Another famous culture in Japan is that of the Geisha. Common misconception makes many believe that these girls were in fact part of the prostitution trade, but this really was not the case. The word “Geisha” means quite literally “Artist”.
Geisha girls are recognisable by their costume – with brightly coloured kimonos and obi’s, white painted faces, and their sleek black hair tied up in the traditional Shimada hairstyle. Combs and pins are used to decorate the hair and kimonos change according to season and the type of event the Geisha is attending. The kimono’s are intricately embroidered and can take 2-3 years to make.
The traditional make-up of a Geisha differs according to her age. The white-painted face and neckline will always be associated with this tradition, and in the early years the paste was made by using lead (until it was realised that this poisoned the skin). The lead was then substituted by rice powder. Along with the white foundation base, a geisha would always wear red lipstick (in the shape of a bud) and heavy black accents around the eyes. The black was traditionally charcoal, but nowadays is modern cosmetics. It is the young Maiko who wear this heavy make-up – they are allowed to tone it down after three years of working in order to show their natural beauty.
Ever since its beginning, girls have viewed it an honour to become a Geisha. Years ago, girls were trained from a very young age in O-chayas (geisha houses) in all the arts a Geisha was expected to perform; singing, dancing and entertaining.
The training took years and was divided in to three sections. The first section called “Shikomi”, taught the girls the art of discipline, working more as maids than entertainers, their role in was to clean the O-chayas and wait on the senior Geisha.
“Minarai” is the second stage of training, no longer expected to clean, the trainee was then ready to meet the outside world. Accompanied by a senior Geisha, the girls were instructed in the art of conversation, tea ceremonies and gaming.
Finally after a month or so, the girls were ready for their third and final stage of training – Maiko. In this final stage, they accompanied their chosen senior Geisha everywhere and were taught to refine the arts of their entertainment. Once they became a fully-fledged Geisha they were allowed to charge for their time.
Author Arthur Goldens’ novel – “Memoirs of a Geisha” is a fictional story following the life of a geisha from her humble beginnings through her outstanding success as a geisha and finally her retirement. It is a fascinating insight to this secret world.
Geisha is still practiced in Japan today, though it is on a decline. Many young Japanese girls are unwilling to endure the rigorous and demanding 5 years it takes to train.