銀行◆英文題庫下載題庫

 For most people, Japanese culture is exotic. The Japanese language, though written in a script developed by the Chinese and its modern vocabulary is saturated with English loan words, belongs to no other known language family. Despite its average size, Japan pulls far above its weight in international economic, political, and cultural circles. From sushi to sumo to geisha, Japan has intrigued the world for centuries. Among these, perhaps no other Japanese cultural tradition than geisha has been more famous but also misunderstood. 

Within Japan, geishas have long been admired and respected. As early as the 16th century, a neighborhood in Kyoto — then the capital of Japan — was dedicated to pleasure by the local authority. At the time, oiran, skilled women of beauty and artistic ability, entertained rich patrons and served as their courtesans. This district also provided dancing, music, poetry reading, and other forms of entertainment by artists known as geishas. They would eventually replace the oiran by the middle of the 18th century. 

Today, true geishas are few, but their profession is still attractive to some women. Whether entering the realm of the geisha fresh out of junior high school, or a little later from high school or college, or even as an adult, all would-be geishas must undergo very strict training. Not only must they learn traditional song, dance, and literature, but they also learn social graces such as serving food and drink properly, how to dress and make up, and how to conduct engaging and entertaining conversations. This training can last a mere six months in Tokyo but a full five years in Kyoto. 

Contrary to popular myth, a geisha’s love life is separate from her professional life. The geisha ideal is not a Japanese Barbie doll. It is rather the personification of the ideal Japanese woman: elegant, graceful, beautiful, and talented.