The Geisha of Kagurazaka Born from Cobblestone Alleys: Why Geisha are “Genuine People”
Discovering the Warmth of Kagurazaka Geisha
This photo shows the Kagurazaka geisha “Koyo” and a guest’s one-year-old baby during an ozashiki asobi (a traditional geisha entertainment gathering). You can see the affectionate gaze of the geisha toward the baby, which illustrates just how “genuine” Kagurazaka geisha are. In their private lives, they display youthful energy and vitality. Of course, they never neglect the rigorous training of their art. In this blog, I will explain why conversations with Kagurazaka geisha are always so pleasant.
In a previous blog titled “Why Conversations with Artisans and Geisha are So Enjoyable: Let’s Enjoy Talking with “Genuine People,” I mentioned that conversations with artisans and geisha are always pleasant. This likely applies to geisha outside of Kagurazaka as well.
The reasons include ① passion and sincerity, ② expertise and skills, ③ self-realization and satisfaction, ④ humanity and warmth, and ⑤ unique perspectives and values. These qualities are common among artisans and geisha. Additionally, as geisha are in the hospitality business, their skills in smooth conversation make interactions particularly pleasant.
Although I haven’t spoken to geisha from other regions, I might be biased, but I believe Kagurazaka geisha are even more “genuine (sincere)” compared to others. Having lived for over 50 years and conversed with various people worldwide, I find the level of pleasantness in conversations with Kagurazaka geisha to be exceptional.
Why are Kagurazaka Geisha “Genuine People”?
The Significance of Fan Patterns in Kagurazaka’s Cobblestone Paths
These cobblestones, laid with a spirit of “consideration,” create a picturesque and “Iki” (sophisticated, refined) atmosphere in Kagurazaka. Walking these alleys filled with “consideration” and “Iki,” it’s possible that Kagurazaka geisha have unconsciously become “genuine people.”
I once had the opportunity to speak with “Yumie,” a veteran Kagurazaka geisha, about the history and hanamachi of Kagurazaka for nearly two hours. Born and raised in Kagurazaka, “Yumie” knows everything about the area. She has even appeared in TV dramas with Japan’s renowned actress Sayuri Yoshinaga, teaching her manners and movement. She shared anecdotes about visiting Kagurazaka Ryotei restaurants with Yoshinaga.
People often prefer to choose younger geisha, but conversations with veteran geisha like “Yumie” offer the chance to learn directly about the history of the geisha district (hanamachi), Kagurazaka, and post-war Japan. Isn’t this a precious experience? By requesting a veteran geisha during ozashiki asobi, you can enjoy their supreme performance and learn deeply about Japan through conversation. Such opportunities are rare. Please come and experience the essence of “Iki” in Kagurazaka.