 Geisha, or geiko is a term used to refer to traditional Japanese entertainers.  Literal Translations: Geisha- artist Geiko- woman of art

“No woman in the three-hundred-year history of the karyukai has ever come forward in public to tell her story. We have been constrained by unwritten rules not to do so, by the robes of tradition and by the sanctity of our exclusive calling.” –Mineko Iwasaki  Geisha are prostitutes  Children were once stolen from their families and taken to become geisha  Geisha have always been women

 Dance  Shamisen  Tea serving  Flower arrangement  Iki

 The okiya is the Japanese lodging house where shikomi, maiko, and geisha reside.  Familial structure  Run by the “mother” お母さん

 Maiko are the poster children of geisha  Marked by: A red collar White face paint Ornate kimonos

 Maiko often become Geisha after a period of 5 years in a process called erikae.  Changes: Face paint only on ceremony Kimonos are less complex Twice the salary

 Geiko is a term used specifically in Kyoto, where the profession is steeped in more tradition than in other areas of Japan.

 Traditionally, the process of becoming a geisha took much more work than it does today.  Started earlier  Training lasted longer  Training was more intense

 In the 60s and 70s, Japan began a societal transformation.  Moved from post-feudal to modern society.  Geisha became valued for preserving the ancient culture.

 Most girls are required to complete basic schooling before becoming geisha  Typically start learning from ages  Maiko stage typically lasts only 5 years

 Ceremonial makeup is devoted to promoting iki.  Face paint leaves bare skin around hair line and nape of neck  Red and black makeup around eyes  Red lips  Hair

 Traditional maiko attire consists of: Furisode 振袖 kimono Red collar Wide obi Okobo

 In a ceremony called hiki-iwai, geisha retire. They may then take to running their own okiya or leave the business entirely