previous | next | home
(23 of 132)

This maiko was a 17-year-old girl in her 2nd year of training (it takes 6 years to graduate). They stay at a geisha boarding school and, after the first year, earn their keep by performing the skills they are learning for hire. Contrary to Western misconceptions, a geisha is not a fancy prostitute. They are trained, professional entertainers/hostesses. A prostitute in Japan (illegal since 1956) is called a courtesan.

23 of 132