close to the men, to avoid them overshadowing the oiran.
This distinction was a point of pride for geisha. During the 19th century, their motto was clear: “We sell art, not our bodies.”
“We never exchanged our bodies for money,” one geisha explained. “That was not our purpose; it was the role of others.”
8. The Term ‘Geisha’ Translates to ‘Artist’
The word geiko, which refers to a geisha, literally means 'artist.' It combines the terms for 'arts' and 'child,' or more simply, 'artist.' Similarly, 'geisha' is often interpreted to mean 'artist' as well.
This title was not taken lightly. Geishas dedicated immense effort to honing their artistic skills. They underwent years of rigorous training in music and dance, a commitment that lasted a lifetime. Regardless of age, a geisha was always expected to practice her craft daily.
Many geishas mastered the shamisen, a traditional stringed instrument, and some even composed their own pieces. They were renowned for crafting poignant, melancholic melodies and choreographing elegant, symbolic dances.
Mastering these skills required years of dedication. During their peak, training often began as early as six years old. Geisha houses operated specialized art schools, assigning each novice a personal mentor. This rigorous apprenticeship typically lasted at least five years before a girl could officially earn the title of geisha.
7. Prostitutes Adopted the Geisha Title to Appeal to Americans
The misconception of geisha as prostitutes stems from post-World War II events. With US troops stationed in Japan, many prostitutes approached them, claiming to be geisha.
These women were not genuine geisha but exploited the exotic allure associated with the term to attract foreign soldiers. Facing severe financial hardship after the war, some Japanese women resorted to such measures to secure basic necessities like food.
During the post-war period, countless Japanese women engaged in relationships with American soldiers for financial survival. By 1949, approximately 80% of US troops in Japan were involved with local women, many of whom were prostitutes masquerading as 'geisha girls.'
Statistically, it’s highly probable that your grandfather, if stationed in Japan during that era, had encounters with these women.
6. The Iconic Image of Geisha Often Depicted Underage Girls
When most people envision a geisha, they picture a young woman adorned in an intricate kimono, her hair embellished with ornaments, and her face completely painted white.
However, this portrayal isn’t entirely accurate. Geisha reserved the white face paint for special events, typically opting for a more natural and understated appearance similar to everyday makeup.
The young girls who wore white face paint daily were known as maiko, teenage apprentices in training to become geisha.
These apprentices dressed in the elaborate manner we now associate with geisha. Their white makeup and ornate attire symbolized their novice status; as geisha gained experience, their appearance became more refined and understated. The most accomplished geisha often abandoned the white face paint entirely.
Today, the white-painted look remains iconic, and modern geisha occasionally adopt the traditional maiko style. However, this image historically represents the appearance of a 13-year-old child.
5. The Ancestors of Geisha Were Women Who Emulated Male Attire
Before male geisha emerged, the shirabyoshi represented an early form of geisha. These women, however, disguised themselves as men to entertain their clients, often adopting male attire to blend in.
The shirabyoshi were female performers who shared many similarities with geisha. They applied white makeup, performed dances, narrated stories, played music, and entertained guests. Their role mirrored that of geisha, except they performed while dressed as male samurai.
The exact reason for their male attire remains unclear, but the prevailing theory suggests it aligned with the preferences of samurai. During that era, samurai often favored young male companions, so these women likely dressed as boys to appeal to their audience.
4. Many Geisha Sported Bald Patches
A distinctive feature of geisha off-duty was the bald spot on their heads. While working, they concealed it with wigs or clever hairstyles, but nearly every geisha in Japan had a noticeable hairless area on her scalp.
The bald spots developed during their training as maiko. These apprentices wore intricate hairstyles that involved tightly pulling a small section of hair at the crown of their heads. The constant tension caused hair loss, which often became permanent.
Geisha referred to these bald patches as the 'maiko’s badge of honor.' In Japan, it symbolized pride and dedication, serving as a visible testament to years of rigorous artistic training.
However, this cultural symbol didn’t always resonate abroad. One geisha returned from Europe deeply embarrassed, sharing that Europeans couldn’t comprehend why she viewed her bald spot as a source of pride.
3. Male Geisha Still Exist Today
The origins of geisha culture still persist today, with male geisha continuing to thrive in modern times.
A significant number of men still work as geisha, particularly in Tokyo’s Kabuki-Cho district, where estimates suggest up to 7,000 male geisha operate. While the definition of 'geisha' here is broad, the resurgence of male geisha is undeniable.
This revival began in the 1960s, catering to affluent women seeking entertainment while their husbands were occupied. As their spouses frequented geisha houses for business deals, these women established their own spaces, hiring male entertainers to amuse them.
Today, numerous clubs offer the services of these male entertainers, often called hosuto. While they may lack the traditional artistic skills of historical geisha, they excel in socializing, flattering, and making their clients feel valued.
2. The Intensity of Geisha Training Would Be Illegal in Modern Times
While geisha still exist today, their lifestyle has evolved significantly. Historically, many geisha began their journey when their struggling families sold them to geisha houses, often starting their training as young as six years old.
Currently, Kyoto is home to approximately 250 geiko and maiko, a stark contrast to the 2,000 who practiced there a century ago. Modern geisha differ greatly from their predecessors, beginning their training no earlier than 15, avoiding associations with courtesans, and undergoing far less rigorous preparation. Some contemporary geisha houses provide as little as a single day of training.
In 1998, an attempt by parents to subject their child to the traditional geisha training system led to legal consequences. They faced imprisonment, as modern society no longer tolerates such practices.
1. Age Enhanced a Geisha’s Appeal
Geisha were not exclusively young; in fact, their respect and popularity often increased with age. During their peak, the most sought-after geisha were typically in their fifties and sixties.
Geisha culture held that beauty deepened with age. As they matured, they increasingly showcased their natural faces, free from makeup. Younger geisha wore white face paint for special occasions, but by 30, they could abandon it entirely, embracing their 'natural beauty.'
While marriage often marked retirement for geisha, those who chose to continue could do so indefinitely. Yuko Asakusa, the oldest active geisha at 94, has been practicing since she was 16.
This 94-year-old geisha is highly sought after, often hired by politicians and affluent business leaders who value her extensive experience and are willing to pay a premium for her services.
