Geisha

Part of a series on the
Culture of Japan
History Era names Demographics Historical currency Economic history Education, Science, and Technology Healthcare Imperial history Foreign relations Historiography Military history Naval history Post-Japanese occupation history
People Japanese Zainichi Koreans Ainu Ōbeikei Islanders Yamato Ryukuyuans
Languages Japonic Japanese Ryukyuan Hachijō Ainu Writing system Japanese Sign Language
Traditions Clothing Etiquette Funerals Games Geisha Wasōbon Marriage Onsen / Sentō Tea ceremony Values
Mythology and Folklore Deities Legendary creatures Urban legends Folktales
Cuisine Food history Ingredients Dishes
Festivals Obon Coming of Age Day Hinamatsuri Buddha's Birthday Tanabata Shichi-Go-San Cultural festivals Japanese New Year
Religion Buddhism Christianity New religions Shinto
Art Bonsai Gardens Ikebana Pottery and porcelain
Literature Light novel Manga Poetry
Music and Performing arts J-pop Anison Kayōkyoku Noh
Media Radio Television Cinema Anime Media mix Mobile phone culture Video games Pornography
Sport Sumo Baseball Association football Martial arts Basketball Ice hockey American football Rugby union Olympics
Monuments World Heritage Sites Architecture Cultural Landscapes Cultural Properties National Treasures
Symbols Flag Coat of arms National anthem
Organisations Museums
Japan portal
v t e

Geisha (芸者) (/ˈɡeɪʃə/; Japanese: [ɡeːɕa]),^[1][2] also known as geiko (芸子) (in Kyoto and Kanazawa) or geigi (芸妓), are female Japanese performing artists and entertainers trained in traditional Japanese performing arts styles, such as dance, music and singing, as well as being proficient conversationalists and hosts. Their distinct appearance is characterised by long, trailing kimono, traditional hairstyles and oshiroi make-up. Geisha entertain at parties known as ozashiki, often for the entertainment of wealthy clientele, as well as performing on stage and at festivals.

The first female geisha appeared in 1751, with geisha before that time being male performers who entertained guests. Only later did the profession become mainly characterised by female workers.^[3][a]

The arts that geisha perform are considered highly developed and, in some cases, unique throughout Japan to the world of geisha. For example, the Gion district of Kyoto is the only district wherein the kyo-mai style of Japanese traditional dance is taught. This style of dance is taught solely to the geisha within the district by the Inoue school, with the school's former head, Inoue Yachiyo, having been classified as a "Living National Treasure" by the Government of Japan, the highest artistic award attainable in the country, in 1955.^[5]

Cite error: There are <ref group=lower-alpha> tags or {{efn}} templates on this page, but the references will not show without a {{reflist|group=lower-alpha}} template or {{notelist}} template (see the help page).