Have you seen the movie “Memoirs of Geisha” that starred the lovely Zhang Ziyi and martial arts expert Michelle Yeoh? If not, then most probably you are wondering about the meaning of the word “geisha”. Literally, geishas were traditional Japanese artist-entertainers in the 18th and 19th centuries. Although there are geishas that still exist today, their numbers are obviously decreasing.

Before aspiring geishas begin their training, they have to complete first their junior high school or even high school or college education. During the training, they have to be familiar with the traditional instruments like the shamisen, shakuhachi, drums, and traditional songs, tea ceremony, classical Japanese dance, literature, and poetry.

Unfortunately, geisha is now a rare sight outside Kyoto because the province is the place where the geisha tradition is strongest today. The two of the most prestigious and traditional geisha districts, Gion and Pontocho, are located here. Some of the main reasons there is a decline in geisha tradition include Japan’s sluggish economy, decreasing interest in the traditional arts, and the enigmatic nature of the flower.

Such decline of this great Japanese tradition is definitely saddening and something that the Japanese should take into consideration because geishas are very important part of the Japanese culture.

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t (c) exploring japan