The Role of the Geisha in Japanese Culture

In the Edo Period (1600-1868) the Tayu arose. They were Japanese Courtesans who entertained with arts of dance, music, poetry and calligraphy, and an educated wit. Due to isolation within closed districts the Tayu became highly ritualized and more removed from changing society. Their clients began to dwindle. It wasn't long before the rise of the Geisha ended the era of the Tayu. The popularity of the Geisha grew rapidly and eventually completely depleted the number of Tayu. The last recorded Tayu was in 1761.

WHAT IS A GEISHA?

Geisha means "artist" in Japanese. Geisha are professional hostesses who entertain guests by performing various arts in tea houses called O-chaya. Throughout their careers Geisha are trained and continue to study and perfect skills such as Japanese ancient dance, singing, playing instruments such as Shamisen, flower arrangement, wearing kimono, tea ceremony, calligraphy, conversation, alcohol serving manners and more.

The Geisha tradition evolved from the taikomochi or hokan, similar to court jesters. The first Geisha were all male. When women began to take the role of Geisha they were known as onna Geisha (women artist). Today Geisha are all female, besides the Taikomochi. Taikomochi are becoming extremely rare. There are only three still registered in Japan.

To be successful a Geisha must demonstrate beauty, grace, artistic talent, charm and impeccable etiquette and refinement. Guest with a long time connection to the tea houses are the only ones allowed. It is rare for the tea houses to take on new clients without an introduction. The Geisha profession is very expensive. A Geisha party can easily cost thousands of US dollars.

THE ROLE OF A GEISHA?

The role of a Geisha is extensive. Geisha were traditionally trained from early childhood. Geisha houses often took girls from poor families, and took the responsibility of raising and training them. They worked first as maids and then as assistants to the house's senior Geisha to contribute to their expenses. They train themselves in various traditional arts, maintain many different relationships with men and they also entertain at business banquets or parties. However there are two things a Geisha will not do. They will not prepare or serve food and they will never have a one night stand.

It is a must for a Geisha to train themselves in various traditional arts that included several styles of singing in the hanamachi (Geisha community), classical dancing and playing the shamisen. A Geisha's work includes entertaining guests at expensive tea houses. They serve drinks, talk with guests and perform. Today it is common for Geisha women to be models or go on International tours.

Geisha are not prostitutes, but they do maintain many different relationships with men. Although it is appropriate for a Geisha to have a patron that she is involved with sexually, emotionally and economically a she may choose not to do so.

Geisha's earn a considerable amount of money by entertaining at business banquets or parties. They have conversation and they perform for the guests. Geisha may perform "Tachikata" or "Jikata". Tachikata mainly do traditional Japanese dance. They are usually the maiko girls. Jakita mainly sing or play instruments. They are usually the older Geisha women. During these banquets and parties Geisha pay special attention to the Guest of Honor. Geisha do not discuss anything that is said at one of these events.

THE HISTORY OF A GEISHA

The first Geisha appeared in the Tokugawa period (1600-1868) in Japan. It wasn't until the Meiji era (1868-1910's) that the Geisha flourished. Geisha were originally men who entertained in the "flower and willow world" (Kiaryukai) which was also call the "water world" or the "floating world" that contained prostitutes, patrons and entertainers.

When Geisha became all women they were prohibited from competing with prostitutes although there was evidence that they did. Geisha and prostitutes did eventually separate when Geisha became more popular. In 1779 authorities became angry with the conduct of the Geisha because they did not pay taxes on their wages. Disciplinary rules were formed and a code of conduct was formed and it is still upheld today.

Geisha can still be found living in traditional houses called okiya in areas called hanamachi or "flower towns". They are increasingly gaining their independence though especially in larger cities such as Tokyo. Two of the most traditional districts of Geisha are Kyoto's Gion and Pontocho. The Geisha in these districts prefer to be called Geiko-san. They are dedicated and skilled entertainers. They are thought to be the finest Geisha of Japan.

The Geisha life today is very different. Girls become Geisha by their own free will and stay long enough to get married. The is causing the Geisha population to slowly decline. The number of Geisha in the 1920's was 80,000, but today the numbers have dropped to 10,000 due to the westernizing of Japanese culture. Will the Geisha survive? Most likely not. Geisha are an elite group that is very expensive and most of the Japanese prefer and can afford hostesses when they want fun with women outside the family and work place. Then there is supply. Becoming a Geisha is long and rigorous. It is much easier for them to become a Western-type entertainer, a hostess. As the Tayu became the Geisha, the Geisha will most likely evolve into something more contemporary to better serve a more contemporary Japan.