Traditional Culture Encyclopedia - Traditional customs - What is the occupation of Japanese geisha?

What is the occupation of Japanese geisha?

Modern Japanese geisha

Japanese geisha still maintain centuries-old traditions: wearing traditional kimonos and painting bright and thick makeup. Vallesi Ross also followed them to the customer's tea bar to watch their performance. These young women have been trained as maiko for several years since they entered the geisha workshop.

It is reported that geisha has been in Japanese culture for more than 400 years, but many westerners know little about its life and role. Geisha are usually mistaken for prostitutes, but they are not. They please their guests by performing arts, and they don't sell their bodies. Their world is usually closed. But with the successful visit of Spanish photojournalist Lucas Vallecillos to their lives, the mysterious world of geisha is finally known to the world.

Modern Japanese Geisha reveals the real life of modern Japanese geisha. Do you know that it is often mistaken for a broken-hearted prostitute? But before becoming a mature geisha, maiko must learn music, dance and how to communicate with guests smoothly and comfortably. They must also learn musical instruments, how to entertain guests, and how to remain elegant and respected.

Although some training sounds simple and trivial, the road to becoming a geisha is never easy. And in their view, becoming a geisha is a very glorious and fulfilling thing. At the beginning of the training, these young women must do housework day and night, live with other students and geisha who start school, and help geisha change clothes and prepare. They must show absolute respect to their predecessors, and they need to kneel on the ground to say hello when they come back.

However, some students will leave halfway because they are forbidden to install chat applications on their smartphones. Some people will find it difficult to get along with their predecessors, but the most important reason may be that they can't stand the pain of being separated from their families. Women are learning how to entertain guests and have a smooth conversation with them.

It is understood that the original Japanese geisha were all men, making a living by playing traditional drum music, rap and amusement. Around 1750, the first female geisha appeared, and then the geisha profession was gradually replaced by women. This tradition has been passed down to this day.