It’s a commonly asked question around the world, even by those who have frequently visited Japan: “What do geisha actually do?”
Known for their snow-white makeup, iconic hairstyle, and shiny ornaments, geisha have long been a part of traditional Japanese culture and still play a role in modern-day Japan. While the aesthetic of the geisha is a most beloved aspect of Japan around the world, the reality is that these elegant women are more than just visual eye candy.
Traditional Art Performers
Indeed, the road to becoming a geisha is a difficult one, for it requires the mastery of traditional arts originating from Japan’s long history and cultural heritage that dates back thousands of years.
Being exceptional dancers, singers, musicians, and artists are all fundamental components in the life of a geisha, for their primary role is to entertain.
Historically, the role of a geisha was to create a fun and comforting environment for high-profile men such as emperors and shoguns.
Nowadays, the nature of the role has not changed in that aspect, only that the new era means rich salarymen and CEOs take the place of kings and emperors of old.
Hosting Duties
A geisha’s role is not limited to entertainment, but also to hospitality duties such as serving tea and making conversation with guests.
They also play games with the guests and tell stories, creating an environment that’s not just fun and relaxing but also interactive.
With the increase in globalization happening all around the world, geisha play a more important role than ever in preserving Japanese culture through the mastery and teaching of traditional arts from generation to generation.
Misconceptions
The biggest misconception of geisha is that they are or once were involved in sex work.
Such speculations likely arise due to media depictions of geisha and perhaps historical artworks of geisha that can be misinterpreted as such.
While there have been instances in history of geisha being coerced into sex or participating in it due to financial need, these accounts were separate from the geisha’s duties and ultimately came down to individual choices.
Another reason for misconceptions about geisha being involved in sex work is that they share a similar appearance to oiran – the high-ranking courtesans of Japan’s Edo Period.
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