SHIMODA, Japan — With a few hesitant steps and the swoosh of kimono against a tatami-mat floor, it isn’t long before Awagiku finds her rhythm, moving with what comes close to perfection by the end of ...

Her voice sounded melodic, soft and soothing. She glided across the tatami mats, dancing traditional steps that she had performed thousands of times. Her apprentice, fresh with youth and wearing a ...

With her perfectly lacquered hair, painted face and a submissive demeanor meant to please the men she entertains, the Japanese geisha has the reputation of being a lady of uncertain morals. Delicate, ...

KYOTO, Japan — On the quiet streets of Kyoto you will get a glimpse of them. Dressed in Kimono. The familiar white makeup. Walking quickly. That is the extent of what most people see of a geisha.

In modern Japan, geisha performers have become a rarity outside of the few established entertainment districts in major cities and hot spring resorts. This is due to Japan’s changing economy and ...

A geiko (Kyoto geisha) named Mamechika dances in Gion, Kyoto, on on August 30, 2007. (Joi Ito photo/Flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/joi/1284204434/in/photostream ...

Have you ever fantasized about the world of geisha? Even for most Japanese, the beautifully made-up and richly adorned geisha is an object of fascination and mystery, simply because the world they ...

Foreign readers may not be very familiar with the professional traditional entertainers called geisha, but nowadays it’s not unusual even for older Japanese to be unaware of what geisha actually do.

The discreet, refined and graceful world of the Japanese geisha has been turned upside-down by a rebellion: A group of apprentice geisha, or maiko, have accused their training house of cruelty and set ...

As early as late 600s Japan there have been 'female entertainers' hosting gatherings, pouring sake and offering company to men. Known as 'saburuko' - translated as 'serving girls' - some of these ...

Fresh snow dusts the narrow streets of Gion in Japan's ancient capital, Kyoto, on a wintry December night, but inside the Harutomi ochaya (tearoom) all is warm feminine cheer. The small room in the ...