Facts about the world that interest me

This will mainly be a place for me to infodump stuff that interest me (mainly stuff from cultures and countries around the world)

First up: some stuff I have learned about Geiko/Geisha and Oiran

I’ve been interested in Geiko and Oiran for awhile and rn I’m currently watching some documentaries. Very fascinating

Some main information: 

Geikos (more well known as ‘geisha’) are, to put it simply, performers of the arts. Geiko’s are the name used for the performers in Kyoto while Geisha is the term used in Tokyo.

Geiko’s / Geisha have three main ‘classes’ 

Maiko - a Geiko in training. Sometimes referred to as the younger sister of the Geiko who trains them 

Geiko - the most well known and popular of the ‘classes’, Geiko are expected to know how to do tea ceremonies and traditional arts such as shamisen and cultural dances

Tayū - Tayū are the top rank of a Geiko. The reason I called the Geiko the most ‘popular’ of the classes is because Tayū, although the highest rank, are hard to meet as they are not only rare in numbers but they also have the privilege of choosing who they spend a party with. Tayū are expected to know all of the arts including, poems, dance, shamisen and tea ceremonies.

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Yūjo - Although they might look similar to the blind eye, Geiko and Yūjo are very different. Yūjo are prostitutes of the red light district (a district where prostitution was allowed by the government) Yūjo, although elegant, usually did not live the best lives, usually sold off unwillingly by their parents

Oiran - Oiran are the highest ranking Yūjo. To spend a night with them costs more money than some people can ever imagine owning. Oiran, much like the Tayū have more freedom choosing who they give their services to as not only are Oirans usually not short for money (like lots of Yūjo were) but they had the societal role that gave them the most desire. One of the most popular Oiran ‘events’ is the Oiran dochu or in English, the Oiran walk. This walk was performed when an Oiran had to meet with a costumer. It was not only done for the costumer, but also as a way for commoners to get a glimpse of the Oiran. The shoes used in these walks were very tall and Oirans had to master a special way of walking in them that took around 3 years to learn. Oiran were often seen as the most desirable women of the edo period.

Difference between Oiran and Tayū

Oiran are prostitutes, while they do perform some arts for their costumers, it is not the main focus of their job. While a Tayū ‘s job focuses on the arts and entertainment.

One Tayū of are modern day would be Aoi Tayu, from Kyotol