Geishas are traditional performers of Japanese arts and music. They specialize in dancing, singing, and playing various instruments, including hand or shoulder drums, the shamisen, and Japanese flutes.
They train their entire lives, are highly skilled, and some become so famous that they are considered “living national treasures,” the highest artist status in Japan.
What Does The Word Geisha Mean?
Geisha means “Artist”, although in Kyoto they are not called this way, the term “Geiko” is used which means “Woman of Art”.
What Does A Geisha Do?
Geisha are called to teahouses, events, functions, and parties to entertain. In Japan, geishas also perform large public performances and annual dances, but according to ancient tradition, it is normal for them to engage in small-scale private entertainment.
Clients enjoy a meal at a tea house with friends or acquaintances and socialize and interact with geisha to cheer them on while they eat and drink. Geisha are highly cultured independent entrepreneurs. They often manage their own clients who they will often keep for decades.
Like any Western artist, musician, or actress, they can fall in love and have relationships, but this is always a private matter and never part of the job.
