Hakone: Geisha District

The Geishas will share with us the intricacies of the world of geisha. While some Westerners confuse geisha with prostitutes, our speaker will break down these misconceptions and sterotypes. A geisha is a woman who is highly trained in the arts of music, dance, and entertaining. We will learn how women wishing to become a geisha must spend many years learning to play barious traditional instruments, sing, and dance, as well as them art of being the perfect hostess--Which includes storytelling and attentiveness.

The history of geisha began with male entertainers called taikomochi in the 13th century, who evolved into storytellers and conversation artists by the 16th century. By the mid-18th century, women replaced them, initially as assistants to high-class courtesans (oiran), but their independent status as skilled performers of music, dance, and conversation became established by the early 19th century. Despite a decline after WWII, the tradition of geisha continues to this day, embodying Japanese culture as art performers rather than sex workers.
Early Origins
13th Century:
The first "geisha" were male entertainers known as taikomochi, who provided entertainment and advice to their lords.
16th Century:
The role of taikomochi shifted towards becoming more like storytellers, focusing on conversation and humor.
17th Century:
Women started to enter the entertainment profession, initially as assistants to oiran, who were high-class courtesans.
Development of the Modern Geisha
Mid-18th Century:
The term "geisha" was adopted by female performers and musicians, distinguishing themselves from the brothel-associated courtesans and focusing solely on artistic performances.
Early 19th Century:
Female geisha's popularity grew, partly due to being less expensive and more accessible than oiran. By the 1800s, geisha were increasingly replacing oiran as the central figures at parties.
Edo Period (1603-1868):
Geisha culture was codified, with female geisha trained in classical arts like dance, music, poetry, and conversation.
Modern Era
Peak in the 1920s: There were an estimated 80,000 geisha across Japan.
Post-WWII Decline: The number of geisha dramatically fell during and after World War II.
Today: Fewer than 1,000 geisha are estimated to be active today, concentrated in cities like Kyoto and Tokyo. They are recognized as vital custodians of Japanese tradition and culture, still upholding the art of performance.
Key Distinctions
Geisha vs. Oiran:
Geisha were performers of arts, while oiran were high-class courtesans who could have sexual relationships with clients.
Geisha vs. Prostitutes:
The misconception that geisha were prostitutes arose partly because some early female entertainers did engage in prostitution, but the adopted term "geisha" was meant to emphasize their status as artistic performers.Leggi altro