The True Story Behind Memoirs Of A Geisha|The Life Of Mineko Iwasaki

Mineko Iwasaki was the most successful Geisha of her time before her shocking retirement at only twenty nine.
The Author of Memoirs of a Geisha Arthur Golden interviewed her for research promising that her name wouldn't be attached to his book in any way.
He then thanked her by name in the acknowledgements, causing her to receive immense backlash from her former industry as the book was an inaccurate portrayal of the world of Geisha.
This is Mineko's story, as she told it in her own fascinating Memoir, Geisha a Life, or Geisha of Gion.
Thank you for watching, leave a like if you enjoyed this and subscribe for more history!
Until next time!
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Intro music: Lady fingers by Herb Alpert

[@indiascarlett]

Apologies for the mispronunciations, I did look most of them up but this video was made in two days and some recording was done before I had researched. Thank you to everyone who corrected me! If you want to support this channel, you can find me at www.buymeacoffee.com/indiascarlett

[@marigeobrien]

You did a wonderful job. And I am definitely going to get a copy of Mineko Iwasaki's book. Thank you.

[@leticiadelacruz9150]

Could you please give us the name of her book. I apologize if you said the name in the Video.

[@indiascarlett]

@@leticiadelacruz9150 it's called Geisha of Gion in the UK or Geisha a life in the US!

[@FOS-All-DAY]

​@@marigeobrienDid you ever get a copy? I am about done with it and it is nothing like "MOAG" book or movie. The main thing I took away from it along with the completely different timeline but mainly that being a Geisha is a wonderful chosen life. Her book appears to be a way to save face in her community by downplaying and controversy within the Geisha community. I believe MOAG is more true to form of a life of a Geisha than her book. What do you think?

[@sakurablossoming87]

good news I bought the book Geisha of Gion from Amazon, thanks again for the recommendation 🙂🙂

[@Keiichi879]

I really wish her true story got just as much exposure than the movie that it deserves.

[@HausOfAdonis]

facts

[@hannahdurga3277]

it would have been good if she was a good writer and didn't have a narcissistic attitude. I mean, she earned the right to that attitude, but it is still hard to read

[@summertimejay3157]

@@hannahdurga3277 agreed

[@morganablackwater2017]

It won't... Our media promote from male gaze perspective - its not flattering to males so it won't sell

[@Mean_Jean]

A movie was made about Mineko, called Hana Ikusa, flower battle

[@evelynwald9132]

So glad that this popped up in my KZbin feed as I didn’t know that Mineko Iwasaki had written her own story to correct the story of Memoirs of a Geisha. Based on what you have provided, her true story is even more fascinating than the book and or the movie, both of which I have read, watched and enjoyed. Thank you for this, I will now read the book and you have a new subscriber.

[@LQOTW]

Evelyn Wald > I came here expressly to say this very thing! Can't wait to read the corrected version. I have also subscribed!

[@AmericanAmy]

Me either I loved the book and the movie but I want to read the true story now I know it exists.

[@timefoolery]

Look for Geisha of Gion. It’s a wonderful peek into a hidden world.

[@AmericanAmy]

@@timefoolery will do p, thank you.

[@gorzkawodka]

Mineko's book is completely different from Memoirs of a Geisha. Sometimes her story is quite dull... I don't see that much in common between two books, Memoirs of a geisha is a fantasy romance and Mineko's is more like a historical description how life of a geisha in Gion Kobu looked like. A book written by Liza Dalby "Geisha" was much more exciting, at least for me. But you should read all of them, have fun.

[@aelisei]

I had no idea Mineko Iwasaki hadn't agreed and was opposed to the book. I'm going to look for her memoirs now, thank you so much for speaking about this! 🤗🙏

[@victoria856]

Unfortunately, her sister felt like she was.

[@annettearrow8824]

The author was asked to leave information about the informant out of the book. The book would have been just fine all alone by itself and not connected to any single person. I enjoyed the movie and am adult enough to know that some things are always embellished.

[@nobodysbaby5048]

She looks so much happier in her marriage. I am glad life worked out for her

[@KikyoSamaLover05]

I do love Memoirs of a geisha and Sayuri is my comfort character, but I absolutely love and admire Mineko too and agree that Golden should have kept her private as he promised. Such a fascinating woman, I once even actually did a presentation about her for my history class!❤

[@Discordia5]

This is a very reasonable response.

[@monicad99]

but if his character doesn’t match mineko’s life, then he did keep it private, didn’t he? does he at any point say this is a story about mineko?

[@KikyoSamaLover05]

@@monicad99 In the book apparently he openly credited Mineko for giving him secrets about the geisha life

[@monicad99]

well, that’s not the same thing as saying “look, my character is mineko.”@@KikyoSamaLover05

[@dohseyes5744]

Golden didn’t keep it secret. That’s why there was a lawsuit and he settled out of court with Mineko in 2003.

[@LizardsLore]

I am so happy you’re giving Mineko the credit she deserves! Her book is amazing!

[@norahjones4810]

I stumbled upon her memoir shortly after the release of Memoirs of a Geisha. Not only is it beautifully written, but Mineko herself is such a fascinating person. I've read Geisha, A Life numerous times and I think I may have to give it another read after watching this

[@Privykos]

I have her biography and it remains one of my favorites to this day. I always reread it every now and then because it's strangely comforting.

[@Discordia5]

I also find the book comforting. She lived a truly beautiful life. She did not have any horrific trauma like most autobiographies reveal, so it's a feel-good story.

[@CheshireCesare]

@@Discordia5I mean… one of her nephews drowned, her other nephew tried to rape her, she left her parents at age 5, her mentor died next to her, and she had to endure verbal abuse from her own sister and other jealous maiko, (and that’s without mentioning the aftermath of Golden’s book and the lawsuit), so I wouldn’t call her life free of drama or entirely feel-good… but it’s an extraordinary one, that’s for sure..!

[@ZoraXire]

one part of the book that always stuck with me was when she had a fan and some celebrity took it from her and autographed it, she thought he had ruined a beautiful piece of art and history (it was an antique). That always stuck with me because its not about vanity or fame, it's about expression and hard work that matters most in the end and are truly things to consider being beautiful to admire

[@indiascarlett]

Yes, it was actually Prince (now king) Charles who did that. It moved me the same way

[@Yunashelia]

OMG so rude, how can he think he is more importand than precious art

[@ceciliagincho6806]

@@indiascarlettHow very ignorant (not to mention pretentious)🤨 of the prince. Even if the fan were not an antique, he had no business to take it from her without her offer or consent.

[@annfisher3316]

Thank you for giving Mineko the respect she deserves. 🌺

[@SKYxLoTuS]

The Inoue Yuki's book "Memoirs of a Geisha" and Mineko Iwasaki's book "Geisha: Life" ... Those books are so intense, powerful and REALLY explain the life (even as harder as you cannot imagine for someone who saw only the movie) of Geisha/Geiko.

[@elle4885]

Iwasaki’s biography is my favorite book to this day. I found it in a Goodwill Bookstore when I was fourteen and something about her storytelling was so comforting to me. Like hearing your grandmother tell you about her life. I reread it every few years. So glad that her story is getting a little more attention

[@indiascarlett]

Yes! This is exactly how I felt about it.

[@coffeeisdrugs]

Which book of hers did you read??

[@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley]

@@coffeeisdrugs "Geisha, a Life" (or "Geisha of Gion". They are the same book, but it has two different names for different regions).

[@sadia2395]

Awww thats a big compliment 'like hearim your grandmother tell you about her life'. Now I gotta order and read the book

[@MsOwl22]

@@sadia2395 me to!

[@francescalynn945]

Just from looking at her with no makeup, she is to me extremely beautiful with an impression of a great mother spirit and deeply wise/worldly beauty that can only emanate from how she thinks and how she carries herself. Someone who looks to have a pure heart, has the upmost respect of the profession AND really, a dedication to the highest form of it's art of the profession called Geisha. Thank you for letting the world know your journey.

[@zoo22u]

Thank you for introducing us to the lady who inadvertently sharing her pearls with a fool. She is a very brave person who stood up and stood out for her contribution.

[@kaylanozawa4798]

The book was always claimed to be a fiction, and was allowed to share details in his book. He messed up by including her in the "honorable mentions" when she did not want to be included at all. I enjoy both.

[@mimio008]

@@kaylanozawa4798 his mess up is a pretty big one though. Quite foolish, don't you think? 😉

[@kaylanozawa4798]

@@mimio008 I’m not saying it wasn’t a big mess-up. It obviously impacted her life! I’m just saying that the author never acted like the things she shared were FACT. He obviously used the details for inspiration, hence why it’s a fiction.

[@mimio008]

@@kaylanozawa4798 ok I thought you were directly responding to Gina Takagawa's comment and defending him... I guess he did say he was writing fiction but it doesn't really factor in here does it? Have a nice day 😊

[@Ostsol]

I read her book last year. Once I heard about it, any interest I had in approaching Golden's book vanished. I'm glad I went this route. The true story is wonderfully compelling and educational. She is a remarkable woman.

[@richt63]

This is a fantastic video. Thank you for posting it. As a student of Japanese culture. I learned about Japan from Japanese friends and from my father who was stationed in Japan back in the 1950s when he was in the army. And he got a different impression what Japan is like when he was there. That movies about Japan stereotype the Japanese into something less than what they are. I had read the book geisha a life by mineko iwasaki. And through her eyes I understood more about the geisha. And I'm sorry she had problems with the writer of memoirs of a geisha Arthur Golden. I would like to leave a message here for Mineko -san saying thank you for allowing us to see a glimpse of the world of the geisha. And I will treasure her book.

[@melanie_kay_6014]

I'm so happy to learn the "real" story. As others in the comments have already said, the book and movie were super influential and have become a bit of a guilty pleasure for me personally, because I'm at odds with how downright misogynistic and opportunistic it was to write this story that way. But it is such a beautiful movie. It's amazing to learn that Mineko was such a fierce fighter for worker's rights in an environment that wasn't open for dicussion at all.

[@mrs.dalton3738]

I am SO happy someone made a video about this! I read Mineko's book years ago and it made me so mad that one of my favorite books/movies were ripped off of her life! Thank You!

[@Jules-1770]

After reading "Memoirs of a Geisha" I also knew the story of Mineko Iwasaki and am now almost finished her book. You have given a very faithful and enjoyable representation of her story. Geisha are fascinating as they look so other-worldly. The make-up and hairstyles horrify me as they are so artificial. The kimono, ornamentation and dancing are very beautiful.

[@christianealshut1123]

Yes, I can imagine the hairstyle to be a bother, especially for maiko (apprentices) because the hair is pulled so tight in certain spaces that it leads to the formation of a bald spot (which Iwasaki also mentions in her book). And they cannot sleep without a wooden headrest in the place of a cushion or else they will flatten their hairstyles during the night.

[@barbarazuazua3927]

Thank you for telling this part of the story . I adored Memoirs of a Geisha mainly because I could identify with the controlling and tragic romantic aspects. It really was beautifully told. My heart broke and felt whole again. I read the book many times. I wish I had looked more into the life of the inspiration, Mineko Iwasaki though, like you did. Thank you for bringing her story to light. I'm going to find her true memoirs right away. I'm subscribing because I hope to see more deep dives like this!

[@CountessLydia]

I was very honoured to attend her book signing, talk and performance in Glasgow a number of years ago ❤️❤️❤️

[@NC-ij9rb]

I read Mineko's book back in college. Definitely a page turner. Highly recommend.

[@christineduffy3113]

Could you tell me what the book is called please. Thank-you

[@BougieOnABudgetFigiRated]

I am not sure why this popped up on my feed, but I am truly grateful. My wedding dress was designed with an obi and it was absolutely inspired by Memoirs of a Geisha. I’ve traveled to Tokyo for work and had to buy a kimono. They’re very expensive so I settled for a yukata instead. I have a slightly different opinion. It wasn’t an autobiography, so I understand the creative liberties taken with the book and movie. However, Mr. Golden didn’t show integrity when it came to keeping her anonymous. I intend to purchase this biographical book and I’ll support this channel, as well. Thank you!

[@SocialExperiment232]

I agree. His only mistake really was mentioning her name. He could have written a fictional story using these themes and kept her out of it. But I still love memoirs.

[@BougieOnABudgetFigiRated]

@@SocialExperiment232 I’ve watched it so many times. When I read the book and realized there was another chapter, I was upset to see there was more to the story than what was covered by the movie. I had to remind myself that it was fictional.

[@irmar]

@@SocialExperiment232 It wasn't only that. It seems that his depiction of geisha life was not accurate either.

[@SocialExperiment232]

@@irmar it was fictional so yes he took a lot of creative liberties (some which didn’t make much sense like the girls being beaten at these houses even though their bodies could not be damaged to perform) but overall it made a good story and a movie that many enjoyed. Not everything has to be a portrayal of reality sometimes we watch movies to escape reality. It doesn’t have to be 100% real. But he should have kept her out of it instead of making it seem like that was her life and I understand why she would be offended. I d think both stories can and should be enjoyed respectively.

[@punkrock6564]

I always felt like Memoirs of a Geisha was icky when I first watched it during high school. I’m now in my late 20’s and I saw Geisha, a life in the library on sale and it looked like a legit story. And it was, I’m so glad I found Iwasaki’s story through her own words. I had to find books reviews for this! Thanks so much for this video.

[@conandunn5441]

So in love w the fact you've brought about the true arc and complex reality that's been long over due this brilliant soul . love n respect to you both , ousss!

[@Shifang]

Gosh, her sister was a real piece of work! I don't know how she managed to keep it together during her career because the constant silent catfight in the background would have exhausted me. Glad to have run across this video! I already knew about a lot of it, but the further detail was appreciated. I bet she would have been so interesting to talk to, even if it wasn't about her career. 28 seasons though, yikes. Didn't know that!

[@christianealshut1123]

Yes, I remember the sister also, though it's been many years since I read Iwasaki's book. If there is any character in Iwasaki's life that might have been a model for the evil Hatsumomo in Golden's book, it would probably be her.

[@victoriafinnin1215]

What an incredibly respectful accolade to such an interesting lady. I can't wait to read this! She was a true artist, and these are rare.

[@lisaspikes4291]

The tradition of Geisha is fascinating. Although in modern times, we tend to look down on things like this. But the Geisha were actually talented businesswomen, at a time when most women were destined to only get married and have babies. It wasn’t an easy life, but compared to living in poverty at that time, it wasn’t so bad. They used what they had to make a life for themselves. It’s honorable.

[@redfullmoon]

You might have a too westernized lens of how women in Japan were "oppressed" to only be housewives or relegated to the home/childrearing, but if you actually do research many women also became monks or temple priestesses, some blind/disabled ones also worked as traveling folk singers, many also farmed.

[@irmar]

@@redfullmoon Nun, a life of chastity, as the alternative to being given to a man you hardly know and surely have not really chosen. And yes, of course, rural women worked in the fields as well, their kids tied by a rope at their waist to a tree so that they wouldn't wander too far. What you describe was also the reality for Western women, once upon a time, so it's well known to us. So yes, they were oppressed, no quotes there. Their choices were veeeery limited, usually their family and situation chose for them. It's no big deal to recognize that in Japan it used to be that way as well, you don't have to feel bad about it.

[@devikam785]

India had a similar culture centuries ago. The female performers had contributed to the development of classical music and dance that are practiced in the country today. They have been misunderstood too I going to definitely read the book

[@jordannrivera9950]

Really? What were they called? Do you have any book recommendations?

[@Arty190]

@@jordannrivera9950 Not op, but he's probably talking about the Tawaif

[@Crossword131]

Thank you so much for introducing us to the real Miniko and her story. Aurthur Golden should be ashamed.

[@rrobinfinch]

I have read her memoir several times. It is truly one of the best stories of triumph and gaining control!

[@YasminA-jm9zs]

You did such a great job at explaining the story in a way anyone can understand. I love the pictures you used, and your tone! I watched the movie so many times so it’s great to learn the new story. Thank you!

[@erisuriku]

Thank you for writing about Iwasaki! Her memoir is one of my favourite books, and like many who have commented here, I've read it many times over the years.

[@lebambale]

Geisha: Life is such a great book! I accidentally encountered it in the library, took it to just skip through the pages, read there and there, look at the pictures, but it sucked me in so bad and so instantly! Red it the same day. It's so well written, in such an engaging style, conveying a compelling and intricate personal story, revealing social complexities at the time (which makes the book so significant, as there are so many conflicting layers covered, can even say political in a sense). Very thoughtful, too, good food for thought. The quote I still remember is when she, as a working geisha, asked a client, an art critic during the evening event at the house, how to ('correctly') interpret art: he said "see what you see and feel what you feel". It's been such a brilliant simple advice!

[@sarahwatts7152]

Well told! I had no idea that Memoirs was piecemeal fact and fiction, I just fell into a compelling story without interrogating the facts. I'm sure to add Mineko's real memoir to my to-read list.

[@stefs3460]

I will definitely read this biography! It sounds really interesting. A long time retired geisha by the name of Sawako Takahashi who worked both before and after the war shared her experience in a 1996 article. It also showed the professionalism and talent needed in her work, playing several different musical instruments , being proficient in dance and up to date on news and politics

[@s.v.2796]

Thank you for posting this beautifully crafted, respectful video. I too was terribly disappointed when i realized the lengths Golden went by through to defame and use Mineko Iwasaki. I appreciate your dedication in setting the record straight while still telling an interesting story.

[@marymagdalene1212]

Thank you so much for telling Mineko's story and giving her the respect she deserves. You did an amazing job with this video!

[@indiascarlett]

Thank you so much!

[@majamoore6209]

This was a great video. I never read Memoirs of a Geisha, but I did see the movie. I really enjoyed the movie. I was completely unaware of the controversy surrounding it. I am now interested in reading Miniko's book after seeing this. Thanks for sharing.

[@llw1361]

The channel, Shogo Your Friend in Kyoto, has several videos on this part of Japanese culture, including his wife being dressed as a geisha at a Kyoto kimono/photoshoot shop.

[@NinjaGrrrl7734]

I love his channel. I've learned so much about modern day Japan and its social issues. It seems a challenging time for them, but I suppose it is for all of us now.

[@indiascarlett]

I love that channel!

[@NinjaGrrrl7734]

@@indiascarlett your channel ROCKS. You have a great intro, and your voice is a terrific instrument. You do diligent research and you're a damned good story teller. Just sayin.

[@indiascarlett]

@@NinjaGrrrl7734 Thank you so much!

[@kakumee]

I loved show cute she looked as a maiko! (Geisha in training) i believe she was dressed as a 1st year maiko in that video.

[@jessicarichter6436]

Memoirs of a geisha is one of my fav movies since my childhood I always thought they was so beautiful and their culture fascinating was nice to hear more about the real woman behind the movie

[@Andromedacelestia21]

This was very interesting! Thank you for all your research. I'm placing my order for her biography. I'm highly looking forward to reading it.

[@bistrastoimenovaphotography]

Thank you for sharing this! I knew "Memoirs of a Geisha" is based on a real woman and that the author twisted the information he got from her, which led to a lawsuit. But I had zero idea that this woman wrote a book herself! I read "Memoirs of a Geisha" at 15 for the first time. Had I known this book exactly, I would have read it back then. Off I am to find it now ❤

[@vampoftrance]

I do not think this is true. The author said it was his imagine. Probably she had the same experience as the girl character. There are so many stories based on my life, I would never sue anyone. Its enjoyable when someone says " reminds me of you" when I'm sure that my work inspired it.

[@Gobialien]

Really loving Mineko's autobiography so far.

[@lyssagames4311]

I’ve been reading “Geisha, A Life” written by her and it’s a beautiful story. Very few similarities to the memoirs, if there are any I haven’t seen them yet. It’s a shame that her story was twisted so much.

[@SocialExperiment232]

I still appreciate Memoirs as a fictional story that could have happened to someone else. His true mistake was mentioning her name when she clearly asked him not to. Their stories are different and both valid, one for its interesting fictional, fantasy aspects, and the other for its realistic portrayal. Although I always thought it was unrealistic for the girls to be beaten because it would damage their bodies I don’t find it far fetched that some people would take advantage of a beautiful young girl in this position and go through similar events. I appreciate both stories and still watch the movie occasionally. Lovely video!

[@laurahero8778]

Preach, me also. Though it may not be 100% correct with the lifestyle of a geisha, I still enjoy the storyline that was created by the author.

[@modtomodern]

Mineko is an inspiration. I hope that she is loved and happy.

[@moushimou3170]

This was really fantastic, I love how matter of fact you were in your explanations, though there are just a few inaccuracies. Not every maiko has a specific onee-san assigned to her. It happens quite often that maiko will debut without an official onee-san but it's not so much of a big deal as the community helps lift her up and support her even without being official older sisters. Geiko can take on imouto (younger sisters) pretty early on as long as they can financially support themselves and help pay for the expenses of the maiko, on rare occasions even senior maiko can take on younger sisters (this is normally when they're just about to graduate to become geiko ) like was the case with kikuyuu-san and her onee-san Kikuno-san. Minarai don't normally follow their onee-san from ochaya to ochaya, instead they "intern" at a specifi ochaya so they can learn the ins and outs of an ochaya while also watching how ozashiki are performed. I really like how you mentioned that ozashiki are often hosted by women and can be family affairs involving children. This is probably the biggest misconception that I see people still stick to, that the customers of maiko and geiko are older men (Which yes of course older men can host ozashiki, but they're far from their only clientele. With women having a stronger presence in the work force, especially in various businesses, they're a common sight to see at ozashiki, becoming more common today ^^) The rest was also fantastic, really well stated ^^

[@indiascarlett]

Thank you for all this wonderful information!

[@moushimou3170]

@@indiascarlett No worries!! If you're interested in the climate of maiko and geiko today, there's definitely some healthy competition as at the beginning of the year during shigeyoshiki (First year's greetings) different rewards are given out to various maiko and geiko including rewards for improvement in the various arts and the reward for most ozashiki attended, this is the one where Mineko was labeled as the most successful geiko, an honor she held for a long time holding that position for 5 years in a row, this record was broken during the last decade when Geiko Satsuki held the number one spot for 7 years in a row. These days while the competition is healthy, you won't see maiko and geiko putting each other down or sabotaging each other. There's so few of them, they're very supportive of each other. ^^

[@darlenecuker9711]

Thank you for the explanations. It’s so nice to learn the facts.

[@cococgb5389]

Thank You for sharing this ! What an extraordinary life .. Shame on Golden for breaking his promises and disrespecting her .. I am purchasing her true story immediately ♥️🕊🎶💪

[@karaharrison323]

Beautiful though. Thank you for sharing her story and her beautiful thoughts. I wish her the very best.😊

[@glenda1385]

She is so beautiful. Memoirs was one of my favorite movies of all time. But I was unaware of everything that happened thereafter unfortunately, as that would've been the first thing I'd done was read her story, had I known. So, thank you for this information as I'm definitely going to read now. :) Also, new subscriber.

[@doreendaykin6693]

So happy to have discovered this channel & info. Gratitude! I will look for her book.🌿

[@PrincessLilithAvante]

I truly love, adore and admire Mineko.

[@LllamaDelReyy]

This was such a wonderful video to stumble upon. I didn’t know about all of this. I saw the movie years ago when I was a teenager and I enjoyed it but I will seek out the original book to read now I know it exists. Thank you so much

[@yepok5120]

I'm so happy this came up on my feed. Thank you

[@deborahpollitt7533]

Read both Golden’s book, Linda Dalby’s book, Mineko’s book. The book and film based of Golden’s research were very frustrating to me because of his misconceptions. I’ve been fascinated by geisha and the floating world since I was a child. I am eternally grateful to Mneko for reveal her world to me. I still marvel at the concept of being art as well as being an artist.

[@morganablackwater2017]

It wasn't misconceptions - he didn't like that Geishas aren't sexual toys men can buy and couldn't handle how Feminised this line of job it was... So he deliberately LIED to flatter own and other males ego.

[@my_girl_seraphine5294]

@@morganablackwater2017 He made up so much crap just because he didn’t like the truth and she ended up paying for it :(

[@kurori6958]

I'm glad that the KZbin algorhythm poped up your video today. Great content. Many thanks for your hard work. At first I didn't know about "Memoirs of a Geisha". Back in the days I firstly found Iwasaki Mineko's Memoirs in a bookstore in my german hometown. I was always interested in Japan and japanese culture. Remembering that I read it in only one weekend and I loved it and still do. When the filmversion of "Memoirs of a Geisha" aired in cinema, hearing the reference to Mineko, I went watching in high hopes and was realy angry afterwards. This film was so disrespectfull in my point of view. Gladly recognizing afterwards that Mineko sued the author of "Memoirs of a geisha".

[@tatianagranger2427]

I read this book when it came out and have subsequently read it every few years since. It’s so beautiful and well written. I wasn’t aware of the woman who was used for this. Dang. How many times do we see this happen?? Women and disenfranchised people are always stepping stools for ruthless people. I hope this changes someday.

[@shelleymcafee8197]

I’m so happy to learn this true info about such an amazing Lady! The book was fascinating, but now im looking-forward to reading Moniko’s Own autobiography!!! Thank-You!

[@cawiltu]

I thank you for the clarification. Memoirs of a geisha left me thinking that she had had a horrible life. Glad to know that it was just a fairytale.

[@ellentorres6314]

So enjoyed this video...I was fascinated by Memoirs of a Geisha....thank you for telling her truth...I loved hearing your voice as you related this story...your voice reminds me of Princess Diana...I admired her greatly and was saddened that she left us so soon.....thank you for the gift of your voice!!!

[@blinkandarmyforlife3007]

This was so helpful to find more about Mineko iwasaki. Thankyou Indian Scarllet.

[@cindersmolloy6584]

I have just ordered the book, thanks for this. That last quote, so very true.

[@andreaswetmore3915]

Awesome. Can't wait to read Mineko's book. Thank you IndiaScarlett.

[@theajones6080]

Thank you for taking the time to do this. I love the book, and have always wondered how accurate it was.

[@natalieyork956]

This was so amazing. Thank you for such a detailed explanation and interpretation.

[@indiascarlett]

Thank you!

[@TheFakeyCakeMaker]

This was ace, I'll get the audio book but honestly I doubt I'll enjoy it as much as listening to you. You've got such an engaging voice. I loved Memoirs and I appreciate the way you've simply highlighted the differences without disparaging the book. As much as I agree with what you're saying ultimately Memoirs is there only foray into this life most people will ever have, if those in it don't talk someone else will tell their story and as stories go Arthur Golden at least tried to be accurate. I'm just disappointed I've never heard of her story until now.

[@gabrielles1851]

I read both Golden, Iwasaki, and Liza Dalby's book and found the truth to be something in between for Golden and Iwasaki. Mineko was designated atotori from the time she joined. She lead much more of a charmed life than others who didn't have her rank. So her story is not typical and even reads as someone who is a bit spoiled and naïve at times. It was indeed wrong for him to use her name when she said not to though.

[@emilycanfield2634]

Thats what I'm getting just from this video tbh, I like Mineko was lucky to be taken in the way she did and her family life. Memoirs, though a fictional story was set during a different time in Japan and I'm sure lots of little girls got sold by their families and had to work off debt to become apprentices/Geisha. Some girls probably got sold off to work as servants or cooks and never even got a chance to become Geisha. I doubt the okiya would only have a couple Geisha, and the "Mother" they'd need someone to cook, clean, wash up and take care of kimono

[@knives81x]

I did not like her. The things that appear wholesome about her are all really things she tells us but didn't convey in her actions. I noticed the way she mistreated all her peers, lost every friend she had and ended up alone in America. She also ruined another girl's life once and talks about it in the book. I suggest some people reread the book and pay attention to how she speaks to others. It's not good.

[@pamdix]

@@knives81x I didn't like her at all. She was spoiled and very greedy. Her parents were selling their daughters. I thought that stopped after the prostitute quarters of Yoshiwara and Shimabara were closed. I have studied every book in English about geisha and courtesans that I could get my hands on. If these woman expect a man to pay for everything that a geisha needs, the men also expect sex. Thus, they are prostitutes. If the man buys her an apartment or bar, he's certainly expects sex, thus they are selling their bodies. They barely use the arts any more. Save that mess about "not selling their bodies" BS. They wanted to sell their profession as "artists." Well, those men aren't paying for art.

[@Bedtime-dr4wv]

@@knives81x it's honestly not surprising. it's a brutal world there.

[@christianealshut1123]

@@knives81x Yes, though I think Sayuri (the main character) is styled also very much as a victim because all of these acts are construed as being "forced" on her (i.e. "she had no choice" but to act this way). She had to destroy her competitor Hatsumomo (or het her big sister Mameha help her doing so) or Hatsumomo would have destroyed her. And for the same reason she had to supplant her fellow geisha and former friend "Pumpkin" (who was Hatsumomo's younger sister) as the intended heir of the okiya. And finally she "has to" hurt one man who truly loves her (Nobu) in order to end up with the man she truly loves (the Chairman). And her big sister Mameha is no better; she says that women do not become geisha because they choose this profession, but because they have no other choice, and so everything one does to harm others in the act of self--preservation is essentially "no choice" either.

[@ambravo190]

I read this book when I was 15! And loved it. It is fascinating. Absolutely recommend!

[@seeksustainablejapan]

Wonderful video thanks so much! Glad to hear these entertainers were able to have a sense of independence and personal success still so difficult in male dominated Japan. There are two areas in Hiroshima where geisha culture heritage has almost been erased - Miyajima and Mitarai but I'd love to find out more of the valuable part of that history. I think Kyoto is the only area we can still see the culture continue.

[@chriss7552]

Thank you for sharing this video. I have to buy mineko's book. I misunderstood what a geisha is because of the movie.

[@amyloredo5253]

Wow! So interesting! I’ve really been enjoying learning about the whole new world of old Japanese entertainment! Fascinating history!

[@snehaasaikar1937]

Geisha of Gion is a wonderful book. It was translated in Marathi, an Indian language by Anuradha Athavale and I, being a Japanese language teacher was requested to review the book for spellings of Japanese words in Marathi. I'm glad I could be a part of Mineko Iwasaki's book in Marathi, my mother tongue. 😊❤

[@FanartistArixthexDemon]

I have read and own both books. Mineko Iwasaki was the reason I read both and I understand why she asked Arthur to keep her anonymous, but if he had just done what she asked.....Nonetheless, both are good reads! Thank you for the video!

[@singingflowers7456]

This is a very informative video! It's really thorough. I never initially realized that Mr. Tanaka, and Mineko's rl father could be connected bc its too much of a coincidence for it not to be. I personally think that Sayo Masuda was also possibly some of the inspiration (uncredited) for moag because of her difficult life as an onsen geisha. But im speculating. thank you for taking the time to explain all of this. Gion is pronounced with a long e sound like in see or bee. offnote: the thumbnail isn't Mineko Iwasaki, it's Kimika as a maiko!

[@indiascarlett]

The thumbnail is definitely Mineko

[@snk1008]

My mother had both of these books here. I recognized immediately the connection. I loved Minekos book so much. This world is completely fascinating. I also enjoyed the movie. I didnt know that author didnt have her permission though.

[@andreaswetmore3915]

Thank you India Scarlett. Mineko Iwasaki's book "Geisha, a Life". is awesome. Proud of Mineko for suing Mr. Golden.

[@KitsuyuutsuR]

I’m so glad this popped into my feed! I’ve read Memoirs of a Geisha so many times I don’t know how the book is in one piece and I’ve watched the movie quite a few times. I had no idea the geisha that the author spoke to had written her own book! I’m going to be looking for this today to see if I can find or order it. I must read it!

[@yelena86]

I borrowed this book from my local library years ago but don’t remember much of it. Another great video packed with info I had no idea about. Thank you 🙏✨

[@elizabethtatum-soprano]

Thank you for providing this education! Even though I really liked "Memoirs" the book and the movie, I had a suspicion it had a lot of inaccuracies. The accuracies could have been included and it would have been a spectacular book. GRR

[@mamatrace8304]

Growing up, reading Pearl S. Buck books, I imagined my life as a geisha or some far off foreign land. Watching this film solidified my connection to High Japanese Arts. The sights, societal restraints and art were portrayed just as I imagined (Last Emperor Of China helped). Which I realize now that is not the norm. Yet, this story reminded me of a fairy tale I've spun in my head. A girl with a miserable life finds light in the smallest gesture of kindness. Deeply related to Chiyo bc throughout my traumatic life I always looked for a glimmer of hope; a sign of good things to come in the little instances in life like omens of good things coming in my future from my good choices. Even when things were dire, I always saw someone who was worse off than myself. It made me grateful and want to help that person in a worse situation have a better chance at life especially the disabled children and their caregivers. No one thinks about the parents who can never experience empty nests and/or fully independent adult children. We have made their lives harder. It pains me so. Chiyo reminds me that my pain is to bring forth beauty. If everything was perfect, I could never truly love life and be grateful for it. Each lesson is a blessing. This movie sang to my heart.

[@toriepelarski7952]

I remember reading memoirs of a geisha when I was 11 and I loved it, but then I found out the backstory of the author I was so horrified and felt terrible. So I immediately read her memoir afterwards to get the true story.

[@valentinogal781]

Thank you for preserving Mineko's legacy and honor in tact. I hate it when Western authors take what they call creative liberties and tarnish other cultures for the sake of making money. Every culture and person must be treated with respect.

[@juliebenson4332]

Memoirs of a Geisha was set before WWII. The experiences of a maiko/geisha of that era would be quite different than it was for Mineko Iwasaki, born after the war and through the Japanese economic boom. I do not understand how the two characters are conflated, even if Ms. Iwasaki was consulted. I enjoyed both books.

[@Amphitera]

^this. Golden's story had nothing to do with Mineko's life, she was consulted for intricacies of geisha culture and life in Gion. All of the events in "Memoirs" were fictional (and not far fetched for the time it was set in). I don't understand why people compare the two books at all.

[@TwztdCLowN17]

I was gifted Geisha, a Life back in 2003 and it's my favourite book in the world. Thank you for this video, not enough people know the amazing story of Mineko Iwasaki and the inspiring life she lived.

[@isopodio]

thank you for this!! i chose this book to do a literary criticism too for school, assuming it would be inaccurate of the actual history- will be using some of this to help :)

[@monicabagonamarkande]

Love this! Thanks for this informative video. I used to be so scared of Geishas growing up because of the Geisha doll in my grandparents house. I used to get nightmares because the doll would come alive in my dreams. But now as an adult and because of videos like these, I appreciate their culture and all the hardwork it requires to be a Geisha. ❤

[@emmahardesty4330]

Thanks for your accurate commentary. Geisha history is rich and intriguing. Definitely read Mineko's book, Geisha, a Life (US title).

[@jashonpogue3171]

I been waiting for a vlog! Let me get a glass of Stella ready!

[@jujubee8610]

They were treated like life sized dolls to play with, that's no way to live. I'm glad her story has a happy ending

[@irvinpena1735]

Yup. Japanese loved dolls

[@karaharrison323]

Beautiful and thank you for the true story, the geisha are artist.😊

[@baylorsailor]

Thanks for the post! Very interesting!

[@arosefortes6507]

Quite fascinating! I've always been interested in Asian cultures. Though I've yet to read Memoir of a Geisha! I think mainly for fear of reading something I don't want to know or accept. Thank you for this video for I now have reconsidered

[@aggierowe9574]

Ok, the algorithm sent me here and I must read her book! Great video

[@flyingaviator8158]

Thank you for the video, I have watched the movie and wanted to find out more about the backstory.

[@ichasepaper954]

I was a huge fan of the movie when I was younger. Which led me to read the book. I knew the movie was embellished as "based on" mostly are. But I thought at least the book was mostly accurate. Fascinating vid.... Seriously ❤️

[@Utulintu]

She’s amazing. I’ve read her book many times ❤

[@kitirving7747]

Thank you for this video. I LOVED reading Mineko Iwasaki's book, and have re-read it several times. I would love to travel to Kyoto and see the walls of the old Gions and see what is still left in its traditional forms

[@Nyctophora]

Thank you for helping to set the record straight.