The distinct white face and red lips of a Japanese woman easily identifies her as a geisha. There are common misconceptions outside Japan that the geisha is mainly a prostitute. While a geisha does give entertainment to people, they do not engage in any form of sexual activity with their audience.
A young woman must go through a lot of training before acquiring the title of a geisha. She must learn to play musical instruments, sing, and dance. Before she is called a geisha, she is entitled to the name maiko. During this period, not only is she trained for the arts but also practical life lessons such as putting on her dress, making tea, learning traditions, practicing the correct manner of speaking, and learning to serve her soon-to-be patrons.
This tradition started out in the late 600s when young girls who need money to live, perform in front of merchants and high-positioned people. The tradition eventually spread out and more and more girls began to learn the art of being a geisha. Though some girls may be both a geisha and a courtesan, this is frowned upon by most geisha houses. A geisha must be sophisticated and emit the true essence of beauty among women.
In recent times, there are only a few geishas left in Japan. The percentage of women who want to become a geisha has declined compared to before. With tighter competitions between bars and entertainment pubs, some geisha teahouses have closed. Even though this is the current situation of the tradition, top geishas in Japan continue to live by their purpose and way of life.
If you ever have a chance to visit Japan with some money to spare, drop by a geisha house and be entertained by women of the arts.
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