what does a geisha really do?

Question

i just saw the memoirs of a geisha movie? And was wondering what makes a geisha different then a prostitue? or a paid escort?

Answer 1

Geisha originated as skilled professional entertainers; originally most were male. Geisha used their skills in traditional Japanese arts, music, dance, and storytelling.

Contrary to some Western beliefs, geisha must not be exposed to any sexual activity.

There remains some confusion, particularly outside Japan, about the nature of the geisha profession.

Oiran and Onsen Geisha

This stems partly from confusion between geisha and the high-class courtesans called oiran. Oiran are very visually similar to geisha, including the white make-up and flamboyant kimono. An easy distinction between the two is that oiran, as prostitutes, tie their obi in the front, while geisha tie it in the back in the usual manner.

This issue has been futher complicated by Japanese prostitutes, particularly at onsen or hot springs who are known as Onsen Geisha , who wish to co-opt the prestige of the geisha image by marketing themselves to tourists (both Japanese and non-Japanese) as "geisha," and by depictions of geisha in Western popular culture.

Geisha may marry and keep their surname (their husbands take the geisha's surname), but if they decide to adopt their husband's surname they will normally retire. While geisha engagements may include flirting, this is not expected. A geisha is not paid for sex, though an individual geisha may as a matter of personal choice engage in sexual relations with one of her patrons **outside the context of her role as a geisha**.

It was traditional in the past for established geisha to take a danna, or patron. A danna was typically a wealthy man, sometimes married, who had the means to support the very large expenses related to a geisha's traditional training and other costs. This sometimes occurs today as well.

Although a geisha and her danna may be in love, sex is not expected in return for the danna's ability to offer her financial support. The traditional conventions and values within such a relationship are very intricate and not well understood, even by many Japanese.

Answer 2

I thought the movie gave great portrayal of what they do but here ya go...and no they are paid for company, like our escorts are in america. Although like the one girl was portrayed in the movie some do sleep with the men, they are not supposed to . Here is a website where you can read more up on them http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geisha

Answer 3

Geisha generally don't (or are not supposed to anyway) engage in sexual activities with their customers. Their job is to entertain men through song, dance, and the art of conversation. They are meant to be companions to the men they work for. That is what they are being paid for, not for sexual favors.

Answer 4

geisha have never been prostitutes. they are entertainers at company teahouse gatherings (which are only for men) and their job is to make the men seem as though they are attractive and appreciated. the geisha flirt, sing, dance, and play games with the men, but it's only a fantasy and the men know that.

Answer 5

i just seen the movie last night i think she is more as an classier version of a prostitue she can actually make someone fall in love

Answer 6

She doesn't necessarily have sex and does other things almost like a paid wife

Answer 7

I HAVE A GEISHA..ITS WONDERFUL

Answer 8

The mime thing. White face, doesn't talk and entertains you.

Answer 9

she,s more like a slave

Answer 10

don't know