Geisha
げいしゃ
Industry & Occupation
Classification
- Major : Service Occupations
- Middle : Customer Service and Food Service Occupations
- Minor : Hospitality Entertainment Workers and Geisha
Summary
A profession that upholds Japan's traditional hospitality arts, entertaining guests through conversation, dance, Japanese music performances, and more.
Description
Geisha are professionals who entertain guests through traditional performing arts at teahouses, ryotei restaurants, banquets, and similar venues. They masterfully employ shamisen, nagauta, dance, and conversation skills to create an elegant atmosphere with kimono attire, makeup, and graceful deportment. Most are affiliated with an okiya and become full-fledged geiko after apprenticing as maiko. They exhibit exceptional hospitality during ozashiki receptions, contributing to the preservation and promotion of Japanese culture.
Future Outlook
While steady demand continues as a symbol of traditional culture, concerns exist over decline due to shortage of practitioners. With rising inbound tourism, foreign guests are increasing, posing challenges in balancing cultural preservation with new developments.
Personality Traits
Emotionally Sensitive / Excellent Observation Skills / Patient / Polite and Courteous / Sociable
Work Style
Nighttime / Okiya/Ryotei Contracts / Self-Employed / Variable Schedule
Career Path
Maiko (Apprentice) → Geisha (Full-Fledged) → Okiya Landlady (Proprietor)
Required Skills
Communication Skills (Conversation) / Etiquette / Japanese Dance / Japanese Music / Kimono Dressing / Shamisen Performance
Recommended Skills
English Conversation / Flower Arrangement / Makeup Techniques / Poetry and Song / Tea Ceremony
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Adaptability | Flexible adaptation to various guest demographics and settings is necessary. |
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Accuracy is required down to the finest details of costumes and movements. |
| Communication Skills | High communication skills are required to entertain guests through reception and conversation. |
| Learning Agility & Knowledge Acquisition | Need to master a wide range of traditional performing arts such as shamisen and dance. |
| Stress Tolerance | Must endure mental stress from nighttime and extended-hour hospitality duties. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Almost unnecessary, as accounting tasks are handled by specialized staff. |
Aliases
- Geiko
- Ozashiki Geisha
Related Jobs
- Bartender
- Hostess
- Maiko
- Tour Guide