Geiko, also known as geisha, are highly skilled entertainers in Japan trained in various arts, including dance, music, and painting. They are often misunderstood as prostitutes, but they are valuable entertainers who command high prices. Geiko are trained in Kyoto and differentiate themselves from geisha as women of the mind rather than the body. Geiko evolved from high-ranking courtesans in feudal Japan and underwent rigorous training before becoming maiko or geiko apprentices. They serve tea or sake, keep guests entertained, and sometimes perform music or dance at parties. The geiko tradition is under threat, but efforts are being made to maintain it.
A geiko or “woman of art” is an entertainer in Japan who trained in a variety of arts including dance, music and painting. You may also hear a geiko referred to as a “geisha” or “artist,” especially outside of Kyoto. These talented women are perhaps some of the most misunderstood figures in Japan, with many believing they are into prostitution, which couldn’t be further from the truth. Indeed, geiko are skilled and valuable entertainers who can command high prices for their time fully clothed, so they have no need to prostitute themselves.
The difference between “geiko” and “geisha” may seem subtle in translation, but it’s an important distinction. In Kyoto, an ancient stronghold of Japanese culture and the geiko tradition, women who work as geiko are keen to emphasize that they are trained in a variety of arts and that in addition to being knowledgeable about traditional arts and culture, they typically also know several foreign languages and are familiar with history, current politics and popular culture. Since the term “geisha” has been co-opted by prostitutes, geiko also wish to differentiate themselves as women of the mind, rather than women of the body.
Geiko/geisha evolved from oiran and tayuu, high-ranking courtesans in feudal Japan. These women were known for wearing elaborate make-up and very intricate formal kimono, but they were also prized as entertainers with sharp wits and skill in the arts. Over time, the functions of the oiran began to diverge, with some women continuing to work as courtesans, while others focused specifically on the arts. In Kyoto, the capital of Japan until 1872, geiko training is still taken very seriously, and geisha can also be found in other regions of Japan.
Historically, women began training as girls, learning to dance and play musical instruments while studying other arts, several foreign languages, and Japanese history. Trainees went through several stages in Kyoto before being elevated to the position of maiko, “dancing child” or geiko apprentice; outside of Kyoto, apprentice geisha are not known as maiko and apprenticeships are usually short. The geiko apprentice studied for a good five years in Kyoto under the tutelage of “older sisters” who showed them their way around the entertainment district and introduced them to powerful clients.
When many Westerners think of “geisha,” they are usually visualizing a maiko. Maiko wear very elaborate make-up, hairstyles and clothes, switching to simpler styles when they “turn their collars” to become geiko. Both maiko and geiko wear kimono during service, but it is usually the maiko’s kimono and obi that catch the eye of passers-by.
When geiko arrive at a party or celebration, they traditionally serve tea or sake, with other staff responsible for handling the food. They keep the guest entertained, ensure the party runs smoothly, and sometimes perform music or dance when requested. Geiko may only be present at a party for a few minutes, especially if they are in high demand, and the ability to pay several geiko for their time is a powerful status symbol in Japan.
The highly refined and traditional culture of the “world of flowers and willows” in Kyoto began to come under siege in the 20th century, when changes in Japanese culture changed the attitude towards arts and culture. Several organizations have worked to maintain the geiko tradition, in part through industry reforms designed to attract modern women to work. Many students of traditional Japanese culture agree that it would be a great shame to lose this tradition of entertainment forever.
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