15 Interesting Facts About Geisha - Just About Japan (2024)

Are you interested in learning about geisha? If you are then this article is going to be exactly what you need. We cover fifteen interesting facts about geisha that you absolutely need to know. So, without further ado, let us dive right in and get started!

Male Geisha Existed

Did you know that the first geisha were men (see also ‘What Are Male Geisha Called? – What You Need To Know!‘)? This happened during the 1730s. It was only twenty years later that female geisha started to appear on the scene.

The first female geisha appeared in the form of odoriko, which means dancers, as well as shamisen players.

It did not take long for female geisha to almost completely dominate the industry. As by the 1780s there were almost exclusively female geisha in Japan.

The Name For Apprentice Geisha

Geisha (see also ‘Where Can You Find Geisha In Modern Day Japan?‘) that are still in the trainee stage of becoming a geisha are known as Maiko. They are generally responsible for entertaining guests with a traditional Japanese dance.

While Maiko train they practice in a wide range of things like dance, tea pouring, forms of education and many other things that they will need to know as a fully fledged geisha (see also ‘Why Do Geisha Have White Faces? – Traditional Japanese Makeup Explained‘).

The White Powder Or Oshiroi

The signature look of geisha is to have a white powdered face and neck. The original powder that they used contained lead which is not good for you.

Because this product contained lead and people became savvy to the fact that it was not good for your health, it was replaced with a non lead based product.

The Tradition Of Black Teeth

Many women in Japan stained their teeth black. This trend was common for most women but was also picked up by geisha (see also ‘Can You Take Pictures Of Geisha?‘). This was known as ohaguro. As time went on this meaning of black teeth changed.

At the start it was simply a beauty trend. But as time went on black stained teeth symbolized a Maiko had finally graduated. Or in Japanese terms, when a Maiko reached the sakkou stage.

It Was Normal To Have A Patron

Did you know that many geisha will have patrons of their own? These patrons are known as danna. A geisha patron or danna, will normally be a wealthy person who is able to pay for all the expenses that come with hiring a geisha.

This patron will have a duty to the geisha company for their lifetime. Because of this it is something of a status of wealth to be a danna as it highlights how powerful and rich a man is.

However, just because he is a danna does not mean that the relationship with the geisha is sexual in any way.

Geisha Are Entertainers

Many people think that geisha are inherently sex workers, but this is not case. The Japanese term for sex workers is oiran. That being said, some geisha did engage in sexual practices with their clients.

This however was extremely rare and today it is not done at all. The vast majority of geisha are entertainers.

Geisha Are Educated

In order to become a geisha you need to have a high level of education. Especially in fields like Japanese culture and tradition. Maiko need to work very hard to learn everything required of them and achieve grades at a level that is required of them.

Girls that are aged sixteen and below can become a maiko. At this age they learn to sing, dance and entertain their customers.

Geisha Live In Flower Town

The home of many geisha was in a place called Hanamachi which essentially means flower town. There used to be a bunch of Hanamachi areas around Japan. But today most of them are in Kyoto and Tokyo.

They have a separate residential area which is done specifically for attracting visitors to that area. There is a house in the area known as Okiya which has been made using traditional styles.

The Hairstyles

One difference between a fully fledged geisha and a maiko is their hairstyles. Geisha normally wear a special wig known as a katsura. Whereas Maiko will typically use their natural hair along with extensions.

In order to make sure that their hair is maintained they will need to visit a hairdresser regularly. On top of that they will need to sleep wearing special supports known as takamakura.

Aside from that, maiko also tend to wear more ornaments in their hair which makes them look more elaborate. In contrast, geisha tend to have a more subtle look.

Because of the way that maiko wear these elaborate hairstyles for so long, many of them develop bald spots. Many might be saddened by this but most maiko consider it to be a point of pride.

Almost On Level With Men

The majority of geisha are trained to be submissive and meek in manner. But being up-to-date on the current world and what is happening is a must!

This is because they should be able to have witty and clever conversations with their clients on top of being meek and submission.

Many wives were not allowed to talk to their spouses as equals. Which is why many men went to geisha where they could talk about any number of topics on the same level. Almost as equals.

The Obi Or Silken Knot

In order to finish up the traditional look of a geisha there must be a perfectly tied obi around their waist. This obi has to be about 13.2 feet long.

On top of that it is also elaborately decorated. But a maiko will have a more elaborate and longer obi than a fully fledged geisha.

Geisha Are Supposed To Resemble The Perfect Woman

Geisha are trained to resemble and act like the perfect woman. She is designed to be a total work of art and ooze luxury and romance.

The Most Popular Instrument For Geisha To Play Is The Shamisen

The shamisen is a traditional Japanese string instrument which was only introduced in Japan in the 18th century. This instrument has three strings and looks a bit like a guitar with a small body.

These strings are plated using a bachi. It is very difficult to master but once they do, it is a beautiful sound to hear.

The Changing Of The Collar Ceremony

When a Maiko has finally reached the level of geisha there is a ceremony known as the changing of the collar. At this event the red collar with patterns is changed for a pure white one.

This change symbolizes her debut as a geisha and allows her to start entertaining clients on her own.

Coming Of Age

Before it was made illegal in the mid 1900s a maiko’s patron was allowed to take her virginity. In fact, it was his right to do so. At this coming of age even the top knot was cut. This symbolized that she was ready to ‘come of age’.

Once the ceremony had taken place, a big party would be held in her honor. This coming of age ceremony was known as a mizuage and was thought to be a rite of passage for mikos.

Even the money that they had been paid for their virginity would be used to help promote her and debut her as a fully fledged geisha.

Final Thoughts

There are plenty of other interesting facts about geisha. These women are a very important part of Japanese culture.

Both today and in the past. So, make sure to go and read up about them. You really can’t know enough about these gorgeous and elegant women.