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?