Former Maiko (Geiko/Geisha Apprentice) Tweet Exposing The Industry Goes Viral

[Your Biggest Fan]

 

She says that she only lasted 8 months once promoted to maiko because of her experience. Many other former maiko are now sharing similar stories as to why they had left the industry. For more of an explanation of this scandal please watch this video:

[abra]

The whole concept of Geisha is iffy so I am saddened but not surprised

[bzz]

Basically, geisha is glamorized prostitute. This is definitely an outdated culture.

[sakurahanabira]

On 7/19/2022 at 12:59 AM, bzz said:

Basically, geisha is glamorized prostitute. This is definitely an outdated culture.

Geisha aren't prostitutes nor are they supposed to be treated or act as prostitutes. You're mixing them up with oiran. https://www.motivistjapan.com/geisha-maiko-and-oiran/ The word geisha literally means "a person of the arts." 

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As the number of female geisha rises, the number of male Taikomochi dropped. More women preferred to become geisha who are into arts instead of giving sexual favors to their guests . Geishas were forbidden to sell sex to avoid competition with the Oirans. 

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Oiran refers to the high ranking courtesans or sex workers in Japan during the Edo period. The highest rank of oiran is called Tayū (太夫). 

Oiran is different from the regular prostitutes called yuujo (遊女).Yuujo are the girls who sit in harimise (張り見世). Harimise is a brothel for sex workers were the girls sit behind bars while the customers pick the girl they like. Oiran does not sit in harimise and instead, oiran is the one who picks their customer. An oiran should be well educated, highly trained in different skills such as chado, calligraphy, ikebana and shamisen. They are expected to be well versed and elegant. 

 

[bzz]

3 hours ago, caffeinated minimalist said:

Geisha aren't prostitutes nor are they supposed to be treated or act as prostitutes. You're mixing them up with oiran. https://www.motivistjapan.com/geisha-maiko-and-oiran/ The word geisha literally means "a person of the arts." 

 

The former maiko herself said she was almost sold to have sex with the patron.

Escort does not mean prostitute either but, you know how escort job practically goes, right?

[Youahaen]

It depends on the agency/house (whatchamacallit). Just like entertainment agencies. The small and shady ones will try to do business and sell these girls as prostitutes. Maybe the reputable and established ones don't do this from what I heard. 

I wonder if  'Kimono mom', the Japanese youtuber who cooks with her infant daughter who's also an expert at dressing Kimono (she was maiko herself before she met her husband and got married) have shared and talked about this,  I really wanna know her take on this as a former maiko.

Edited August 12, 2022 by Youahaen