by Ken Tanaka

Created on: April 19, 2008

International interest in Geisha escalated considerably with the publishing of Arthur Golden's 1997 novel "Memoirs of a Geisha" and Rob Marshall's recent film of the same name. Yet, around t the world, the role of Geisha in Japanese society is still rather vague, and even in their native Japan to a decidedly lesser degree. The media leaves us with little more to distinguish the Geisha by than their traditional white makeup, beautiful kimono (traditional garb), and some false stereotypes.

Literally meaning "artist", a Geisha is proficient in several different arts which she uses to entertain her clients, most commonly at a tea house. The Geisha are trained in the arts of traditional music, dancing, light conversation, traditional tea ceremony, poetry, and literature, often but not exclusively from a young age. Young Geisha apprentices are known as "Maiko" which literally translates as, "dance child".

Although some consider Geisha to be evidence of Japan's chauvinistic society, most Geisha are well paid, independent, and respected. Much unlike the way they are often portrayed in western media, Geisha are not personal companions for men, neither are they concubines. In fact, only single women may continue in the profession. It is worth noting also that the first Geisha were not even women, but were male entertainers who were hired by women.

The most confusing misconception about the Geisha is that they engaged in prostitution. This was a false stereotype that led to the aforementioned film, "Memoirs of a Geisha", being banned in China. Because Geisha were commonly mistaken abroad for prostitutes, and because Chinese actresses played the film's lead roles, the film was considered insulting. Taking the prostitution stereotype into account with the real-life World War II happenings of Chinese women being forced into sex-slavery to Japanese soldiers, the film was deemed too sensitive and offensive to be allowed in China.

In reality, The Geisha were not prostitutes. Contact with men is limited to light conversation and flirtation, and no further.

The western view of the Geisha comes partly from the wild, sexy tales of US servicemen returnees who enjoyed the company of "Geisha" during their stationing in Japan. In truth, these women were not trained Geisha at all, but simply imitated aspects of Geisha hairstyle and apparel, calling themselves "Geisha Girls". Few servicemen could tell the difference between real or fake Geisha, and so was born the Geisha prostitute myth in

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