Becoming a Geisha 1 (2005)

An interesting documentary on the way of the geisha:
A young woman from Northern Japan has decided to quit school and move to Gion, the geisha quarter of Kyoto. There she wants to fulfill her dream of becoming a Geisha, called Geiko in Kyoto.
First she has to go through a trial period of several months and only after passing an exam is she formally accepted as an apprentice Geisha, called Maiko.

[@PrincessAki2009]

I'm seeing a lot of comments about "Geisha" being prostitutes. They aren't actually. Most people are getting them confused with Orian. Geisha use to accompany Orian when they were entertaining their guest. As soon as the singing, dancing, and playing games were over the geisha would leave. leaving the guest with the Oiran ( courtesans). I can understand some people getting confused with how to tell the difference between the. Orian would wear their obi tied to the front. The also wear elaborate hair pens and combs, and many of them depending on their ranks (before the 1750's-Tayuu,Koshi,Tsubone,and Hashi/after the 1750's-Yobidashi chûsan,Chûsan,Tsukemawashi,Zashikimochi,Heyamochi,Shinzô, Kamuro ).Orian also don't wear tabi socks, even in the winter. The Geta they wear are called Koma-geta. Oiran also didn't just sell their bodies, they also were trained in different forms of arts like Geisha/Maiko, and were also very intelligent women who could hold a conversation and talk politics if her client chooses so. Maiko wear their obi to the back and they wear them in the Darai style. Maiko wear bright color kimono with a few more hair pens( kanzashi) than the geisha but no more than the Oiran.They also use their own hair for the hairstyle called wareshinobu. Maiko also wear a collar made of the color red and white a symbol of them still bring young in the profession. they also wear a lot more pink/red makeup, also to show their youth. They wear wooden sandalds called Okobo really high geta that keeps their obi and kimono from touching the ground. Geisha also wore their obi to the back in a short style. The tend to wear less red make up to show maturity. They also wear less colorful kimono and usually have white collars. they wear lower geta called zori. Their kimono sleeves are also shorter the the Maiko's. The geisha of today also usually wear wigs instead of styling their own hair which had less hair pens then Oiran and Maiko. I'm also beginning to think that a lot of people are confusing them with the "Geisha Girls/Geesha Girls" Prostitues who dressed as Geisha/Maiko during the Allied occupation of Japan thus confusing the American GI's.They are said to be the reason people think geisha are prostitues.

[@sarajane2206]

The maikos gave their virginity to the highest bidder. If that's not prostitution I have no idea what is.

[@PrincessAki2009]

where is your information on that?

[@sarajane2206]

+PrincessAki2009 look up mizuage

[@PrincessAki2009]

Mizuage (hoisting from water) was a ceremony undergone by a Japanese maiko to signify her coming of age. When the older geisha (in charge of the maiko's training) considered the young maiko ready to come of age, the topknot of her hair was symbolically cut. Also the former Geiko/Geisha Mineko Iwasaki stated in an interview that the word was misinterpreted in an interview. Q: Talk to me about the mizuage ceremony. What is it, and why is there so much confusion about it? A: This again goes back to the separation between the pleasure quarter and the entertainment quarter. Mizuage is really a coming-of-age ceremony, and apparently there was some selling of the virginity that went on in association with that ritual ceremony in the pleasure district a long time ago. However, that has never been true for the geisha. For the geisha, it was simply when they were becoming a young woman, similar to a sweet 16 in the West, and it was symbolized by the change in hairstyle, into a more womanly, grown-up hairstyle. And also certain subtle changes in the ensembles. There are a lot of rites of passage, but for some reason this one has been really latched on by people, and maybe because of this misunderstanding. Also, it is true that as with many of the rituals and rites of passage, once one has become a maiko [geisha-in-training], or a geiko, it's very expensive, because every time you go through an entire change of kimono, for example, or of hairstyle and you need different hair ornaments, these are expensive things. For me, I was the successor to the house, the atotori, so there was no question that the money was there to provide this. But if someone is coming from the outside and training, as basically someone who is there under contract, it is expensive, and sometimes they do ask their patrons to help pay for the cost involved in making the transition. Q: But their virginity is offered in exchange for that help? A: That is never on the table. There is one other potential source of confusion, and that is with the word "mizuage" itself. In the Gion, the geisha district, and in many areas of the entertainment industry, "mizuage" is also a term that directly means "gross earnings," because it's an old fishing term; as you may know, Japan was dependent on fishing for one of its main economic bases for many years. "Mizuage" means "to take out of the water." It stood for the catch. "What was your catch? Rest of the interview can be seen here:www.bostonphoenix.com/boston/news_features/qa/documents/02473409.htm

[@sarajane2206]

That woman interviewed was a geisha in the 60s. Trading your virginity to the highest bidder was outlawed in the 50s.

[@exeVividNova]

Why would they say in the beggining that this is one of the oldest professions in Japan. Geisha as profession has only existed for about 300 years. This phrase clearly refers to prostitution which is insulting given the context

[@angelabby2379]

the first geisha is chinese courtesan. so yeah in other word prostituions. its not crazy considering hollywood has actress who is known to sleep with directors producers to get role, and offered huge money and fame for sx, marilyn monroe is one of them, are they prostiute of course not they were actress, but did they did it yes they did. recently with harvey weinstein its tale as old as time

[@philbecker4676]

Boohoo.

[@leon-lm2ph]

@@philbecker4676 boohoo what?its historically inaccurate and a geisha is an arts person not a prostitute,some people like having their history correct even if its minor😅🤦

[@wisdomseeker3362]

@@leon-lm2ph That's correct. They are dancers, singers, artists , musicians and magicians . Most importantly...they must be able to keep a secret ❗

[@Seekthetruth.Dontfollowblindly]

@@philbecker4676 Grow up what a childish comment. She is right to correct that and you should be respectful if you cant then this chat isnt for you.

[@jiszellenew2277]

Yukina is such an inspiration. Follow your dreams and you can be anything.

[@mariakai]

I've watched this documentary about six times and I'm not tired of watching it yet. I just find the culture so fascinating!!!!!

[@Seekthetruth.Dontfollowblindly]

Me too I think it's so fascinating

[@janethayes5941]

Unbelievable how these woman are so committed. So admirable.

[@horrorcide13]

First watched this six years ago....I always watch it several times a year. Love, LOVE this documentary. Thank you again for posting it!

[@coveruplies]

Same it’s interesting

[@exposeevil5492]

@@coveruplies occult practices! No doubt.

[@littledumpling7202]

I also like this documentary the best! I feel like this one is more respectful of the geisha and seek to tell the truth and try to change what most people think geisha are instead of enforcing them.

[@danitiwa]

The orientalism in this though..... There’s no mystery or secrecy lol it’s just a LANGUAGE BARRIER

[@Nayvii]

Everybody who wanted to know the SONG AT THE BEGINNING listen up! I've finally found it! It's called Everyone Alive Wants Answers by Colleen. Absolutly love this documentary!

[@thelouisfanclub]

I spent some time in a convent when I was younger. Often when I see programmes about geisha and mako it reminds me of that, with the hierarchy and the manners and the specific way of doing things quietly and gracefully.

[@TheChickenRiceBowl]

I watched this in my world geography class my freshman year of high school... good times. Thanks Mr. Busby for not only teaching us the geography but of the cultures in those parts of the world as well :).

[@iesusamafishmaria]

日本人もまだ、未知の世界ですから 映像で初めて見ましたわ。 流石に、厳しい世界だと思いますが 日本の誇りですから、凄く尊敬出来ますね。

[@danielalvarado9019]

あなたが日本に住んでください

[@goldengirl2384]

It's sad that their numbers are declining.. I think their career is amazing! I guess really it's not just a career but an entire lifestyle :)

[@baoyenaj5186]

I love this documentary. It's weird to think 7 years later she retired and got married.

[@LiaAmaliaSafarilla]

BaoYen AJ did she?

[@geoffreycurrie9582]

that's the idea for a lot of them.

[@moushimoushi8963]

@@LiaAmaliaSafarilla Yup! She has two sons but is still very close to her old okiya ^^

[@belmarmom]

@@moushimoushi8963 She has a son and a daughter and is very happily married.

[@moushimoushi8963]

@@belmarmom Ah! Thank you for the correction ^^ I had heard two sons but I could definitely be wrong ^^

[@grown.ass.nerd.]

When I was little, my grandmother had a small model of a maiko she kept in a glass box, a gift from my father when he returned from Japan before he met my mother. I asked my dad what she was, because she was very pretty. He told me she was a geisha. Later I told my mother I wanted to be a geisha. She gave me a very prompt spanking and told me never to say that again because geisha were prostitutes. I wish I had actually held onto that dream. Instead, I am an opera singer. Close enough.

[@annemarie497]

I find it more interesting to be an opera singer

[@afonphoenix16]

They're not prostitutes, though.

[@grown.ass.nerd.]

@afonphoenix16 I obviously know that now, but I didn't then, and neither did she. We've since learned our mistake.

[@Slygurl200617]

You know, I wish they would do a follow up on this girl, so we can see what she looks like and how she's doing now.

[@TheDMC12]

i met kikuyu(菊夕）on the street in miyakwa chou(宮川町）the other day. she was not in formal geiko style,but very beautiful in casual kimono style.

[@stephj505]

I have mixed feelings about being a geisha. On one hand, you have to sacrifice your individuality. But on the other hand, it tests your dedication and commitment.

[@OR0R0]

discipline, grace, and dedication = what you need to be geiko or maiko.

[@yaxiongzhao6640]

Well no, it's just giving up life as a normal human to become some form commercialized service provider.

[@OR0R0]

赵亚雄 more to it than that. it's a way of life, not giving up life.

[@OR0R0]

赵亚雄 whatever you say, confucious. if you're trying to call me prejudice, you can save your breath. when you think you're the only one with intelligence and understanding, you are a fool.

[@Sirena101]

The belt and the sock thing sometimes went both ways. Some geisha went sock-less in the summer months, and there was one hanamachi in Edo (now Tokyo) that made it a fashion statement. Also, I think there are ukiyo-e paintings that show some prostitutes with their obi knot tied at in the back. The biggest difference (clothing wise) was extravagance. Geisha were forbidden by law to wear flashy clothing, while prostitutes were dripping in silk and gold.

[@rikicooper3169]

2005 is when Komomo graduated as full Geisha after 5 years training.

[@Miyavisgirl1540]

I would be the happiest girl in the world if I could go to Japan and see these beautiful walking works of art in person! Geisha are so stunning! ^^!

[@SuperShroomieGaming]

Anyone who has commented on any of these videos saying Yukina is ugly, go look up some recent photographs of her (just type in 'Kikuyu Maiko'). She is breath taking now! On the way to out shining all her sisters!

[@afonphoenix16]

Yeah, with MAKEUP on. She's not naturally pretty.🤷

[@Akashia14Moka]

Kikuyu is my favourite geisha from my favourite district.I'm very glad she is a geiko now!I have pics with her since misedashi until erikae!She is veru beautiful! Kikumaru is such a beautiful geiko!I love her eyes.And Kikuno is very beautiful too!

[@user-jl6ys7nk4y]

花房自慢の菊シスタ－ズ(菊丸・菊鶴・菊乃・菊夕)は今となっては幻この時代は１番スターが揃っていたのかな😢

[@kellsfreeman8008]

Me, but I'm too old, too tall and too clumsy.

[@breannacharnley7602]

The profession of a geisha actually started in 1780 so it is the world's oldest profession

[@hemlockfury4433]

This girl is so adorable and inspiring. Wish I could become a Geisha!

[@rogueofthecraft]

OMG I've been looking for this everywhere! Thank you!

[@mlirwin8572]

A couple of Western women that I know of -- Liza Dalby, from the U.S., and Fiona Graham from Australia -- have become geisha. It's a long road; for one thing, you must be fluent in Japanese, and then you have to undergo the rigorous training specific to becoming a geisha.

[@caeliknight]

Fiona Graham was actually kicked out because she refused to abide by the rules set out by her teachers and elders.

[@joemufalli4290]

ML Irwin o

[@akirakira914]

Although I'm not Japanese and I don't live in Japan either. They're many beautiful Japanese womEn with big doll-like eyes and fabulous figures. FYI Zhiang was probably chosen to play the main role because she is a dancer from a very well known dance academy from Beijing which is very hard to get in. Since she's got a very good foundation its easier to teach her traditional Japanese dance choreography. Rather than just how she looks -.-

[@kellyjordan6803]

I really like the comparison from the professional make up from the older sister 's make up.

[@greeneyedmonster6]

This is a very interesting view of the becoming of a woman, and an artist. I hope that this gives her the freedom that she wants in her life. I wish her the best for the future!! Has anyone seen the other video that's about something like this? I'm looking for the one that has the geisha in a different area than kyoto (I think). Could anyone give me the name of it?

[@crysta2k2]

What a hilarious response! Conceived in a street alley...LMAO! I needed that laugh, thanks :-)

[@robynofrye]

it is interesting to see this young, intersting, pretty but very teen girl turn into such an elegant woman.

[@sempervirensssp]

I'm always awestruck at the beauty and grace of Geisha's.

[@jennifercox6158]

All these "and I'm gonna catch hell over this" do somewhat coincide with the exotic dancer world of the west. We are a family, but MAN, what commitment!! These women make their own world!! Ahh.. such class!!!!❤️

[@afonphoenix16]

There's no overlap at ALL.😬 The family aspect may be there, but strippers and Geisha are WORLDS apart.

[@SilverMiraii]

geisha are high ranked woman, it's a pleasure to talk with them and see their performances.

[@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley]

The lawsuit was settled out of court, thankfully and the book you're talking about I believe is the same one I mentioned, Geisha, A Life or Geisha of Gion (unless she wrote a book specifically clarifying Memoirs and if so...I'd love to read it :) I stick by my previous comment though that I don't feel he misrepresented geiko, not completely, especially during that period of time in the 1930's. But I'm no historian so what do I know :)

[@Varyushka100]

I would suggest people to explore the origin and the history of geisha, and not rely on a movie. And you must be really naive if you think that modern hostess clubs in Japan do not offer sex.

[@coveruplies]

i cant stop watching this documentary... @_@

[@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley]

I have another book that people should read; Autobiography of a Geisha, translated by G.G. Rowley but written by Sayo Masuda. After reading that, screw both Arthur Golden AND Minkeo Iwasaki, lol (Okay, not that far...but this is more of the real-deal than either of those stories even though Geisha, A Life/Geisha of Gion was an autobiography too). This book is for those that want to read about a geisha that didn't grow up as an atotori (successor to the okiya) and is much more emotional and real.

[@Jasminfips]

The problem about the book and the movie "Memoirs of a Geisha" is, that they try to show that they are artist, but in a wrong way: The kimonos are worn wrong, the make up and the hairstyles are wrong, the dance and music are wrong and the attitude of the charakters are wrong, etc. the movie is nice to watch and many have become aware of their culture through the film. But its full of clichés. So people which are only trivial interested, might get the wrong idea about Geishas.(sry for my bad eng)

[@saulwilliams56]

thankyou bbc for another insightful documentary

[@tastytassie]

this is my fifth time i've watched this. this documentary will always amaze me (:

[@WickedWonderland]

To my understanding, the whole "geisha = prostitutes" thing came about when prostitutes would call themselves geisha rather than try to explain the difference to the Western men who were visiting or stationed in Japan. I think the only way to tell the difference was that a geisha obi tied in the back and required a second person to help her do up, while a prostitute's obi tied in the front-- easier for her to get into and out of her clothes by herself; she couldn't expect a customer to help her.

[@thesecretpathoflife]

Both are arts of self-control and dedication.

[@shakiin000]

kikuno is gorgeous!

[@sunnicorran9244]

While I've never thought of becoming a Geisha, I would love to learn the dancing.

[@kittycatcarley]

That film was still beautiful, remember it was a film not a documentary.

[@angelabby2379]

the story is accurate, the inaccurate is the visual because they want to tell the story through hairstyle and costume movie making 101. historically even bad guys wore pastel color 🤣🤣, but in movie nope its black or red

[@MsFullheart]

it was rhetorical and some comments are from so long ago that its not fresh anymore and the moment is over!

[@chissprincess]

She's not retired, but I think she's still a maiko. You don't become a geisha until after something called an erikae, and I don't think she's had hers yet.

[@myemolove13]

This is a wide spread misconception, mostly stemming from the fact that during the US occupation of Japan after WWII, many prostitutes referred to themselves as geisha to appear more "exotic" to foreign soldiers who would not know the difference. There was once a practice called "Mizuage" in which the maiko was sponsored by a man who had the right to her virginity. This practice was outlawed 1959. If someone sees that I have left something out or made a mistake, please let me know.

[@Jaxon195]

Finally, someone that knows history.

[@Chasatani]

Funny thing is I watched it when it first premiered in 2005. Gosh I feel so old now, that seems like forever ago to me.

[@5050TM]

Thanks for the information! ♥

[@eburel506]

@kasbersky I read some where that they cost about 200 ( i thought it was 2000 but my bad) and hour for their time. They may only spend 1 or 2 hours at a party and then go off and do another party. Sometimes they don't get home until 2 or 3 in the morning. And then get up early for classes the next day

[@wasantube]

BBC has the documentary on virtually everything!

[@teampied]

I thought his face was familiar too! Now that I see your comment, I realise it was because of Heechul lol XD

[@notmyeverything]

This is really cool! thank you ^^

[@liuhelen96]

no they are not prostitutes i suggest you watch "Memoirs of a Geisha" i think they depict a geisha pretty well. Geisha means "artist" they know the art of communication and other skills so their only purpose is to entertain which makes their status alot higher and more prestigious than a common prostitute. I think usually rich married/single men who are respectable go to geisha houses to be entertained as a way to relieve stress. This is the older ver. of the modernday hostess clubs in japan now

[@thesecretpathoflife]

It is difficult to have a concept without experiencing the lifestyle. People are free to comment as they wish.

[@PreppyAnglican]

@5:55 Yukina's older sister is gorgeous in full performance kimono and makeup...

[@Lynnphotos24434]

I LOVE Japanese culture. Someday I would love for Japan to be my home... God Willing.

[@LailaRaqs]

I didn't mean "the world's oldest professions". I just mean that geisha are a relatively new phenomenon in Japan (by Japanese standards; the tradition isn't as old as, say, Noh theatre. By American standards, the tradition is ancient.)

[@JM-to3hy]

I wish they would do a follow up

[@moushimoushi8963]

I can let you know what happened if that helps. She became really popular partially because of this documentary, but also because of her talent, she actually graduated to become a Geiko, practiced as a geiko for 2 years, then married the son of one of the teahouse proprietress's, they've had two sons together and she's still really close to her old okiya, helping out with big events ^^

[@everyoneshines2009]

Really interesting. But like the other comment said, I bet it has way harder long time ago this is modern geisha world.

[@JennaNoManga]

Is there a more recent documentary on geisha?

[@belmarmom]

"The Secret World of Geisha". It's pretty good, though there are a few inaccuracies.

[@Iiterally]

I really hate the people for calling geisha prostitutes... and hate when people mispronounce Japanese wordings.

[@Weissquell]

How cute! *.* The cat on that picture looks realy like our cat! And our cat is named "Geisha"! XD

[@Christmasnighty]

Wow else wants to become a Geisha?

[@leecixxi9226]

Christmas hotspug Hell No

[@CosmicCherry1]

Christmas hotspug uhuh

[@rain1861]

Christmas hotspug You need to be perfect with japanese

[@hoodietheproxy8575]

@@rain1861 not perfect. Just enough to hold a conversation and understand the other girls and the house mother

[@elshanna83]

how nice it is to learn this wonderful rich culture ...love the ideology of feminine manners, etiquette in the same knowing about arts etc. i would love to learn to be 'Geisha' then be the Geisha to my future husband. take the tradition and decorate it your own way ... :-)

[@TheDMC12]

Have you met real geiko ormaiko without makeup. I hve met them many times in kyoto to find they are beautiful without makeup..

[@PrincessAki2009]

@ameliad05 The tieing of the obi belt in the front really dons't mean easy access. It really ment that the woman who did wear their obi to the front was a married woman at the time period. In so doing they tied it in the front to show everyone that their are mature women and married to their profession. I personally love the way an oiran looks more than i do a geisha.

[@Jasminfips]

I think some young people are with 16 years too young to make such a decision. But actually it's not unusual at this age to choose a life path. I'm also 16 years old and I must be currently doing my degree ( I'm from Germany). After that, I must immediately begin with my training and decide what career I want to make. So Yukinas decision is not so crazy. :-)

[@aaaaddddaaa]

I think there's like different types of Geisha's. The ones that do and the one's that don't.

[@rofllol48]

my sister and i took pictures as a geisha :D it was quite interesting aha

[@risktakerdaito]

'Gei' of 'Geisha' means an 'art' in Japanese. 'Sha' of 'Geisha' is a 'person' or a 'player'. 'Zen', the core philosophy of Buddhism is familiar to 'Gei'. They have the same root and same soul. Very hard to follow. It needs endless hard work and practice. Only few people can reach the top of 'Geisha'. Very competitive.

[@narcissticgoddess]

In the waiting line by Zero-7 was stuck in my head and lo and behold it plays as background music. How random

[@hemlockfury4433]

Oh and totally going to watch Memoirs of a Geisha now! xD

[@Jasminfips]

Of course women are allowed to see Geishas. But "ordinary" people are not allowed to visit the teahouse, only special rich guest with a special invitation can enter it. You can see their public performances in atheatre or at shrines on special events. Some teahouses have tourist specials, where you can enter a teahouse and meet geishas. But this specials are rare and expensive. :)

[@ladykikyo1792]

I believe she debuted as a maiko under the name Kikuyu, and is now a geiko. :)

[@KUKAKYOTOTOKYO]

@SauryGirl1 Look up Mizuage. Yes they were. Once the ceremony was complete they became a Geisha. Today it is not widely practiced.

[@akirakira914]

This really reminds me of the scenes and society in Japan from the movie called "Memoirs Of A Geisha" :')

[@Melly_6]

@PrincessAki2009 So true, I heard that they don't even do the selling of a Maiko's mizuage anymore. There are geiko that have boyfriends, end up getting married, or having children, but they don't sell themselves.I heard u can tell the dif by the fact that prostitutes tie their obis in the front (it's easier/faster for them to tie it in front than have a dresser come in every so often to retie), and the prostitutes wear more hair decorations.

[@borisdatzar]

Why don't you watch the documentary first, and then comment.

[@Yuri92001]

Oh how exciting! I want to see if i can find her...do you know any sites where they post photos of well known Geishas?

[@SterreAcerbo]

Thank you for educating everyone. And a quick other note, the proper term for the actual prostitutes is "oiran".

[@PrincessAki2009]

please do not get the Geisha and Oiran mixed up. Geisha do not seel their bodies like Oirans do.

[@savants08]

That movie is not pure crap. It's based on someone's written account of how it was in the olden days. You said so yourself that it was a tradition. The women used to not have a choice which they speak of further in this documentary. A lot of the women who were Geisha did not have a choice of being Geisha either. It was poor girls or girls who were not wanted. That movie was not based on a modern 'geisha'. It was based on a geisha from many years ago. Times have changed luckily.

[@NasaXnieru]

Interesting documentary

[@mariakai]

My bro and I are working on our very own visual novel and our goal is to travel to Japan to promote it. ^^

[@susyq83]

Kikuyu is still a maiko afaik. She should have her erikae some time next year.

[@khazardslover]

What is the song at 9:20 - 9:43 please? I love it, I don't know how to find out about it :D

[@Ancsee013]

how can u say that? that movie was the best movie ever in my life :((( i think you are right but the movie is great

[@LailaRaqs]

Well, right off the bat I have a problem with this when they open by saying that this is one of Japan's "oldest professions". That's not true!

[@Kodanikage]

Jeez this reminds me uncomfortably of débutante school or (bootcamp) as I thought of it while attended in middle school.

[@hugzpls]

First, I am not trying to attack the opinions of others. As you can read, I pointed out to others to not think that geishas are prostitutes because they're not! It's a misunderstanding that started since WWII. Please, before even "thinking" that my facts are wrong, do some research yourself just like I did.

[@kenkyo1002]

I am Japanese,live in Japan. She is not Geisha. She is Maiko.

[@Yuri92001]

No one replied to this yet all my other comments which were in reply to my original post were given negative ratings....odd. Odd that my original statement should not be as controversial. But it isn't....we all have our ancient traditions...and like the Geisha, they ALL have their own beauty.

[@SpaceBelugaSquad]

Could someone of a non-Japanese background come there to train as a geisha? Like if an American girl were to try?

[@latioselatias]

SpaceBelugaSquad Not in Gion: but in the other hanamchi (geisha districts) there are some foreign Geisha (usually from U.S. and China).