Actually the geisha is an intertainer.they work in the tea house and serve those rich and famous..i read the book ..The lastt giesha ..and there was a film too.
For those seeking informations about the geiko and maiko in this film: - Danyu, Mamehiro and Koai still work in Gion - Koai became a geiko some years after the documentary was shot - Mamehiro's dream became true: she owns an okiya and many of maiko and geiko from it were/are very successful - Takacho became a geiko in Gion and after some years she moved to Tokyo to become a geisha there. As far as I know, she is still in business there 😊
Memoirs of a geisha- a movie on Netflix more for entertainment but it’s pretty in depth about the lifestyle and how some girls are sold to geisha households/tea houses.
Given that pre and during ww2 some were sold but not always accepted because most of the time they were poor or manual labor jobs not able to feed their daughters. And if they were chosen it was ideal because of the money. Otherwise girls strived to be a geisha cause it was their idols and image of perfection/beauty
With a perfectly coiffed hairstyle. What could go wrong!? If it were me I'd end up on the floor with hair all over the shop. I wonder if they do actually sleep.
Some people are spreading misinformation in this comment section, and have things to state as a Japanese woman. They are not “sold” by their parents, in most cases they choose to be a Maiko. They are like a traditional idol, and in most cases they become one because it’s their dream. Saying that they are “suffering” is ridiculous, the people stating this are assuming that Japanese women don’t have choice. Do you mean being working as a Maiko is a bad thing, just because it looks like tough job? That shows your prejudice towards the Japanese society and towards Maiko. These women are choosing to do this job, because in most cases its their dreams!!
I agree. It is a Beautiful ART.. The amount of dedication and Hard Work it takes to learn an master this Art is truly amazing.. They are so graceful in there movements.. Let me Apologize for the ignorance an disrespect of the people saying other wise.
I would love to have had this option, I'm from Europe so there is no way I could, but as a woman I find Beautiful the concept of geisha, pure, elegant and noble I just hope that this part of their culture never dies!
A friend of mine visited Kyoto recently. A local showed them around and told them about what it's like to be a Geisha right now, and the tourism industry has really ruined their quality of public life and pushed them further underground. Tourists are so aggressive with taking photos and trying to pose with them, which is considered very disrespectful, that they mostly stay indoors all the time. The local told my friend a story about a Geisha who was being accosted by some italian tourists so she covered her face to avoid their cameras, and one guy was apparently offended by this and put his cigarette out on her kimono and the whole thing burst into flames. It's so infuriating!!!!!! Western tourists are awful and become violent for no reason!
The eyelash curler part, is as horrible as y’all say. I thought people were being dramatic. Then I heard the pop of that curler, and was horrified. 😬😩😱
I love that geisha girls don't have to be beautiful. It's not about looks. It's about the character, grace, entertainment, and personality. I love geisha
@@anavonrebeur6121 don’t be ridiculous. They choose to live this way. Did you not hear Mamehiro say her dream was to have a daughter who would be a geisha too?
The Kimono is such a complicated piece of art that is worn on the body. I didn't realize how much work went into making it. Hand painted, hand picked and wrapped up in a bow like a delicate yet expensive gift. So beautiful.
I am here to enjoy looking at kimono of Maiko. Their kimono is pricy ranging 10-20k USD. Obi and all other kimono items adding another 20k as Obidome alone can be more than 10k USD. (A jewel piece on obi) So you are looking at Maiko whose attire can cost more than USD50,000. Locals know the high value of their maiko attire so we dare not to touch them. (And we respect them and not to interrupt them as they busily walk by to their work) With the increase of tourists in Gion area, Maiko are quite troubled with tourists who try to stop them to take photos. Unfortunately for worse cases, some less-informed tourists try to touch their kimonos. We like our tradition of having Maiko freely walking around in their full luxurious attire. By being respectful to them, I hope we can all contribute to make a safe environment for Maiko so we continue to have a lucky moment to run into them on the street.
I agree. It's a common sense. It's sad that some people need to be told. There are signs not to touch maiko in pictograph like emoji www.sankei.com/life/news/190902/lif1909020004-n1.html
mi888t That is awful. Why do people think they can walk up to someone and begin touching them? I suppose every culture is different. I would never go to another country without first reading and understanding the culture. But most of all I would never walk up to someone and snap a photo with them, or touch them. Some things span all cultures.
I have seldom used them, but they don't hurt in the least. Anyone too stupid to realize eyelashes have no nerve endings should not be allowed the use of a computer. They might try to eat the mouse.
@@mariasmith2198 any one stupid enough to not understand that pulling any hair out by the root hurts not because the eyelashes have nerves but because the skin does needs to throw away her smart phone because she might eat it.
When I visited Tokyo a few yrs ago I was shocked and pleasantly suprised at how CLEAN it is there. Most dirty areas I visited were high traffic tourist areas where tons of foreigners pass through... says alot.
Something I find amazing is that apparently there aren't commonly public trash cans on corners and such. People simply just don't run around with trash in public. If you get a drink or food, you usually sit at the place you ordered and consume it. Then throw the trash away before leaving. People seem so much more considerate there than in the US.
@@pastelsumimasen I think Japanese people hold those kinds of values in very high regard, so it's not just the US, but the entire world that can't compete with Japan's cleanliness (except maybe Singapore).
I love Japanese culture. Studying the Geisha and their world has been so interesting for me. The beauty and Grace of everything the love of the old ways and tradition I'm fascinated with him. Not to mention the food is delicious
Hi, Japanese passing, I hate this video make miss undersitanding everyone, cuz Ozashiki can women attend even family too. But we need invitation for 100% performance servicies which colling OMOTENASHI to customers.
@@r2n57 Thank you, R2 N for explaining this. There are so many things about Japan that are misunderstood, sometimes on purpose. We went to Japan this past October and the whole experience was transcendent. We attended a maiko party, and it was exquisite. There were eight couples, and the women were not only accepted, but welcomed. It was so beautiful. I cried the day we had to leave and I want to go back.
Like everything in Japan, things are a bit more "complicated" and do posess more levels, than some westerners do think on a first glimpse. Who can attend and watch a Geisha or Maiko, highly depends on the question, where and when, or better, at which place, occasion and under which circumstances. Like mentioned in the film, Geishas have to adept to modern times, so there do exist actually plenty of different oportunities to see a Geisha, including women and even foreigners. For example there are plenty of public shows and special offerings for tourists, also the seasonal dancing festivals - those "economical", "advertising" and/or "touristic" activities are nowadays a quite important part of Geishas income and do orrur in many different forms (for example as shows in big shopping malls, adverdising events, public cultural events, lessons in tea ceremonies, "Geishaparties" for tourists etc.) and and do similar more or less to "real" Geisha-Parties, some of them even take part in "real" tea-houses. Nonetheless there is a certain - often only graduate - difference to parties with "traditional" customer groups like politicians or businessmen. First the organisation of this parties is done completely different, and highly depends on "recomodation" by a "old customer" - they are never organized or offered by tourist or cultural bureaus etc... Secondly, and this is maybe the main difference - Those "real parties" are often much less "sophisticated" and "culture-focused" as the parties for tourists - wheras it depends in the end on the customer, for Westerners, those "real parties" often seem a bit of a childish thing, mainly focused on rather silly games, drinking-games and the illusion of a certain kind of "estimation"...So in fact, nowadays, there are two, not strictly seperated but different "accessable" and "organized" sort of parties: those for culturally interested visitors, mainly tourists, which are more or less acessable to everyone and work mainly as a sort of cultural showpiece and sophisticated "reenactment" of real Geisha culture and the "real Geisha parties" with businessmen and other important customers, which are still highly off limits to "ordniary people" and are more or less a domain of rich older men...
@@areithan1998 In my experience as a western tourist, we want a combination. When I went to a geiko/maiko dinner they did a traditional dance and song and then we proceeded to play drinking games. I think we loved that even more than the sophisticated cultural piece. People walked out tipsy and very cheerful. lol
Im.wondering if there are different kinds of geisha entertaining. Some only entertaining influential men. Rich men. Others entertaining regular people.
I have worn one of these for a dance performance and verify it’s not a trick of the light or the camera. Even up close it looks super natural as soon as you put it on.
This was made in 2003. I loved the way they talked about how Japanese women are not that independent. 17 years , women are not interested in getting married and Japan is suffering a low birth rate! The lack of smartphones was a giveaway as well! What would be great if a follow up in 2020 with the same people just to what they are doing 17 years later. Did they have children, how is the Maiko doing? And how as the world of the Geisha changed over the 17 years in the 21st century.
Actually they now all (for the ones still in the profession, many left since this video), carry smartphones (although it stays off during parties), they are all online with their followers and their wages have never been lower, to the point that now a young girl of 20 is more likely to make more money as a full time employee at starbucks, and without creating a debt which will take her years to pay off, than as a Maiko or Geiko. Kyoto has also slowly died into a cliche postcard for tourists and only 4 or 5 Chaya are still catering to important customers, while all the others are happy to open their doors to whomever is ready to spend money, and with the Olympics coming it is only going to get worse. Tokyo and especially the districts of Shinbashi and Akasaka are still very lucrative Hanamachi and the women working there at a high level are still making a very fine living, but districts like Asakusa and Mukojima are suffering from the economy and the modernity , because young people are absolutely not interested in spending money on Geisha or becoming one . It is really a thing of the past and unless they are given artist status and financed by the government (which Japanese will NEVER accept as it would be off the general public tax money) the world of the Geisha will soon disappear. It may seem sad, but i think it is better that it disappears rather than suffer endlessly and witnesses its own demise, this would be even more tragic. Now on another topic, but still related to your comment, Japanese are not suffering from a lack of birth. There are not too many children in Japan and the country is getting older, but nobody is suffering from it. There are more jobs than there are people to fill the positions, Japanese young adults and teens will be able to pick the job they want and be certain that the companies will fight to have them, and the economy is actually getting better for the past 6 years, so Japan is really not in a crisis right now.
@@morganolfursson2560 Thank you so much for all the info. Im in love with Japan without being romantic about it. As you can see, my knowledge is either lacking or is wrong on certain areas, so thank you for the heads up. What we can forget are the associated artisans are their skills that will also die with the Geishas. The handpainted Kimonos, the fitters, the people who make and repair the instruments etc etc. As you said the Olympics will draw of course create interest. As you said maybe these things should slowly die out and be left to the dusty books of history and musuems..... but what a shame. I know Im a foreigner and what do I know and I know that my opinion doesn't count for anything. I know the kimono will survive. My mother is a dressmaker so I understand the work and beauty of the Kimonos and long may they continue. The Kimonos are a description of the Japanese.
@@maryapatterson You are absolutely welcome Doreen. I am not myself Japanese but i used to live in the country for nearly 20 years, married to a Japanese and with a Japanese mother in law who is a former and retired Geisha from Tokyo so this is a world i know fairly well and if you have any question on the topic i'll be more than happy to share whatever i know from personal experience. Hopefully the traditional theater and music or dance industry will keep kimono makers alive, but what will disappear is the magic the Geisha can create at a party and how they master the art of conversation. This i'm afraid will only remain in books and poetry. What i wish would be for the Unesco to recognize Geisha as world intangible heritage and try to save it , but for that the world of the Geisha would have to become a relic and expose itself entirely to a western organizations , and all the Geisha i know would rather quit or die than do this. Because Geisha are not just artists, and they exist for these Zashiki parties where they entertain clients and this can not be supported by the Unesco, not even by a Japanese organization like JICA Plus secrecy is the basis of the Geisha world and transparency and secrecy are not happy sisters so , as you said and i agree, it is better for this world to slowly die out than just survive as a cliche for tourists as it already is in Kyoto, opened to anybody. When my mother in law worked, she would have rather died than tell a soul about the identity of the customers she met , not even to her own child and nobody would dare to ask, except when she entertained Marlon Brando in her youth, this she told absolutely everyone, over and over again, even the ones who didn't ask !! My advice to you, if you can get yourself to Japan, meet some Geisha while they are still among us, because they are a dying breed and and on the verge of extinction. You must be immensely proud of your mother, dressmaking is also a dying profession and not so many people are still able nowadays to go from a 2d piece of fabric into a perfectly fitted 3d piece of clothing. If you like kimonos and their making process, you might love this, i find these video extremely relaxing and riveting as well as captivating, ruclips.net/video/MKG13KDqKj8/видео.html ruclips.net/video/qEDWKQgIdiU/видео.html&t=
So beautiful, graceful and talented! How I envy them this tradition! I adored reading about the Geisha when I was younger and I wish we had these places of civility and culture in the West! Thank you for this video.
That's the price for any good quality wig,not just for a Geisha. What do you think JLO,Mariah Carey, Beyonce etc pay for their wigs? They don't order them on Amazon for 30$ lol
RachelTeeKae,Omg that scared me too!! I thought she had pulled her eyelashes out. You won't catching me doing that, I always end up pinching my skin, can't imagine doing that, lol.
Being a Geisha is a true art form. Assumptions are made concerning them all the time. Study the historical significance of this art. We need to respect and take the time to inform ourselves about others. Try not to comment on things we know nothing about because it only aids in spreading misinformation. Geisha were not and are not prostitutes. It’s a true art - combination of theatre, many other art forms and cultural traditions
People wouldnt know if they were or werent because everything is a SECRET. Imagine if it was true they sold their virginity to the highest bidder. So I wouldnt be surprised if SOME do it. Just like strippers swear they are going to college 🙄🙄🙄 no they have sex in the back room for money. Its glamorized prostitution. As secretive as massage parlors in America. It's a front
Debra Johns Actually they were both prostitutes and entertainers when they first became a thing in the 18th century. It’s a fact. That may have changed now but I highly doubt it considering the secrecy surrounding it. Unless you’re one of those people who mysticise Japan then it’s very apparent to see.
It’s very.... interesting to me that no one made this prostitution claim about the male geishas. I wonder why people’s views changed when women got involved? 🤔 hm.... curious
skorpia g you are WILDLY ignorant. Plenty of sex workers actually are college students using the money to pay their bills. If that’s what they choose to do, that’s fine. You sound hateful.
I'm Japanese. This culture to me still somehow feels like foreign. I never grew up with this thing. It's like you've heard of it or watched it on TV but never saw it in real life
I'm browned away that you haven't gone through geisha!! GOSH I hope this art form don't die.😔 please tell them that we say, PLEASE don't let it geisha nor meikos die! We STILL WANT to be around them and we still want them around too!!
I would be a failure as a geisha. I can't afford anything, I can't dance, sing, arrange flowers and im far from delicate 😂 Joking aside, it's such a fascinating look into their lives. I really hope it's not a tradition that dies out.
Well before you can even become a maiko, you'd be given to the Okiya for 10 months. No phonecalls, no family contact - to basically test your dedication all the while you'd start to go to dance lessons, music lessons- be taught specific manners and rules and how to act and who to greet first, and so on- do laundry, keep the Okiya clean, stay up late for your big sister, etc. At a certain point you'd be given a test to show your peers what you've learned and they would determine if you'd move on to become a maiko or go home. And then continue your training if accepted.
@Najma Khan I get what you're saying, and I understand your POV. I think a better way to look at it would be everything they do is to keep to the traditions that have been largely forgotten by the rest of society and staying authentic to the artform while providing the best experience possible to their guests and onlookers. I'm not entirely sure what you mean by "Do something more respectful and dignified I should think." because I don't see how it's disrespectful or somehow undignified. For sure, it's not everyone's line of work, because of the long hours and commitment and self discipline involved.
I went to a kimono artist’s studio when I was in japan as a student and it was amazing. The confidence they had when painting their designs kinda gave me anxiety lol I’d be too afraid of messing up
This has been one of the most beautifully created documentaries I have ever seen. The people who get to enjoy such a dreamy vibe must be so lucky.Just watching This was a divine experience. 🌬️
This makes my heart happy 😊 Such pure grace and beauty in such a rich culture, makes my soul feel good to learn more about 😊 The art of being polite and kind and also looking lovely while doing it perfectly ❤️
Memoirs of a Geisha opened me up to this world and its one of my favourite movies to this day. (I know there are some inaccuracies) Edit: Even more, since this has sparked such a debate, before I watched Memoirs of a Geisha (when I was a teenager) the only thing I knew about Geishas were what I was told. "They are prostitutes". I thought that was such a write off and that there has to be something deeper. So when I was old enough to watch this movie I did, and I'm not going to say I didn't love it, just because it's not to everyones cultural standards. I will continue to point to this movie as what opened my mind up to look into the culture further. It in no way affects my love for the love story, or the cinematography in Memoirs of a Geisha. I don't have to agree with everything portrayed to appreciate it. I don't appreciate how Pocahontas was portrayed, but I still love that movie.
SOME inaccuracies? The movie, start to finish, is insulting to this beautiful profession. The costumes, hairstyles, and dances alone do not in any way show the delicacy, grace, and subtlety of the the reality. I am truly glad you enjoy it, but please do not think it represents anything other than some man's fevered imagination and some director's ghastly interpretation of it. It's true that many of the truly ancient okaya do not accept prospective customers that are not already known to them, but some of the newer ones are less strict. Also, outside the tight circle of the top ochaya (tea houses), women are not only accepted, but made welcome. My husband and I spent sixteen days in Kyoto, right in the middle of the geiko district. About half of our budget was blown on a real geiko party. It was magical from start to finish and worth every penny. Apart from the ochaya, there are restaurants where they offer maiko entertainment for less money than the tea houses, where you can enjoy the real thing, including a beautiful, traditional feast; but in a group setting. Our maiko was so heart-breakingly beautiful she actually brought tears to my eyes.
@@DannyJane. Nice story, didn't need it. You seem to not have an appreciation for film, and all of the amazing things that movie did have to offer. Shame
I really hope the pandemic hasn't killed this industry. As a westerner, i just had the pleasure of spending time with a Maiko in 2019 before all this craziness happened and i would love to do it again in the future. It was the best experience ive ever had.
It's affected them pretty severely, but the various Kagai are still holding out. The main problem their experiencing is the fact that people can't travel between prefectures (except for business)right now. Recently within the gokagai we're seeing more maiko debut and a few geiko too compared to last year, but customers are still very slowly trickling in. About a month ago I had the pleasure of watching a live performance by geiko Tomitsuyu-san of Gion Higashi over zoom, she explained that before Covid she would have several parties a night to attend, going from 5pm to 10,11 or 12, now she only experiences having 1 party every few days which would be unheard of. The various kagai though are receiving their vaccinations so I'm hoping things go back to normal
Narration is brilliant. I have enjoyed this film❤️There are many documentary film in RUclips about life of Geisha but this one is perfect! Thank you. 🙂 ❤️
I think the movie is accurate on a very basic level. I won’t act ike it doesn’t have any, but they did try I think to get some stuff right. Honestly, it’s Hollywood. Hollywood never gets any time period or culture right! They just want to make it romanticized and make money off of it, which is very insulting.
The acting, visuals, sets, costumes, and the musical score (composed by Spielberg's long-time collaborator John Williams) were praised, but the film was criticized for casting some non-Japanese actresses as Japanese women and for its style over substance approach.
Japanese Culture is amazing. This documentary is excellent on an art that takes much discipline. I am amazed that we were allowed to see what have seen in this wonderful documentary. To me, it is very sacred and pure. Well done.
Wow. I'm very impressed by their way of life, it's very precise, traditional, honourable, creative, with a lot of strict training, sacrifices, and determination to live a life of tradition, grace and keeping the ancient culture alive. All who've chosen this life have my deepest respect! You are doing your country proud! (I'm not Japanese but I'm inspired by the culture and beauty of their land).
I have a couple Hikizuri Kimono and Obi from Takacho's Okiya. Which closed down quite a few years ago. One Maiko Hikizuri I had to have resewn. Two of my Maiko Hikizuri were worn by Takacho. I also have a few pieces from Koai's Okiya (Hiroshimaya). And recently I purchased a few worn by Mamehiro. They are from the Okiya she apprenticed under (Shibata Okiya). Thank you for uploading this! It saves me from having to pull out my DVD of it.
I deeply respect the women and their love of history, tradition, and desire to carry forward a piece of the past with such complete involvement and skill. That's very honroable
Thank you❤I appreciated this extensive documentary In 1976 I painted 30 yards of silk charmeuse which after sewn into kimonos were sold to Bergdorfs, Bonwit Teller and Bendels. Watching the master painting on silk was thrilling for me. The way that silk absorbs color is an experience like no other ❤
without rich men in history aint nobody gon get paid enough to spend their whole life dedicated to like, sculpting or painting or learning japan banjo, u better appreciate rich men if u like fancy art not dying out >:(
I admire the geisha so much. These women are incredible and the art is so beautiful. Every detail has meaning. I am amazed at every new information I learn.
Beautiful Art! This is a art, charm and grace with a little mystery in an ancient society. Today’s world could use a little beauty especially with all the negativity that’s going on.
True, the women are no longer bowing on the floor and the rest of it is a form of romance between the woman and the man. If some take offense just look around and you will see women in the west being used and put on display in the worse way but lack the wisdom to see it
My word! Having 200 kimonos at a price of $10’000-$15’000 a piece, makes a total of $2‘000‘000-$3‘000‘000. Incredible. But they truly are works of art.
@@jnorway7295 it's also an honor, which is an enormous aspect of Asian culture that we don't quite have in the west. people have gone through immense suffering, pain, and to great lengths for the sake of "honor" for thousands of years.
It's also very grueling to become a world class athlete or to go through military training. Those who make it through the process are the ones best suited for the profession. I admire them all.
How do they stay sober when they are expected to drink at several different geisha houses per night and get home at 2:00 AM? Japanese sake is very strong.
its funny when black girls get their hairstyle similar we sleep to a similar way like that too or at least i do. but i sleep wild n that lil pillow would b across the room lol
As a child I ready wanted to be a geisha, it seems like such a beautiful profession. I just love learning everything about geikos, they never cease to facinate me.
They all look so sweet, mysterious and magical at the same time. I’d love to have a chance to talk to them and learn more bout their lives and secrets.
I literally chopped my lashes last week when I attempted to use my old eyelash curler. Seeing her use it like this makes me jealous as to how she still has her lashes intact 😭
@@carmenv186 I collected them, for years and i had about a hundred of them and kimono take a lot of space and need to be kept in prestine condition which requires a lot of efforts and because i neither wanted to spend my days taking care of them , nor wanted to see them damaged , i gave them away. Including 7 Maiko's Hikizuri and one Miyako Odori Kimono, and something around 60 Geiko's Hikizuri. I kept only the one i received from very dear friends and relatives, or the ones with a special design which i find breathtaking.
@@morganolfursson2560 Wow! It is a pity I am not in Japan now, if I would be there, I will buy kimonos and yukatas as well. I hope to visit Japan someday. I live in Costa Rica, saludos :-)
What a wonderful documentary! I loved to peek inside the lives of these beautiful and passionated women. I love how Japanese keep their traditions alive, they celebrate them. Fabulous. I hope this continues to be the case so the future generations can experience and enjoy these first-hand as well as they keep alive satellite ite industries like the wig and kimonos. Thank you!
Nowadays women and children are more than welcome to attend the tea houses where they work. The reason why most of their customers are men is because only men could attend tea houses in the past.
I like how some Geiko want to make a star and still have dreams to be a mother to a daughter to inherit that life. Most would say everyone has their own life, but its it's nice to have that expectation or dream to have a child inherit a long historic career ( from what I'm gettting).
I was so inspired by their politeness that I stop yelling at my kids n almost bowed my head to my husband when I served him his tea... well at least for today.. 😁
Your best bet would be getting in contact with Tomikiku Ochaya in Gion Higashi ^^ There are lots of opportunities to meet Maiko in Kamishichiken and Miyagawacho, sometimes there will be a geiko but the main focus is the maiko. Tomikiku Ochaya is different in that they offer a full private ozashiki while being totally open to first time customers and foreign guests, they have a couple Geiko under their roof including Tomitsuyu-san (Who is fluent in English) And Tomitae-san and there are other geiko in the kagai that they have good relationships with so they can come for an ozashiki as well. The establishments in Kamishichiken and Miyagawach are big group offerings where you'll be in a room with several other groups, they're more educational, shorter than a traditional ozashiki, and don't allow for the same amount of interaction with the maiko or occasional geiko as you would experience at an actual ozashiki ^^
I came here after learning about “comfort women” for the first time in my 33 years on earth. As much as I have always been puzzled and fascinated by the Japanese culture, and of course, had also “read memoirs of a geisha”, I have to say it’s an eye opening to connect the dots. Perception is everything.
I’m absolutely stunned and captivated by Geisha, ever since I saw that movie Memoirs of a Geisha, I so wish I could go to Japan and see a real Geisha performance, I’m so thankful for videos like this!! ❤🥰🤩
Liza Dalby spent time in the Pontocho district wrote a book called Geisha. She was allowed to attend banquets as Ichigiku in full Geiko regalia due to her fluency in Japanese and the shamisen. She was one of a few Westerners to witness, participate and document this secretive world.
They were called _taikomochi_ or "drum bearers." The _taikomochi_ were basically court jesters. They sang, danced, and told jokes. Women began to assume this role until the men disappeared from the profession.
But the very first true geisha 6th-9th century originated from china. They were courtesans for the prince and nobility, but she can choose not have sex or the sex is incredibly expensive that just a prince could be with her. Reading about it they are pretty much like geisha today, except the sex part, not to mention the geisha hair today is heavily influenced by tang dynasty. This transport to japan from china as usual
I learned that it's not necessary for a geisha to be physically beautiful. It's more than that. Their beautiful mannerisms are more important.
yes so true
Actually the geisha is an intertainer.they work in the tea house and serve those rich and famous..i read the book ..The lastt giesha ..and there was a film too.
I'm so interested in this it makes me wanna switch cultures so badly, I wanna be a geiko 😭
@@evangelinegilbero8211 yeah
...memoirs of a geisha is a good movie...
@@NativeKayKay start practicing switching your fluffy pillow for a brick. If you survive this. You are a good fit.
For those seeking informations about the geiko and maiko in this film:
- Danyu, Mamehiro and Koai still work in Gion
- Koai became a geiko some years after the documentary was shot
- Mamehiro's dream became true: she owns an okiya and many of maiko and geiko from it were/are very successful
- Takacho became a geiko in Gion and after some years she moved to Tokyo to become a geisha there. As far as I know, she is still in business there
😊
That's wonderful!! Thank you
Memoirs of a geisha- a movie on Netflix more for entertainment but it’s pretty in depth about the lifestyle and how some girls are sold to geisha households/tea houses.
Given that pre and during ww2 some were sold but not always accepted because most of the time they were poor or manual labor jobs not able to feed their daughters. And if they were chosen it was ideal because of the money. Otherwise girls strived to be a geisha cause it was their idols and image of perfection/beauty
Why does she jerk her eyelashes out?!
Thank you for the update! I find them all very fascinating and am grateful to them for sharing their world with us.
I shall never complain about my Pillow again...she was sleeping on a Block!!
Jodie hahaha in the mean time
With a perfectly coiffed hairstyle. What could go wrong!? If it were me I'd end up on the floor with hair all over the shop. I wonder if they do actually sleep.
The past people making pillow with woods, even I'm not from Japan but my great grandfather making n use pillow by woods 😌
I guess that's what mostly Asian people culture in the past😂
Most takamakura had some padding in the top, but yes, they are more like a shelf for your head than a pillow as we know it.
Some people are spreading misinformation in this comment section, and have things to state as a Japanese woman.
They are not “sold” by their parents, in most cases they choose to be a Maiko.
They are like a traditional idol, and in most cases they become one because it’s their dream.
Saying that they are “suffering” is ridiculous, the people stating this are assuming that Japanese women don’t have choice.
Do you mean being working as a Maiko is a bad thing, just because it looks like tough job?
That shows your prejudice towards the Japanese society and towards Maiko.
These women are choosing to do this job, because in most cases its their dreams!!
I agree. It is a Beautiful ART..
The amount of dedication and Hard Work it takes to learn an master this Art is truly amazing.. They are so graceful in there movements.. Let me Apologize for the ignorance an disrespect of the people saying other wise.
I would love to have had this option, I'm from Europe so there is no way I could, but as a woman I find Beautiful the concept of geisha, pure, elegant and noble
I just hope that this part of their culture never dies!
Ayano Yamada 今は違っても昔(しかもまだその世代が生きているぐらいの最近の昔)はそうだったんだから全く根拠がないわけじゃないのは認めてあげましょう。
Satopi3104 今の問題だと主張されていたので。。。
This ain’t memoirs of a geisha 🤣🤣😂
I literally jumped when she used the eyelash curler. How does she have any lashes left!?
Omg saaaaaaaaameee!
I just watched that part and then came straight to the comments 😂
Oh my god my heart stopped for a seconds
Raven Reynolds this is from 2002
It snaps evertime she pulls it. So unusual.
A friend of mine visited Kyoto recently. A local showed them around and told them about what it's like to be a Geisha right now, and the tourism industry has really ruined their quality of public life and pushed them further underground. Tourists are so aggressive with taking photos and trying to pose with them, which is considered very disrespectful, that they mostly stay indoors all the time. The local told my friend a story about a Geisha who was being accosted by some italian tourists so she covered her face to avoid their cameras, and one guy was apparently offended by this and put his cigarette out on her kimono and the whole thing burst into flames. It's so infuriating!!!!!! Western tourists are awful and become violent for no reason!
The cigarette thing did happen- but she did not burst into flames. It was done by Chinese tourists, not Italian.
What the fuck ?!? I hate people . Men won’t take no for an answer , sick !!
I’m really sick of the “all westerners are terrible” narrative. There are shitty people everywhere. It is not exclusive to westerners.
@@Oshidorinohina Chinese tourists have a generally bad reputation all over the world. I'm sure westerners suck too tho.
@@Oshidorinohina Oh the Irony.
They didnt lie about the eyelash curler... they also didn't tell you the time, here ya go... 8:48
Thaaaanks
Thank youuuu
Thanks. Honestly, it wasn't that bad. I've seen girls use them different ways and this is one of them.
Thank you
Thanks dahling
The eyelash curler part, is as horrible as y’all say. I thought people were being dramatic. Then I heard the pop of that curler, and was horrified. 😬😩😱
I agree! I was waiting for it!! Ouch! Are they even doing that right?
I want to know who taught her to curl her eyelashes like that?! And how she has ANY eyelashes left after doing it?! 🤔
I think that was the sound of her eyelid
I'm now intrigued to try it that way
I've never used a curler in my life. Why did that gain popularity? I don't see why it's needed.
I love that geisha girls don't have to be beautiful. It's not about looks. It's about the character, grace, entertainment, and personality. I love geisha
Well none of them were “ugly”
They are slaves
@@anavonrebeur6121 they chose this lifestyle from their own will.
@@Lunamine right?
@@anavonrebeur6121 don’t be ridiculous. They choose to live this way. Did you not hear Mamehiro say her dream was to have a daughter who would be a geisha too?
The Kimono is such a complicated piece of art that is worn on the body. I didn't realize how much work went into making it. Hand painted, hand picked and wrapped up in a bow like a delicate yet expensive gift. So beautiful.
Just to have it stained by some grotesque John. Hardly seems worth the effort.
I am here to enjoy looking at kimono of Maiko. Their kimono is pricy ranging 10-20k USD. Obi and all other kimono items adding another 20k as Obidome alone can be more than 10k USD. (A jewel piece on obi) So you are looking at Maiko whose attire can cost more than USD50,000.
Locals know the high value of their maiko attire so we dare not to touch them. (And we respect them and not to interrupt them as they busily walk by to their work) With the increase of tourists in Gion area, Maiko are quite troubled with tourists who try to stop them to take photos. Unfortunately for worse cases, some less-informed tourists try to touch their kimonos.
We like our tradition of having Maiko freely walking around in their full luxurious attire. By being respectful to them, I hope we can all contribute to make a safe environment for Maiko so we continue to have a lucky moment to run into them on the street.
Thank you for your comment so interesting
You need some signs for tourists on the streets. Photos with Geisha or touching their kimonos are forbidden.
@@rivkaruthgolan it's just manners. I would always ask before taking pictures or touching anyone. Sad that people need to be told how to be polite.
I agree. It's a common sense. It's sad that some people need to be told.
There are signs not to touch maiko in pictograph like emoji www.sankei.com/life/news/190902/lif1909020004-n1.html
mi888t That is awful. Why do people think they can walk up to someone and begin touching them? I suppose every culture is different. I would never go to another country without first reading and understanding the culture. But most of all I would never walk up to someone and snap a photo with them, or touch them. Some things span all cultures.
*reads comments about eyelash curler*
Me - “oh it can’t be that bad”
*witnesses it*
Me- “JESUS!!”
lol It's not that bad! Been using one for over 25 years...you get use to it pretty quickly. :)
Tania but do you use it the way that woman uses it??
Same reaction! It looks like she plucked it all at once 😱😱😱
@@blairg8171 Well....yeah! lol Opposed to using which other way?
Lol same!😂😂😂
when she uses the eyelash curler it hurts me
I don't know how to use it
I'm just a teenager gr 7
I don't wear makeup
It hurts me I don't how to use it
@@princerschannel7426 your not supposed to pull lile that, you can rip out your eyelashes
I have seldom used them, but they don't hurt in the least. Anyone too stupid to realize eyelashes have no nerve endings should not be allowed the use of a computer. They might try to eat the mouse.
@@mariasmith2198 any one stupid enough to not understand that pulling any hair out by the root hurts not because the eyelashes have nerves but because the skin does needs to throw away her smart phone because she might eat it.
That war really bizarre. Maybe it was to rip out her eyelashes on purpose?
I'm just amazed at how clean the streets and alleyways are.
When I visited Tokyo a few yrs ago I was shocked and pleasantly suprised at how CLEAN it is there. Most dirty areas I visited were high traffic tourist areas where tons of foreigners pass through... says alot.
I waz too back many years seen old mo vies showing different..but it is very clean even at the sea ports too.😮
It was mesmerising to watch them do their makeup. Such precision... Just lovely.
FAH ROKOK ELFAS METRO TV BANK ICBC METRO TV LAMA KONIMEX
I'm an American sitting in my car with unbrushed hair and pajamas, I feel like a peasent compared to these hard working beautiful woman! 👏🖤
Jenn Why are you wearing your pajamas out in public?
@@cw5451 well I think she was minding her business.
@@cw5451 why does it matter to you? Hahah!
Mesquite13 Because it’s trashy looking. Pajamas are intended to be worn inside, not in public.
That’s how they want you to feel .
I am just looking at the clean streets of Japan.
Farwa Naqvi lol me too
Exactly what I noticed
Something I find amazing is that apparently there aren't commonly public trash cans on corners and such. People simply just don't run around with trash in public. If you get a drink or food, you usually sit at the place you ordered and consume it. Then throw the trash away before leaving. People seem so much more considerate there than in the US.
their behavious and mannerism came from their long history. til now, they still uphold it. it's amazing, really
@@pastelsumimasen I think Japanese people hold those kinds of values in very high regard, so it's not just the US, but the entire world that can't compete with Japan's cleanliness (except maybe Singapore).
I love Japanese culture. Studying the Geisha and their world has been so interesting for me. The beauty and Grace of everything the love of the old ways and tradition I'm fascinated with him. Not to mention the food is delicious
'In the quest for perfection, nothing is used up faster than time.'
I feel that
What are you perfecting?
Me too
The girl was so embarrassed when she forgot her fan it was so cute
That's just like chef student showing to school without their knifes. Lol..
I hate that only men can attend. I’d love to experience this!
Hi, Japanese passing, I hate this video make miss undersitanding everyone, cuz Ozashiki can women attend even family too. But we need invitation for 100% performance servicies which colling OMOTENASHI to customers.
@@r2n57 Thank you, R2 N for explaining this. There are so many things about Japan that are misunderstood, sometimes on purpose. We went to Japan this past October and the whole experience was transcendent. We attended a maiko party, and it was exquisite. There were eight couples, and the women were not only accepted, but welcomed. It was so beautiful. I cried the day we had to leave and I want to go back.
Like everything in Japan, things are a bit more "complicated" and do posess more levels, than some westerners do think on a first glimpse. Who can attend and watch a Geisha or Maiko, highly depends on the question, where and when, or better, at which place, occasion and under which circumstances. Like mentioned in the film, Geishas have to adept to modern times, so there do exist actually plenty of different oportunities to see a Geisha, including women and even foreigners. For example there are plenty of public shows and special offerings for tourists, also the seasonal dancing festivals - those "economical", "advertising" and/or "touristic" activities are nowadays a quite important part of Geishas income and do orrur in many different forms (for example as shows in big shopping malls, adverdising events, public cultural events, lessons in tea ceremonies, "Geishaparties" for tourists etc.) and and do similar more or less to "real" Geisha-Parties, some of them even take part in "real" tea-houses.
Nonetheless there is a certain - often only graduate - difference to parties with "traditional" customer groups like politicians or businessmen. First the organisation of this parties is done completely different, and highly depends on "recomodation" by a "old customer" - they are never organized or offered by tourist or cultural bureaus etc... Secondly, and this is maybe the main difference - Those "real parties" are often much less "sophisticated" and "culture-focused" as the parties for tourists - wheras it depends in the end on the customer, for Westerners, those "real parties" often seem a bit of a childish thing, mainly focused on rather silly games, drinking-games and the illusion of a certain kind of "estimation"...So in fact, nowadays, there are two, not strictly seperated but different "accessable" and "organized" sort of parties: those for culturally interested visitors, mainly tourists, which are more or less acessable to everyone and work mainly as a sort of cultural showpiece and sophisticated "reenactment" of real Geisha culture and the "real Geisha parties" with businessmen and other important customers, which are still highly off limits to "ordniary people" and are more or less a domain of rich older men...
@@areithan1998 In my experience as a western tourist, we want a combination. When I went to a geiko/maiko dinner they did a traditional dance and song and then we proceeded to play drinking games. I think we loved that even more than the sophisticated cultural piece. People walked out tipsy and very cheerful. lol
Im.wondering if there are different kinds of geisha entertaining. Some only entertaining influential men. Rich men. Others entertaining regular people.
30:39 The way the wig blended nicely to her face had my wig snatched. THAT IS A HIGH QUALITY WIG
It was like some sort of sorcery.
It better be high quality considering the price and the price of managing it, also considering there are only 2 people left doing it.
I know!!! I can’t believe geisha wear made-to-order lace front wigs 😭😭😭 I want one!!!!
that is 5k usd
I have worn one of these for a dance performance and verify it’s not a trick of the light or the camera. Even up close it looks super natural as soon as you put it on.
This was made in 2003. I loved the way they talked about how Japanese women are not that independent. 17 years , women are not interested in getting married and Japan is suffering a low birth rate! The lack of smartphones was a giveaway as well!
What would be great if a follow up in 2020 with the same people just to what they are doing 17 years later. Did they have children, how is the Maiko doing? And how as the world of the Geisha changed over the 17 years in the 21st century.
I think Koai is now opening up her own ochaya within Gion Kobu and is still working as a geiko
@@moushimoushi8963 Excellent thanks!
Actually they now all (for the ones still in the profession, many left since this video), carry smartphones (although it stays off during parties), they are all online with their followers and their wages have never been lower, to the point that now a young girl of 20 is more likely to make more money as a full time employee at starbucks, and without creating a debt which will take her years to pay off, than as a Maiko or Geiko.
Kyoto has also slowly died into a cliche postcard for tourists and only 4 or 5 Chaya are still catering to important customers, while all the others are happy to open their doors to whomever is ready to spend money, and with the Olympics coming it is only going to get worse. Tokyo and especially the districts of Shinbashi and Akasaka are still very lucrative Hanamachi and the women working there at a high level are still making a very fine living, but districts like Asakusa and Mukojima are suffering from the economy and the modernity , because young people are absolutely not interested in spending money on Geisha or becoming one . It is really a thing of the past and unless they are given artist status and financed by the government (which Japanese will NEVER accept as it would be off the general public tax money) the world of the Geisha will soon disappear. It may seem sad, but i think it is better that it disappears rather than suffer endlessly and witnesses its own demise, this would be even more tragic.
Now on another topic, but still related to your comment, Japanese are not suffering from a lack of birth. There are not too many children in Japan and the country is getting older, but nobody is suffering from it. There are more jobs than there are people to fill the positions, Japanese young adults and teens will be able to pick the job they want and be certain that the companies will fight to have them, and the economy is actually getting better for the past 6 years, so Japan is really not in a crisis right now.
@@morganolfursson2560 Thank you so much for all the info. Im in love with Japan without being romantic about it. As you can see, my knowledge is either lacking or is wrong on certain areas, so thank you for the heads up.
What we can forget are the associated artisans are their skills that will also die with the Geishas. The handpainted Kimonos, the fitters, the people who make and repair the instruments etc etc. As you said the Olympics will draw of course create interest. As you said maybe these things should slowly die out and be left to the dusty books of history and musuems..... but what a shame. I know Im a foreigner and what do I know and I know that my opinion doesn't count for anything. I know the kimono will survive. My mother is a dressmaker so I understand the work and beauty of the Kimonos and long may they continue. The Kimonos are a description of the Japanese.
@@maryapatterson You are absolutely welcome Doreen. I am not myself Japanese but i used to live in the country for nearly 20 years, married to a Japanese and with a Japanese mother in law who is a former and retired Geisha from Tokyo so this is a world i know fairly well and if you have any question on the topic i'll be more than happy to share whatever i know from personal experience.
Hopefully the traditional theater and music or dance industry will keep kimono makers alive, but what will disappear is the magic the Geisha can create at a party and how they master the art of conversation. This i'm afraid will only remain in books and poetry.
What i wish would be for the Unesco to recognize Geisha as world intangible heritage and try to save it , but for that the world of the Geisha would have to become a relic and expose itself entirely to a western organizations , and all the Geisha i know would rather quit or die than do this. Because Geisha are not just artists, and they exist for these Zashiki parties where they entertain clients and this can not be supported by the Unesco, not even by a Japanese organization like JICA Plus secrecy is the basis of the Geisha world and transparency and secrecy are not happy sisters so , as you said and i agree, it is better for this world to slowly die out than just survive as a cliche for tourists as it already is in Kyoto, opened to anybody. When my mother in law worked, she would have rather died than tell a soul about the identity of the customers she met , not even to her own child and nobody would dare to ask, except when she entertained Marlon Brando in her youth, this she told absolutely everyone, over and over again, even the ones who didn't ask !!
My advice to you, if you can get yourself to Japan, meet some Geisha while they are still among us, because they are a dying breed and and on the verge of extinction.
You must be immensely proud of your mother, dressmaking is also a dying profession and not so many people are still able nowadays to go from a 2d piece of fabric into a perfectly fitted 3d piece of clothing.
If you like kimonos and their making process, you might love this, i find these video extremely relaxing and riveting as well as captivating,
ruclips.net/video/MKG13KDqKj8/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/qEDWKQgIdiU/видео.html&t=
So beautiful, graceful and talented! How I envy them this tradition! I adored reading about the Geisha when I was younger and I wish we had these places of civility and culture in the West! Thank you for this video.
FAH ROKOK ELFAS METRO TV BANK ICBC METRO TV LAMA KONIMEX
The only thing mysterious is how that lady still has her eyelashes
😂😂😂
@@Elizabeth-uj8vnpfft... someone needs to edit that part of the video and add the sound of Velcro ripping apart 😂
🤣🤣🤣
Or eye lids!!!
$5000 for ah wig I'd be the first ball headed geisha in history
keon mitchell ball headed ? *bald headed hahah 😮 😂
That's the price for any good quality wig,not just for a Geisha. What do you think JLO,Mariah Carey, Beyonce etc pay for their wigs? They don't order them on Amazon for 30$ lol
@@breAnnasmama that was an auto correct mistake
keon mitchell this is a rare case of auto correct doing the Lord’s work
😂😂😂
The eyelash curler part terrified me.
RachelTeeKae,Omg that scared me too!! I thought she had pulled her eyelashes out. You won't catching me doing that, I always end up pinching my skin, can't imagine doing that, lol.
I know! How does she even have any lashes left at all!? I'm pretty sure that's no good for your lashes😕
SAME! She had me wincing. You could almost classify that as a method of self-harm lol.
Can someone post the time stamp please? I missed that part...
Treenz MJ 8:50.
Being a Geisha is a true art form. Assumptions are made concerning them all the time. Study the historical significance of this art. We need to respect and take the time to inform ourselves about others. Try not to comment on things we know nothing about because it only aids in spreading misinformation. Geisha were not and are not prostitutes. It’s a true art - combination of theatre, many other art forms and cultural traditions
People wouldnt know if they were or werent because everything is a SECRET. Imagine if it was true they sold their virginity to the highest bidder. So I wouldnt be surprised if SOME do it. Just like strippers swear they are going to college 🙄🙄🙄 no they have sex in the back room for money. Its glamorized prostitution. As secretive as massage parlors in America. It's a front
Debra Johns Actually they were both prostitutes and entertainers when they first became a thing in the 18th century. It’s a fact. That may have changed now but I highly doubt it considering the secrecy surrounding it. Unless you’re one of those people who mysticise Japan then it’s very apparent to see.
It’s very.... interesting to me that no one made this prostitution claim about the male geishas. I wonder why people’s views changed when women got involved? 🤔 hm.... curious
skorpia g you are WILDLY ignorant. Plenty of sex workers actually are college students using the money to pay their bills. If that’s what they choose to do, that’s fine. You sound hateful.
Something like having a live toy doll for fantasies?
I’ve always had a fascination with geisha. This was such a wonderful and informative documentary!
I'm Japanese. This culture to me still somehow feels like foreign. I never grew up with this thing. It's like you've heard of it or watched it on TV but never saw it in real life
That's why they said only people with high status very high status can have a visit 🤣🤣maybe I don't know
They keep it secretive
I'm browned away that you haven't gone through geisha!! GOSH I hope this art form don't die.😔 please tell them that we say, PLEASE don't let it geisha nor meikos die! We STILL WANT to be around them and we still want them around too!!
I would be a failure as a geisha. I can't afford anything, I can't dance, sing, arrange flowers and im far from delicate 😂
Joking aside, it's such a fascinating look into their lives. I really hope it's not a tradition that dies out.
girl, same. 😂 I'm built like a linebacker. I'm basically the exact opposite of these women.
Haha sammme! Ain't nothing smooth about me😂 and I hold my liquor like a sailor😂
Well before you can even become a maiko, you'd be given to the Okiya for 10 months. No phonecalls, no family contact - to basically test your dedication all the while you'd start to go to dance lessons, music lessons- be taught specific manners and rules and how to act and who to greet first, and so on- do laundry, keep the Okiya clean, stay up late for your big sister, etc. At a certain point you'd be given a test to show your peers what you've learned and they would determine if you'd move on to become a maiko or go home. And then continue your training if accepted.
@Najma Khan I get what you're saying, and I understand your POV.
I think a better way to look at it would be everything they do is to keep to the traditions that have been largely forgotten by the rest of society and staying authentic to the artform while providing the best experience possible to their guests and onlookers. I'm not entirely sure what you mean by "Do something more respectful and dignified I should think." because I don't see how it's disrespectful or somehow undignified. For sure, it's not everyone's line of work, because of the long hours and commitment and self discipline involved.
It wont
I went to a kimono artist’s studio when I was in japan as a student and it was amazing. The confidence they had when painting their designs kinda gave me anxiety lol I’d be too afraid of messing up
Would be interesting to see a follow-up:
"where are they now?"
This has been one of the most beautifully created documentaries I have ever seen. The people who get to enjoy such a dreamy vibe must be so lucky.Just watching This was a divine experience. 🌬️
This makes my heart happy 😊 Such pure grace and beauty in such a rich culture, makes my soul feel good to learn more about 😊 The art of being polite and kind and also looking lovely while doing it perfectly ❤️
Memoirs of a Geisha opened me up to this world and its one of my favourite movies to this day. (I know there are some inaccuracies)
Edit: Even more, since this has sparked such a debate, before I watched Memoirs of a Geisha (when I was a teenager) the only thing I knew about Geishas were what I was told. "They are prostitutes". I thought that was such a write off and that there has to be something deeper. So when I was old enough to watch this movie I did, and I'm not going to say I didn't love it, just because it's not to everyones cultural standards. I will continue to point to this movie as what opened my mind up to look into the culture further. It in no way affects my love for the love story, or the cinematography in Memoirs of a Geisha. I don't have to agree with everything portrayed to appreciate it. I don't appreciate how Pocahontas was portrayed, but I still love that movie.
SOME inaccuracies? The movie, start to finish, is insulting to this beautiful profession. The costumes, hairstyles, and dances alone do not in any way show the delicacy, grace, and subtlety of the the reality. I am truly glad you enjoy it, but please do not think it represents anything other than some man's fevered imagination and some director's ghastly interpretation of it.
It's true that many of the truly ancient okaya do not accept prospective customers that are not already known to them, but some of the newer ones are less strict. Also, outside the tight circle of the top ochaya (tea houses), women are not only accepted, but made welcome. My husband and I spent sixteen days in Kyoto, right in the middle of the geiko district. About half of our budget was blown on a real geiko party. It was magical from start to finish and worth every penny. Apart from the ochaya, there are restaurants where they offer maiko entertainment for less money than the tea houses, where you can enjoy the real thing, including a beautiful, traditional feast; but in a group setting. Our maiko was so heart-breakingly beautiful she actually brought tears to my eyes.
I love that movie.
@@DannyJane. Nice story, didn't need it. You seem to not have an appreciation for film, and all of the amazing things that movie did have to offer. Shame
DannyJane thanks for sharing the experience.
Laura Hall I read the book😜
Such an amazing community. Very beautifully done. I hope this tradition lives on.
I’m so fascinated in the different cultures around the world. This is amazing
Very fascinating. It’s great seeing people preserving a culture’s traditions rather than letting it die out.❤
I really hope the pandemic hasn't killed this industry. As a westerner, i just had the pleasure of spending time with a Maiko in 2019 before all this craziness happened and i would love to do it again in the future. It was the best experience ive ever had.
It's affected them pretty severely, but the various Kagai are still holding out. The main problem their experiencing is the fact that people can't travel between prefectures (except for business)right now. Recently within the gokagai we're seeing more maiko debut and a few geiko too compared to last year, but customers are still very slowly trickling in. About a month ago I had the pleasure of watching a live performance by geiko Tomitsuyu-san of Gion Higashi over zoom, she explained that before Covid she would have several parties a night to attend, going from 5pm to 10,11 or 12, now she only experiences having 1 party every few days which would be unheard of. The various kagai though are receiving their vaccinations so I'm hoping things go back to normal
Fascinating and beautiful......I grew up in ballet school and I find their dedication just admirable. They are just flawless 🤍🤍
Kyoto is my favourite place on this planet. It is magical and I feel at peace in there. Seeing the geikos and maikos walking around is breathtaking.
Narration is brilliant. I have enjoyed this film❤️There are many documentary film in RUclips about life of Geisha but this one is perfect! Thank you. 🙂 ❤️
Love geishas ever since the movie “Memoirs of a Geisha🙏❤️💋
I watch that movie at least once a week❣️
It's not accurate to geisha at all. It has over 100 inaccuracies- but is an entertaining movie.
I think the movie is accurate on a very basic level. I won’t act ike it doesn’t have any, but they did try I think to get some stuff right. Honestly, it’s Hollywood. Hollywood never gets any time period or culture right! They just want to make it romanticized and make money off of it, which is very insulting.
The acting, visuals, sets, costumes, and the musical score (composed by Spielberg's long-time collaborator John Williams) were praised, but the film was criticized for casting some non-Japanese actresses as Japanese women and for its style over substance approach.
Written and sensationalised fiction, by a non-Japanese. Don't believe everything you read.
Japanese Culture is amazing. This documentary is excellent on an art that takes much discipline. I am amazed that we were allowed to see what have seen in this wonderful documentary. To me, it is very sacred and pure. Well done.
Wow. I'm very impressed by their way of life, it's very precise, traditional, honourable, creative, with a lot of strict training, sacrifices, and determination to live a life of tradition, grace and keeping the ancient culture alive. All who've chosen this life have my deepest respect! You are doing your country proud! (I'm not Japanese but I'm inspired by the culture and beauty of their land).
They are like nuns
@@blueblaze9862- No, they aren't. They NEVER were. That would have been counterproductive to their trade and it still would be.
Don't be ridiculous.
@@saymyname2417 Relax. If u don't agree with me, u don't agree with me
I have a couple Hikizuri Kimono and Obi from Takacho's Okiya. Which closed down quite a few years ago. One Maiko Hikizuri I had to have resewn. Two of my Maiko Hikizuri were worn by Takacho. I also have a few pieces from Koai's Okiya (Hiroshimaya). And recently I purchased a few worn by Mamehiro. They are from the Okiya she apprenticed under (Shibata Okiya). Thank you for uploading this! It saves me from having to pull out my DVD of it.
I deeply respect the women and their love of history, tradition, and desire to carry forward a piece of the past with such complete involvement and skill. That's very honroable
Uwahhh the work of Geishas takes so much patience, commitment and passion - and they’re all trying very hard to keep the tradition alive! 頑張ってね、皆さん！！
I would never have the patience for this.
"there is still a 94 year old Geisha working today"
me: oh geez, well good for her.
also me: damn that lady is definitely dead now
Amazing woman
Lmao at spirit dot
Lots of Japanese people live past the age of 100. So there’s a chance she could still be alive.
Yubi K. This is from 2002
bryais from 2002
Um, I’m pretty sure the way she used the eyelash curler is intended to yank out the eyelashes.
Make sense
Seems like it
C W from 2002
I don't know, but suspect that it is used to make them curl up. In the same way one can curl a ribbon on a present wrapping.
Makes sense:
I've always admired the overall, polite mildness found in Japan.
Great upload. Thank you
‘A walking work of art’ is a perfect description for a Geisha! It says it all in a nutshell; short, sweet, and to the point. They are wonderful women!
Thank you❤I appreciated this extensive documentary
In 1976 I painted 30 yards of silk charmeuse which after sewn into kimonos were sold to Bergdorfs, Bonwit Teller and Bendels. Watching the master painting on silk was thrilling for me. The way that silk absorbs color is an experience like no other ❤
The one little girl whose family was encouraging her is absolutely adorable....just beautiful, and she seems so very sweet...
24:55 the older geiko is quite beautiful.
Very
I love kimono and this video has provided even more to appreciate about the culture that has kimono as an important part of it. Thank-you!
I'm so glad I watched this! So exquisite, and so happy to see when beautiful old traditions are kept alive
Its so cool to see that maiko in a modern apartment in full costume. The contrast between the old and modern is a great juxtaposition. 🏮🎏🎎
THEY’RE BEAUTIFUL !
GETTING THEIR HAIR DONE IS WHAT HAD ME! HAIR IRONS CLICKING SO FAST TO MAKE HAIR STRAIGHT, WOW AND THE TIME AMAZING!!
All the beauty, the perfection and hardships are just to entertain rich men.
Not only that but a powerful man, they have to wait to be invited
Tlangelani Sondlane that is so disrespectful.
without rich men in history aint nobody gon get paid enough to spend their whole life dedicated to like, sculpting or painting or learning japan banjo, u better appreciate rich men if u like fancy art not dying out >:(
In every century, successful artists had patrons.
That's actually extremely disrespectful to say...
what a beautiful docu this was absolutely beautiful to watch
Such grace & discipline a culture I truly hope continues for many years .
I admire the geisha so much. These women are incredible and the art is so beautiful. Every detail has meaning. I am amazed at every new information I learn.
Beautiful tradition.i hope Geisha never disappears. I enjoy the classic robes,the kimono. This art is as special as Japan.
Beautiful Art! This is a art, charm and grace with a little mystery in an ancient society. Today’s world could use a little beauty especially with all the negativity that’s going on.
True, the women are no longer bowing on the floor and the rest of it is a form of romance between the woman and the man. If some take offense just look around and you will see women in the west being used and put on display in the worse way but lack the wisdom to see it
My word! Having 200 kimonos at a price of $10’000-$15’000 a piece, makes a total of $2‘000‘000-$3‘000‘000. Incredible. But they truly are works of art.
Oh wow! I thought Black women were the only ones who had to "sleep pretty" because we didn't want to mess up our hair!
I always found black hair care similar in essence as the geisha/maiko.
Ya fix up n got half an hour for a Nap...so ya do the "Egyptian mummy" !😆
Omg that's true!! So different cultures but yet so similar
We are seeing what they want us to see. It's very painful and very hard for these women.
And those young teenage girls actually CHOOSE to do this??
@@jnorway7295 it's also an honor, which is an enormous aspect of Asian culture that we don't quite have in the west. people have gone through immense suffering, pain, and to great lengths for the sake of "honor" for thousands of years.
True
Exactly my thoughts! I appreciate their beauty and talents, but it was not an easy process! I wouldn't wish to be a geisha at all.
It's also very grueling to become a world class athlete or to go through military training. Those who make it through the process are the ones best suited for the profession. I admire them all.
How do they stay sober when they are expected to drink at several different geisha houses per night and get home at 2:00 AM? Japanese sake is very strong.
High tolerance, I'd suppose. :)
Maybe they take a sip for each house
They can weat their lips without really drinking
It has the same alcohol % as wine, it just taste strong
It is more than strong it can knock you off your feet.
its funny when black girls get their hairstyle similar we sleep to a similar way like that too or at least i do. but i sleep wild n that lil pillow would b across the room lol
Search for perfection
As a child I ready wanted to be a geisha, it seems like such a beautiful profession. I just love learning everything about geikos, they never cease to facinate me.
They all look so sweet, mysterious and magical at the same time. I’d love to have a chance to talk to them and learn more bout their lives and secrets.
did we search for this video? no. we didn’t.
ellaellahihi no, but we watched it all
I did... I guess that's odd
Same though
I did actually....
I literally chopped my lashes last week when I attempted to use my old eyelash curler.
Seeing her use it like this makes me jealous as to how she still has her lashes intact 😭
I love their kimonos.
I gave away so many of them a couple of months ago.
@@morganolfursson2560 How come? My Japanese sensei gave one kimono last year and I consider that kimono my treasure, I love it so much!!
@@carmenv186 I collected them, for years and i had about a hundred of them and kimono take a lot of space and need to be kept in prestine condition which requires a lot of efforts and because i neither wanted to spend my days taking care of them , nor wanted to see them damaged , i gave them away. Including 7 Maiko's Hikizuri and one Miyako Odori Kimono, and something around 60 Geiko's Hikizuri.
I kept only the one i received from very dear friends and relatives, or the ones with a special design which i find breathtaking.
@@morganolfursson2560 Wow! It is a pity I am not in Japan now, if I would be there, I will buy kimonos and yukatas as well. I hope to visit Japan someday. I live in Costa Rica, saludos :-)
@@carmenv186
If you ever go to Japan , you let me know and i'll help you get some kimono.
Y Saludos to you tambien !
What a wonderful documentary! I loved to peek inside the lives of these beautiful and passionated women. I love how Japanese keep their traditions alive, they celebrate them. Fabulous. I hope this continues to be the case so the future generations can experience and enjoy these first-hand as well as they keep alive satellite ite industries like the wig and kimonos. Thank you!
Jumped when she used those eye lashes curlers. Really admire these women commitment to their craft.
That 17 year old is really unattractive. Odd shaped face lips and chin
She just pulled that mess do hard lol 😮😮😮
Thank you for sharing this documentary with us 🙏💗
Fascinating documentary. Am curious how things have changed since it was made in 2003.
I wonder how Corona virus affected them
EXCELLENT... I enjoyed this emincly! What a disciplined & beautiful part of culture I didn't know still existed. Thank you for posting!
it's not only about entertaining rich and influential men, it's all about keeping the art and tradition alive thru hundreds of years.
it's a bad tradition, not everything needs to survive just because men enjoy it
Nowadays women and children are more than welcome to attend the tea houses where they work. The reason why most of their customers are men is because only men could attend tea houses in the past.
@@firstnamelastname8339 wtf you on? Geishas are traditional artists. That's all
I liked her room where she applied the makeup. What a view from the window 😻
That 3 string instrument sounds similar to when I play the egg slicer gadget.
D. Lol I have one as well🤪
😂🤣😂
😁😁😁
I like how some Geiko want to make a star and still have dreams to be a mother to a daughter to inherit that life.
Most would say everyone has their own life, but its it's nice to have that expectation or dream to have a child inherit a long historic career ( from what I'm gettting).
I was so inspired by their politeness that I stop yelling at my kids n almost bowed my head to my husband when I served him his tea... well at least for today.. 😁
All art requires discipline. Geisha are no exception. I admire all art, in all its forms.
Thank you so much for this wonderful documentary. I wish I could meet a real Geiko some day, no matter how much it costs.
Your best bet would be getting in contact with Tomikiku Ochaya in Gion Higashi ^^ There are lots of opportunities to meet Maiko in Kamishichiken and Miyagawacho, sometimes there will be a geiko but the main focus is the maiko. Tomikiku Ochaya is different in that they offer a full private ozashiki while being totally open to first time customers and foreign guests, they have a couple Geiko under their roof including Tomitsuyu-san (Who is fluent in English) And Tomitae-san and there are other geiko in the kagai that they have good relationships with so they can come for an ozashiki as well. The establishments in Kamishichiken and Miyagawach are big group offerings where you'll be in a room with several other groups, they're more educational, shorter than a traditional ozashiki, and don't allow for the same amount of interaction with the maiko or occasional geiko as you would experience at an actual ozashiki ^^
The dances are very beautiful. I would love to be a geisha and maybe was one in another life
JoJoZep ofthejungle in another life, I think 💭 I was one as well
Feeling sad for your ambition
I think I was one too in a past life...I have memories.
I came here after learning about “comfort women” for the first time in my 33 years on earth. As much as I have always been puzzled and fascinated by the Japanese culture, and of course, had also “read memoirs of a geisha”, I have to say it’s an eye opening to connect the dots. Perception is everything.
Such a beautiful world that has stood the test of time. I’ve always admired Geisha culture ❤️
I’m absolutely stunned and captivated by Geisha, ever since I saw that movie Memoirs of a Geisha, I so wish I could go to Japan and see a real Geisha performance, I’m so thankful for videos like this!! ❤🥰🤩
Very interesting wow never knew there was more to a Geisha. Hard work to succeed.
Title: The Secret World of Geisha
Cameraman to Geiko: I missed that, can you do it again
Director: And....Action
I just learned a lot from this video, it’s just amazing and beautiful
Liza Dalby spent time in the Pontocho district wrote a book called Geisha. She was allowed to attend banquets as Ichigiku in full Geiko regalia due to her fluency in Japanese and the shamisen. She was one of a few Westerners to witness, participate and document this secretive world.
I love the kimono! They are so beautiful...I enjoyed watching this documentary. These women are very unique
Back in the 40s 50s eye lash curled were used it didn't hurt,unless you accidentally squeezed your upper lid
Excellent documentary. I learned so much about my heritage. Thank you!
They said the first Geishas were men... I'd be interested to know more about them..
They were called _taikomochi_ or "drum bearers." The _taikomochi_ were basically court jesters. They sang, danced, and told jokes. Women began to assume this role until the men disappeared from the profession.
But the very first true geisha 6th-9th century originated from china. They were courtesans for the prince and nobility, but she can choose not have sex or the sex is incredibly expensive that just a prince could be with her.
Reading about it they are pretty much like geisha today, except the sex part, not to mention the geisha hair today is heavily influenced by tang dynasty.
This transport to japan from china as usual
@@angelabby2379 You're thinking of Oirans. Geishas were never courtesans or sex workers.