Becoming a Geisha 1 (2005)
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- Опубликовано: 10 мар 2008
- An interesting documentary on the way of the geisha:
A young woman from Northern Japan has decided to quit school and move to Gion, the geisha quarter of Kyoto. There she wants to fulfill her dream of becoming a Geisha, called Geiko in Kyoto.
First she has to go through a trial period of several months and only after passing an exam is she formally accepted as an apprentice Geisha, called Maiko. 
Кино
Yukina is such an inspiration. Follow your dreams and you can be anything.
Unbelievable how these woman are so committed. So admirable.
I'm seeing a lot of comments about "Geisha" being prostitutes. They aren't actually. Most people are getting them confused with Orian. Geisha use to accompany Orian when they were entertaining their guest. As soon as the singing, dancing, and playing games were over the geisha would leave. leaving the guest with the Oiran ( courtesans). I can understand some people getting confused with how to tell the difference between the.
Orian would wear their obi tied to the front. The also wear elaborate hair pens and combs, and many of them depending on their ranks (before the 1750's-Tayuu,Koshi,Tsubone,and Hashi/after the 1750's-Yobidashi chûsan,Chûsan,Tsukemawashi,Zashikimochi,Heyamochi,Shinzô, Kamuro ).Orian also don't wear tabi socks, even in the winter. The Geta they wear are called Koma-geta. Oiran also didn't just sell their bodies, they also were trained in different forms of arts like Geisha/Maiko, and were also very intelligent women who could hold a conversation and talk politics if her client chooses so.
Maiko wear their obi to the back and they wear them in the Darai style. Maiko wear bright color kimono with a few more hair pens( kanzashi) than the geisha but no more than the Oiran.They also use their own hair for the hairstyle called wareshinobu. Maiko also wear a collar made of the color red and white a symbol of them still bring young in the profession. they also wear a lot more pink/red makeup, also to show their youth. They wear wooden sandalds called Okobo really high geta that keeps their obi and kimono from touching the ground.
Geisha also wore their obi to the back in a short style. The tend to wear less red make up to show maturity. They also wear less colorful kimono and usually have white collars. they wear lower geta called zori. Their kimono sleeves are also shorter the the Maiko's. The geisha of today also usually wear wigs instead of styling their own hair which had less hair pens then Oiran and Maiko.
I'm also beginning to think that a lot of people are confusing them with the "Geisha Girls/Geesha Girls" Prostitues who dressed as Geisha/Maiko during the Allied occupation of Japan thus confusing the American GI's.They are said to be the reason people think geisha are prostitues.
The maikos gave their virginity to the highest bidder. If that's not prostitution I have no idea what is.
where is your information on that?
+PrincessAki2009 look up mizuage
Mizuage (hoisting from water) was a ceremony undergone by a Japanese maiko to signify her coming of age. When the older geisha (in charge of the maiko's training) considered the young maiko ready to come of age, the topknot of her hair was symbolically cut.
Also the former Geiko/Geisha Mineko Iwasaki stated in an interview that the word was misinterpreted in an interview.
Q: Talk to me about the mizuage ceremony. What is it, and why is there so much confusion about it?
A: This again goes back to the separation between the pleasure quarter and the entertainment quarter. Mizuage is really a coming-of-age ceremony, and apparently there was some selling of the virginity that went on in association with that ritual ceremony in the pleasure district a long time ago. However, that has never been true for the geisha. For the geisha, it was simply when they were becoming a young woman, similar to a sweet 16 in the West, and it was symbolized by the change in hairstyle, into a more womanly, grown-up hairstyle. And also certain subtle changes in the ensembles. There are a lot of rites of passage, but for some reason this one has been really latched on by people, and maybe because of this misunderstanding.
Also, it is true that as with many of the rituals and rites of passage, once one has become a maiko [geisha-in-training], or a geiko, it's very expensive, because every time you go through an entire change of kimono, for example, or of hairstyle and you need different hair ornaments, these are expensive things. For me, I was the successor to the house, the atotori, so there was no question that the money was there to provide this. But if someone is coming from the outside and training, as basically someone who is there under contract, it is expensive, and sometimes they do ask their patrons to help pay for the cost involved in making the transition.
Q: But their virginity is offered in exchange for that help?
A: That is never on the table. There is one other potential source of confusion, and that is with the word "mizuage" itself. In the Gion, the geisha district, and in many areas of the entertainment industry, "mizuage" is also a term that directly means "gross earnings," because it's an old fishing term; as you may know, Japan was dependent on fishing for one of its main economic bases for many years. "Mizuage" means "to take out of the water." It stood for the catch. "What was your catch?
Rest of the interview can be seen here:www.bostonphoenix.com/boston/news_features/qa/documents/02473409.htm
That woman interviewed was a geisha in the 60s. Trading your virginity to the highest bidder was outlawed in the 50s.
Why would they say in the beggining that this is one of the oldest professions in Japan. Geisha as profession has only existed for about 300 years. This phrase clearly refers to prostitution which is insulting given the context
the first geisha is chinese courtesan. so yeah in other word prostituions.
its not crazy considering hollywood has actress who is known to sleep with directors producers to get role, and offered huge money and fame for sx, marilyn monroe is one of them, are they prostiute of course not they were actress, but did they did it yes they did. recently with harvey weinstein its tale as old as time
Boohoo.
@@philbecker4676 boohoo what?its historically inaccurate and a geisha is an arts person not a prostitute,some people like having their history correct even if its minor😅🤦
@@leon-lm2ph That's correct.
They are dancers, singers, artists , musicians and magicians . Most importantly...they must be able to keep a secret ❗
@@philbecker4676 Grow up what a childish comment. She is right to correct that and you should be respectful if you cant then this chat isnt for you.
I've watched this documentary about six times and I'm not tired of watching it yet. I just find the culture so fascinating!!!!!
Me too I think it's so fascinating
Everybody who wanted to know the SONG AT THE BEGINNING listen up!
I've finally found it! It's called Everyone Alive Wants Answers by Colleen.
Absolutly love this documentary!
I spent some time in a convent when I was younger. Often when I see programmes about geisha and mako it reminds me of that, with the hierarchy and the manners and the specific way of doing things quietly and gracefully.
I watched this in my world geography class my freshman year of high school... good times. Thanks Mr. Busby for not only teaching us the geography but of the cultures in those parts of the world as well :).
It's sad that their numbers are declining.. I think their career is amazing! I guess really it's not just a career but an entire lifestyle :)
First watched this six years ago....I always watch it several times a year. Love, LOVE this documentary. Thank you again for posting it!
Same it’s interesting
@@coveruplies occult practices! No doubt.
I also like this documentary the best! I feel like this one is more respectful of the geisha and seek to tell the truth and try to change what most people think geisha are instead of enforcing them.
The orientalism in this though..... There’s no mystery or secrecy lol it’s just a LANGUAGE BARRIER
日本人もまだ、未知の世界ですから
映像で初めて見ましたわ。
流石に、厳しい世界だと思いますが
日本の誇りですから、凄く尊敬出来ますね。
あなたが日本に住んでください
You know, I wish they would do a follow up on this girl, so we can see what she looks like and how she's doing now.
OMG I've been looking for this everywhere! Thank you!
i met kikuyu(菊夕）on the street in miyakwa chou(宮川町）the other day.
she was not in formal geiko style,but very beautiful in casual kimono style.
When I was little, my grandmother had a small model of a maiko she kept in a glass box, a gift from my father when he returned from Japan before he met my mother. I asked my dad what she was, because she was very pretty. He told me she was a geisha. Later I told my mother I wanted to be a geisha. She gave me a very prompt spanking and told me never to say that again because geisha were prostitutes. I wish I had actually held onto that dream. Instead, I am an opera singer. Close enough.
I find it more interesting to be an opera singer
They're not prostitutes, though.
@afonphoenix16 I obviously know that now, but I didn't then, and neither did she. We've since learned our mistake.
I would be the happiest girl in the world if I could go to Japan and see these beautiful walking works of art in person! Geisha are so stunning! ^^!
Me, but I'm too old, too tall and too clumsy.
The belt and the sock thing sometimes went both ways. Some geisha went sock-less in the summer months, and there was one hanamachi in Edo (now Tokyo) that made it a fashion statement. Also, I think there are ukiyo-e paintings that show some prostitutes with their obi knot tied at in the back. The biggest difference (clothing wise) was extravagance. Geisha were forbidden by law to wear flashy clothing, while prostitutes were dripping in silk and gold.
I love this documentary. It's weird to think 7 years later she retired and got married.
BaoYen AJ did she?
that's the idea for a lot of them.
@@LiaAmaliaSafarilla Yup! She has two sons but is still very close to her old okiya ^^
@@moushimoushi8963 She has a son and a daughter and is very happily married.
@@belmarmom Ah! Thank you for the correction ^^ I had heard two sons but I could definitely be wrong ^^
Thanks for the information! ♥
This girl is so adorable and inspiring. Wish I could become a Geisha!
this is my fifth time i've watched this. this documentary will always amaze me (:
thankyou bbc for another insightful documentary
This is really cool! thank you ^^
discipline, grace, and dedication = what you need to be geiko or maiko.
Well no, it's just giving up life as a normal human to become some form commercialized service provider.
赵亚雄
more to it than that. it's a way of life, not giving up life.
赵亚雄 whatever you say, confucious. if you're trying to call me prejudice, you can save your breath. when you think you're the only one with intelligence and understanding, you are a fool.
Kikuyu is my favourite geisha from my favourite district.I'm very glad she is a geiko now!I have pics with her since misedashi until erikae!She is veru beautiful!
Kikumaru is such a beautiful geiko!I love her eyes.And Kikuno is very beautiful too!
I really like the comparison from the professional make up from the older sister 's make up.
I have mixed feelings about being a geisha. On one hand, you have to sacrifice your individuality. But on the other hand, it tests your dedication and commitment.
i cant stop watching this documentary... @_@
2005 is when Komomo graduated as full Geisha after 5 years training.
I'm always awestruck at the beauty and grace of Geisha's.
What a hilarious response! Conceived in a street alley...LMAO!
I needed that laugh, thanks :-)
Anyone who has commented on any of these videos saying Yukina is ugly, go look up some recent photographs of her (just type in 'Kikuyu Maiko').
She is breath taking now! On the way to out shining all her sisters!
Yeah, with MAKEUP on. She's not naturally pretty.🤷
Funny thing is I watched it when it first premiered in 2005. Gosh I feel so old now, that seems like forever ago to me.
I love watching this :)
Interesting documentary
That film was still beautiful, remember it was a film not a documentary.
the story is accurate, the inaccurate is the visual because they want to tell the story through hairstyle and costume movie making 101. historically even bad guys wore pastel color 🤣🤣, but in movie nope its black or red
Thank you :D
Both are arts of self-control and dedication.
In the waiting line by Zero-7 was stuck in my head and lo and behold it plays as background music. How random
how can u say that? that movie was the best movie ever in my life :(((
i think you are right but the movie is great
kikuno is gorgeous!
The profession of a geisha actually started in 1780 so it is the world's oldest profession
I thought his face was familiar too! Now that I see your comment, I realise it was because of Heechul lol XD
geisha are high ranked woman, it's a pleasure to talk with them and see their performances.
非常によくやった。おめでとう！
This is a very interesting view of the becoming of a woman, and an artist. I hope that this gives her the freedom that she wants in her life. I wish her the best for the future!!
Has anyone seen the other video that's about something like this? I'm looking for the one that has the geisha in a different area than kyoto (I think). Could anyone give me the name of it?
it is interesting to see this young, intersting, pretty but very teen girl turn into such an elegant woman.
How cute! *.* The cat on that picture looks realy like our cat! And our cat is named "Geisha"! XD
A couple of Western women that I know of -- Liza Dalby, from the U.S., and Fiona Graham from Australia -- have become geisha. It's a long road; for one thing, you must be fluent in Japanese, and then you have to undergo the rigorous training specific to becoming a geisha.
Fiona Graham was actually kicked out because she refused to abide by the rules set out by her teachers and elders.
ML Irwin o
it was rhetorical and some comments are from so long ago that its not fresh anymore and the moment is over!
Really interesting. But like the other comment said, I bet it has way harder long time ago this is modern geisha world.
my sister and i took pictures as a geisha :D it was quite interesting aha
"maaikow" - lol :p interessting doc though
While I've never thought of becoming a Geisha, I would love to learn the dancing.
BBC has the documentary on virtually everything!
Jeez this reminds me uncomfortably of débutante school or (bootcamp) as I thought of it while attended in middle school.
花房自慢の菊シスタ－ズ(菊丸・菊鶴・菊乃・菊夕)は今となっては幻この時代は１番スターが揃っていたのかな😢
I wish they would do a follow up
I can let you know what happened if that helps. She became really popular partially because of this documentary, but also because of her talent, she actually graduated to become a Geiko, practiced as a geiko for 2 years, then married the son of one of the teahouse proprietress's, they've had two sons together and she's still really close to her old okiya, helping out with big events ^^
The lawsuit was settled out of court, thankfully and the book you're talking about I believe is the same one I mentioned, Geisha, A Life or Geisha of Gion (unless she wrote a book specifically clarifying Memoirs and if so...I'd love to read it :) I stick by my previous comment though that I don't feel he misrepresented geiko, not completely, especially during that period of time in the 1930's.
But I'm no historian so what do I know :)
Finally, someone that knows history.
I think there's like different types of Geisha's.
The ones that do and the one's that don't.
memoirs of a geisha
I admire her strength :-D
Hey does any body know where i can buy this on dvd. I really like it.
Although I'm not Japanese and I don't live in Japan either. They're many beautiful Japanese womEn with big doll-like eyes and fabulous figures. FYI Zhiang was probably chosen to play the main role because she is a dancer from a very well known dance academy from Beijing which is very hard to get in. Since she's got a very good foundation its easier to teach her traditional Japanese dance choreography. Rather than just how she looks -.-
i was watching it though...... i was probably thinking the other way >.
Oh i see.Yeah i read a bit of the novel before. alright thanks i will :D
Kyotoben!!!!!!!! Its so cute...
LOL! Such truth yet so hilarious.
All these "and I'm gonna catch hell over this" do somewhat coincide with the exotic dancer world of the west. We are a family, but MAN, what commitment!! These women make their own world!! Ahh.. such class!!!!❤️
There's no overlap at ALL.😬 The family aspect may be there, but strippers and Geisha are WORLDS apart.
there is! its called the geisha show its on youtube :D
I believe she debuted as a maiko under the name Kikuyu, and is now a geiko. :)
superb. Would be nice if we could see how she's getting on today.
12 years on and im still wondering.
Oh how exciting! I want to see if i can find her...do you know any sites where they post photos of well known Geishas?
i soooo sad. wen i heard of the tsunami in Japan the first thing i thought was D: the geishas!!!!
It is difficult to have a concept without experiencing the lifestyle. People are free to comment as they wish.
@5:55 Yukina's older sister is gorgeous in full performance kimono and makeup...
I would suggest people to explore the origin and the history of geisha, and not rely on a movie. And you must be really naive if you think that modern hostess clubs in Japan do not offer sex.
She is in the video Geisha show also.
Hi! I was wondering where you found this video originally. Thanks!
what is that song in the beginning? do you think i could download it somehow? i just fell in love with it actually..
No, that's really how it's supposed to sound.
ANYWAY to get back to the video....is there any recent footage on youtube or other sites of any of her more recent performances? I would very much like to see how she is getting on!
Haha, yeah I saw that now. I don't know why they wrote that. :D
Kikuyu is still a maiko afaik. She should have her erikae some time next year.
I am trying to find a documentary that followed a Maiko as she turned the collar. There was footage of her in the last Maiko hair style (I don't know the name of the style), the hair cutting ceremony where her elders cut her hair free, and her as full Geisha. If anyone has any idea where it went, please respond. I watched it maybe a year ago and have no clue what her name was or what house she live in.
Thanks!!!
I have another book that people should read; Autobiography of a Geisha, translated by G.G. Rowley but written by Sayo Masuda. After reading that, screw both Arthur Golden AND Minkeo Iwasaki, lol (Okay, not that far...but this is more of the real-deal than either of those stories even though Geisha, A Life/Geisha of Gion was an autobiography too). This book is for those that want to read about a geisha that didn't grow up as an atotori (successor to the okiya) and is much more emotional and real.
What is the song at 9:20 - 9:43 please? I love it, I don't know how to find out about it :D
Does anyone know the music that starts playing around 5:26?
Sunch beautiful Tradition I hope i meet them
i'm pretty sure that if i was from Japan, i'd have become a geisha.
@kasbersky I read some where that they cost about 200 ( i thought it was 2000 but my bad) and hour for their time. They may only spend 1 or 2 hours at a party and then go off and do another party. Sometimes they don't get home until 2 or 3 in the morning. And then get up early for classes the next day
What is the song at 5.25? I need it, some human out there must know the name of it.
+billy bob someone? anyone?
+billy bob lol I have no idea
+billy bob Vector Lovers - Kissed You By The Fountian
whats the name of the song at the beginning???
The problem about the book and the movie "Memoirs of a Geisha" is, that they try to show that they are artist, but in a wrong way: The kimonos are worn wrong, the make up and the hairstyles are wrong, the dance and music are wrong and the attitude of the charakters are wrong, etc. the movie is nice to watch and many have become aware of their culture through the film. But its full of clichés. So people which are only trivial interested, might get the wrong idea about Geishas.(sry for my bad eng)
Why don't you watch the documentary first, and then comment.
Have you met real geiko ormaiko without makeup.
I hve met them many times in kyoto to find they are beautiful without makeup..
아직도 저렇게 지속되어있는게 참 신기하다....