Geisha

Geisha are traditional Japanese female entertainers who specialize in classical arts, including music, dance, and refined conversation. The term geisha derives from gei (art) and sha (person). In some regions the title geiko is used for geisha in Kyoto and nearby areas, while maiko refers to an apprentice geisha.

Origins and districts: Geisha emerged in the Edo period as hired performers at teahouses and banquets. Today they operate in licensed entertainment districts, or hanamachi, in cities such as Kyoto, Tokyo, Kanazawa, and others. Notable Kyoto hanamachi include Gion and Miyagawa-cho.

Training and life: A girl (or young woman) typically enters an okiya, a geisha house, where she trains for several years under senior geisha. Training covers traditional instruments such as the shamisen, singing, dance, tea ceremony, poetry, and conversation skills. Maiko wear elaborate kimonos, distinctive hairstyles, and ornate makeup; after completing their apprenticeship, they become full geisha, sometimes referred to as geiko in certain districts.

Performance and services: Geisha perform at ochaya (teahouses) and private parties, entertaining guests through music, dance, games, and conversation. They provide cultural entertainment and companionship rather than sexual services; sexual activity is not a defining feature of their profession in the modern context and is often misunderstood.

Modern context: While the number of geisha has declined since the early 20th century, licensed districts continue to operate and preserve traditional arts. Geisha remain a part of Japan’s cultural heritage, adapting to contemporary audiences while maintaining historical practices and etiquette.