Geisha
げいこ
Industry & Occupation
Classification
- Major : Service Occupations
- Middle : Customer Service and Food Service Occupations
- Minor : Hospitality Entertainment Workers and Geisha
Summary
A traditional Japanese female hospitality occupation that entertains guests at teahouses and banquet venues in Kyoto and elsewhere through traditional performing arts such as dance and music, conversation, and hospitality.
Description
Geisha mainly perform traditional performing arts such as dance, shamisen, and nagauta in hanamachi (flower towns) including Kyoto's Gion, while entertaining guests through conversation, demeanor, and serving food and drinks at banquet rooms. They are affiliated with an okiya, undergoing rigorous training in kimono and hair ornaments, etiquette, speech, and other traditions. The title is bestowed after maiko, and some geisha become independent and manage their own banquet engagements.
Future Outlook
Demand fluctuates due to declining birthrates and changes in the tourism industry, but new opportunities are expected from support for preserving traditional culture and the expansion of experience programs.
Personality Traits
Able to Respond Flexibly / Keen Observer / Patient / Polite and Courteous / Sociable
Work Style
Contract Employee / Freelancer / Full-time Employee / Irregular Hours / Night Shift
Career Path
Apprentice → Maiko → Geisha → Master / Okiya Owner
Required Skills
Communication Skills (Conversation) / Etiquette and Manners / Japanese Dance / Kimono Dressing / Nagauta / Shamisen Playing / Tea Ceremony Basics
Recommended Skills
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Meticulous attention is needed for kimono dressing, deportment, and stage choreography. |
| Communication Skills | High ability is required to entertain guests through conversation and attentiveness. |
| Creativity & Ideation | Creativity is required for dance choreography, musical performances, word choice, and more. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Stamina is required for long hours of standing work and heavy wigs and costumes. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Analytical & Logical Thinking | Analytical thinking is relatively low. |
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Numerical tasks are few. |
Aliases
- Geisha
Related Jobs
- Hostess
- Maiko
- Okiya Proprietress
- Ryotei Proprietress