The world of the Geisha is disapearing
Alarmed that geishas are headed for extinction, community groups in Tokyo and tour companies have started making the entertainment more accessible in a trend already seen in Kyoto, Japan's ancient capital and the centre of the geisha world.
Read: Empty rooms force a cultural evolution
So what. Expensive entertainers providing witty conversation? That's what I do, and I'm sure I'm only 10% as expensive as a Geisha (though receive even less). Though my service is marginally useful for peoples business & travel lives.
Lets face facts about the modern world. Things change and we can't sit down and pine about the things that have become extinct. I would be much happier if businessmen went home to their families instead of pissing money down the drain on such expensive entertainment. I'd be happier to see children in Japan growing up without living in a paternal parent vacuum.
So the world of the Geisha must open up to the fat western tourist to survive, good. That's the reality of the modern world, lets have less people living in the past. And if you don't like it, you can always donate money to support this sexist & elitist pastime. You won't? I thought so.
6 comments:
Haha. Unfortunately I completely agree with you. Yes I appreciate tradition but traditions like this still keep businessmen away from their wives and children.
Times change and I think is all a Geisha offers is "fake" witty conversation (they don't really find the people they're with that interesting) then it's no wonder the "art" is dying.
Nowadays people actually make their own witty conversation and are starting to actually invite their female friends and even their wives and girlfriends (crazy I know!) to go out with them. A Geisha would really serve no purpose.
Invite your Gf / Wife out for a drink? Unthinkable! ;-)
Actually I chose my wife for her ability to speak & think for herself, nurture children and be a good cook. Looks fade but the gift of the gab is eternal.
Brad, have you ever considered setting up some kind of Japan links list on your blog? If so, I'd love to do a link exchange with you.
I thought that hostesses were what the geisha evolved into.
While I disapprove of Geisha, hostesses even more so. Hostesses are little better than the girl who smiles at every man in the group and pours alcohol for everyone.
It is a job of little skill and ability, apart from moving the businessman's wandering fingers away from your legs.
AFAIK Geisha evolved from old style hostesses. It's just easier for a high school dropout to become a hostess these days. Geisha is a highly respected profession in this country (well, not by me) but hostesses are generally looked down upon by most sectors of society.
Also their industry is usually controlled by the Yakuza.
Actually I do have several friends who are hostesses and I can say there is NO SEX INVOLVED. It really is more like a "rent a date" service for men who can't get a girl or don't have the time to maintain a relationship.
p.s. Am thinking about a link list. Will get back to you. Thanks for the offer!
Sure, no sex involved. But I'm sure your friends have to ask their customers to mind their wandering fingers. Lonely drunk guy, cute girl who "seems" interested, very hard to resist.
Yuk!
Let me know, I want to be on the list Brad.
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