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A brief word about myself......

Geisha (or Geiko in the Kyoto dialect) are female professional entertainers who perform traditional Japanese arts at banquets or teahouses. The manager of the teahouse, the okasan, does not usually allow new customers unless they have been properly introduced. Originally, geisha were much more prolific and in different areas in Japan but now, they are limited more or less to the Gion area of Kyoto and Tokyo.

Young girls who want to become a geisha move into special "maiko houses" at a early age. These houses are like dormitories and are managed by a lady who takes care of the girls and their affairs. As an apprentice they are first called maiko and have to learn not only various traditional Japanese arts such as playing instruments, tea ceremony, flower arranging, singing and dancing, but also the Kyoto dialect if they are not local, conversation and other social skills. Only a few of the best among them will become geisha many years later after passing stringent tests in many different areas.

Geisha and maiko wear traditional silk kimono and wooden geta clogs. Their hair, in a high sculpted arrangement is adorned by metallic accessories. A red stripe is painted down the back of their neck and, the more of the neck that is exposed, the more risqué the kimono is. Geisha tend to wear more subdued colours for their kimono which has shorter sleeves while the maiko's kimono is bright with draped sleeves. The kimono is bound with a wide, thick silk belt called an obi which can be tied in many different and intricate ways.

In Japan today there are less than 1000 geisha. With the stringent lifestyle and emphasis on traditional arts, few young girls are willing or able to meet the standards of the professional geisha. Nonetheless, the geisha play a valuable role in preserving Japanese culture and history.

Intro Written Sep 8, 2002
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Comments (15)

amchhetri Oct 23, 2011 at 12:25 AM Report Abuse

Belated happy birth day from Nepal
trvlrgrl Oct 16, 2008 at 3:40 PM Report Abuse

Happy Birthday from San Francisco!
traveloturc Oct 16, 2007 at 11:41 AM Report Abuse

Happy birthday to you from Istanbul/Turkiye..I wish that you realize all your dreams...good luck ...
romanhighlander Oct 15, 2007 at 6:07 PM Report Abuse

Happy Birthday....Thanks for the informative homepage.
adeeltahir May 9, 2007 at 2:22 PM Report Abuse

Nice Page. Everyday is just the first day of another 365-day journey around the sun. Enjoy the nice trips. Adeel Tahir
roamingpaddy Oct 16, 2006 at 3:44 AM Report Abuse

Hello to U from Cork in Ireland Fong! I wish you a great birthday,go for it! ;-) ps. I love your slogan!
Alex_71 Oct 16, 2006 at 1:32 AM Report Abuse

Hello from the very far Italy...just to wish you a happy birthday..i hope you spend a great and marvellous day.Happy birthday again. Alex
irishgalmtl Oct 15, 2006 at 10:31 PM Report Abuse

Greetings from Montreal, I would like to wish many blessings with lots of cheer for it wont be back for another year HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! Donna:o)
Sharon Oct 15, 2006 at 10:13 PM Report Abuse

Happy Birthday and have a great day. :-)
Kaynisa Oct 15, 2006 at 6:49 PM Report Abuse

Hello there...Happy birthday to you♫ Happy birthday to you♫♫ Happy birthday to You ♫ Happy birthday to you♫♫ Greetings from Malaysia. Have a good one, Cheers ~~K~~