Geisha

The growing interest in geisha and their exotic appearance have spawned various popular culture phenomena both in Japan and in the West.

Geiko as known as Geisha consists of two kanji,  gei meaning “art” and sha   meaning “person” or “doer”.
or in English would be “artist” or “performing artist”.

Apprentice geisha are called maiko or in English mean  ”dance child”.  They learn how to dance, sing  and to play musical  instrument.  

It is the maiko, with her white make-up and elaborate kimono and hairstyle,  that has become the stereotype of a geisha to Westerners, rather than the true geisha.

There remains some confusion, even within Japan, about the nature of the geisha profession.  Geisha are regarded as prostitutes by many Westerners. However, legitimate geisha do not engage in paid sex with clients.  Their purpose is to entertain their customer, be it by dancing, reciting verse, playing musical instruments,  or engaging in light conversation. Geisha engagements may include flirting with men and playful innuendos; however,
clients know that nothing more can be expected.  In a social style that is common in Japan,  men are amused by the illusion of that which is never to be.