Danna geisha, or patron geisha, is a traditional Japanese system that dates back to the Edo period (1603-1867). Under this system, a wealthy male patron would take on a relationship with a female geisha. The danna would provide financial support and gifts in exchange for companionship and entertainment.
Today, the traditional danna system has changed significantly due to the changing times. However, modern day danna geisha still exists in some places. In particular, many geishas in Kyoto still maintain relationships with multiple patrons. This is referred to as ‘multiple danna’ and it allows geishas to have more than one sponsor at any given time.
Patronage of danna geisha is considered an important practice in Japanese culture. It’s seen as an opportunity for wealthy patrons to show their generosity and appreciation for the art of the geisha. Although there are currently only around 1,000 registered geishas in Japan today, they can be found performing at tea houses and ryoutei—luxurious Japanese restaurants—across major cities including Tokyo and Kanazawa.
The role of the danna goes beyond just providing financial support; it also involves offering guidance and emotional support to the geisha. For instance, they may accompany her during performances or provide moral advice when needed. The relationship between a danna and his geisha is built on mutual trust and respect; it’s not just about money or material possessions but rather about forming a bond as friends or even family members.
As we can see, although the traditional danna system has been modified over time, it still plays an important role in Japanese society today. For those interested in learning more about this unique form of patronage, there are many resources available online that provide frther information on the topic!
What is the Meaning of ‘Danna’ in Japanese?
In Japanese, Danna (那) means generosity, and it is one of the six Buddhist perfections known as Pāramitā. Danna also refers to the act of donating money, goods, or services to monks or temples, and those who make such donations are referred to as patrons. During the Japanese medieval period, danna was also used to refer to overnight visitors to a shrine or temple.
Source: desertsun.com
Can Geishas Marry?
No, a Geisha cannot marry. This is due to the rules and traditions of the Geisha profession, which requires that its practitioners remain unmarried in order to stay devoted to the art of being a Geisha. If a Geisha were to decide to marry, they would need to quit their job as a Geisha and it would be difficult to return, even if they did debut from the beginning in a different city under a different name. Therefore, marriage is not an option for most Geishas.
Can a Danna Have Multiple Geishas?
Yes, a Danna can have more than one geisha, although it is not as common as it once was. In the traditional danna system, a wealthy and influential man would provide financial support to a maiko or geisha in exchange for companionship and entertainment. This arrangement was typically exclusive, but with the changing times, this system has been replaced by “multiple danna” arrangements. In this case, multiple people can sponsor a specific maiko or geiko at the same time. The sponsors might include family members, friends, or business associates of the maiko or geisha. While rare, it is still posible for a Danna to have more than one geisha at once.
Are Geishas Still Present in Modern Society?
Yes, there are still geishas in Japan today. There are an estimated 1,000 geishas working in major cities such as Tokyo and Kanazawa, but the majority of them work in Kyoto. Geishas typically attend gatherings at tea houses and ryoutei — a kind of exclusive Japanese restaurant. They are highly trained professionals who offer entertainment through traditional performances such as dancing and singing, along with providing conversation and companionship to their guests. Geishas have been part of Japanese culture for centuries, and it is believed that their presence helps preserve the country’s cultural heritage.
Do Geisha Have Relationships With Their Danna?
No, geishas do not sleep with ther danna. In traditional Japanese culture, a geisha was seen as a highly trained entertainer who had mastered many arts, such as conversation and dance. The danna was typically a wealthy man who financially supported the geisha in exchange for her companionship. This companionship did not include a sexual relationship—rather, it revolved around the idea of appreciating the beauty and grace of the geisha through her performances and conversations.
In modern times, the role of the danna has changed significantly. While some still provide financial support to geishas, it is no longer expected or necessary for them to do so. Additionally, there is much less emphasis on a danna-geisha relationship being based around companionship without any expectations of physical intimacy.
Source: cnn.com
The Most Famous Geisha in History
The most famous geisha in history is undoubtedly Mineko Iwasaki. Born in 1949 as Masako Tanaka, she retired at the age of 29 after a successful career as a geisha. She was highly respected and admired for her skills, beauty, and intelligence.
Iwasaki’s reputation was such that she was often invited to important events, including conferences with influential politicians and celebrities. Her fame extended worldwide, with books and movies made about her life and work. She has also written several autobiographies whih have been translated into multiple languages.
Iwasaki’s legacy continues to live on today. Her experience as a geisha has inspired many young women to pursue careers in the arts or hospitality industry. She is an inspiration to many who aspire to reach the same level of success she achieved during her career.
Can White Women Become Geishas?
Yes, a white woman can be a geisha. Fiona Graham, who is now known as Sayuki, is the first Caucasian woman to be accepted into the ancient Japanese geisha tradition. After living in Japan for several years, she was accepted by one of the most prestigious okiya (geisha houses) and trained as a geisha. She went through the same rigorous training as any other aspiring geisha – mastering traditional music and dance, learning how to serve tea and entertain guests, and even how to dress in an authentic kimono.
While there were some initial misgivings from the traditionalist community, Sayuki has persevered and is now accepted as a full member of the profession. As well as appearing at various events and functions around Japan, she also serves on the board of The International Geisha Association which seeks to support new recruits into the profession.
Sayuki’s story shows that it is possible for anyone with passion and dedication to become a geisha – regardles of their background or ethnicity.
The Significance of Geisha Cutting Her Leg
Mameha cut Sayuri’s leg in order to manipulate the doctor into desiring her. By making a seemingly innocent accident appear to be the cause of the injury, Mameha hoped to arouse the doctor’s interest in Sayuri and thus increase his chances of bidding for her virginity during an upcoming auction. This is a common tactic used by geisha in order to increase teir allure and attract customers; by showcasing an injury, they create a sense of vulnerability that can be attractive and enticing. Therefore, Mameha cutting Sayuri’s leg was simply part of her strategy to entice the doctor and make him more likely to bid for Sayuri’s virginity during the auction.
The Fate of Aging Geishas
When geishas reach a certain age, they transition out of the traditional geisha lifestyle. Some may take on a leadership role in an okiya, or traditional teahouse, whie others choose to leave the geisha life altogether. While they no longer entertain at parties as part of their profession, some may still study traditional arts such as music and dance. In addition to this, many former geishas become successful businesswomen and entrepreneurs who use their knowledge of Japanese culture to create innovative products and services. Ultimately, each former geisha chooses her own path in life after her time as a geisha has come to an end.
Source: vogue.com
The Enduring Practice of Mizuage Among Geisha
No, geisha do not sell their mizuage today. The practice of mizuage was outlawed in Japan in 1956 with the introduction of the Anti-Prostitution Law, and is now considered a form of human trafficking. Mizuage had been a tradition within the geisha communities of Japan since the 18th century as a way for young geisha to take part in a rite of passage that symbolised their transition from trainee (maiko) to fully fledged geisha. The tradition involved a patron buying the rght to be the first man to sleep with the young maiko and completing her transition. This custom was abolished following its criminalisation by law, and has become increasingly frowned upon by both Japanese society and the wider international community.
The Age of the Youngest Geisha
The youngest geisha is typically 15 years old, which is the age at which a girl begins her training as a maiko. Maiko, or geisha apprentices, are expected to be between 15 and 21 years old before they can become full-fledged geisha. As part of their training, maiko learn traditional arts such as music, dance and conversation that are essential to becoming a professional geisha. After completing their apprenticeship and passing various tests and ceremonies, they can finally become full-fledged geisha at the age of 20 or 21.
The Role of a Geisha’s Boss
The boss of a geisha is the okā-san, or “mother” of the okiya, which is the traditional house where a geisha lives and works. The okā-san is responsible for managing a geisha’s engagements, developing her skills, and financing her training through a teahouse. She ensures that the geisha is properly trained in traditional performing arts such as music, dance, and storytelling, as well as social etiquette and entertaining guests. The okā-san will also arrange for her to receive mentoring from senior geishas to help her progress in her career.
Do Geishas Engage in Sexual Relations With Clients?
No, geishas do not sleep with their clients. In Japan, prostitution is illegal and geishas are highly respected cultural performers. Geishas must follow a strict code of conduct and it is against the rules of the organizations they belong to for them to engage in sexual relationships with their clients. Instead, geishas focus on providing a high-quality entertainment experience that often includes conversation, music, dance, and traditional games.
The Significance of Geishas Hiding Their Faces
Geishas hide their face by wearing thick white makeup, known as oshiroi, to create a flawless complexion. This is done for a few reasons. First, it helps to maintain an air of mystery and beauty – the oshiroi covers any imperfections and ensures that the geisha looks her best at all times. Second, it serves as a form of expression – the makeup can be used to communicate subtle emotions or even alter the facial expressions of the geisha. Finally, it is a way of hiding emotions – by covering their face with makeup, geishas are able to remain composed even duing difficult or uncomfortable situations.
Can an American Become a Geisha?
Yes, it is possble for an American to become a geisha. Although the tradition of geisha originated in Japan, there have been a few foreign geisha admitted into hanamachi (geisha districts) throughout the country since the early 2000s. Kimicho, an American geisha currently working in Tokyo, is one of the most famous examples.
Becoming a geisha is no easy task and requires serious dedication and hard work. It can take up to five years of intensive training in music, dance, tea ceremony and other traditional arts before one can be accepted into a hanamachi. Upon acceptance, one must also learn to communicate with customers through memorizing Japanese phrases and interacting with them in a graceful manner.
Due to its long history and deep cultural roots, it’s understandable that many Japanese people are skeptical about allowing foreign individuals to become geishas. However, with more foreigners showing interest in becoming part of this traditional culture and the increasing acceptance of their presence by the Japanese public, it’s likely that we will see more non-Japanese geishas in Japan in the future.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the traditional danna system for geisha has mostly faded away in modern times, but a new system has emerged that allows multiple sponsors to support a maiko or geiko. This is an important part of traditional Japanese culture and there are still around 1,000 geisha in Japan today who practice it. Although it is rare to find a full-time danna system these days, it is still possible to experience the traditional culture of the geisha through attending gatherings at tea houses and ryoutei restaurants.
