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A geisha is a Japanese woman who entertains men as her profession.
History
The word geisha literally means 'arts person' or artisan.
The role of Geisha first developed from that of men known as Taikomochi
or Houkan, the Japanese equivalent of a court jester. Later, the role came
to be principally performed by women.
Geisha were traditionally trained from childhood. Geisha were common in
the 18th and 19th centuries, and are still in existence today, although
fewer in number. They were skilled entertainers who endured years of hard
training, effectively as child slaves. First they worked as maids, and once
a woman became an apprentice geisha (maiko) she would begin to learn how to
dance, sing, play the shamisen (a stringed instrument similar to the banjo),
and in general practice the art of being a geisha.
Geisha were not prostitutes. Although the right to take their virginity
("mizuage") was sold, they were not obliged to have sex with any customers,
including the men who bought their virginity.
Geisha in the modern era
Modern geisha are no longer sold into slavery, but geisha training
remains long and difficult. The practice of mizuage is a thing of the past.
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