Hospitality social attendant, Geisha
せっきゃくしゃこうがかり、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 traditional performing arts profession that provides hospitality and social interaction through dance, shamisen performance, singing, and conversation in banquet rooms and similar settings.
Description
Hospitality social attendants and geisha, in Japan's entertainment districts (hanamachi), perform traditional arts such as dance, singing, and shamisen playing, and entertain customers through conversation and hospitality. They belong to an okiya (geisha house), undergo rigorous training and practice in the arts over many years to become fully qualified. They provide services tailored to guests' requests at banquets, tea gatherings, business meetings, etc., and are required to always maintain high manners and quality in their performances.
Future Outlook
Due to declining birthrates and changes in lifestyles, the number of practitioners is decreasing, but limited demand is expected to continue due to the value as traditional culture and inbound tourism needs.
Personality Traits
Able to make situation-appropriate judgments / Attentive / Gentle / Patient / Polite and courteous
Work Style
Banquets / Commission-based / Nighttime / Okiya ryotei contract
Career Path
Maiko (apprentice) → Hanayaku → Geisha (debut) → Okiya master or proprietress
Required Skills
Communication skills (conversation) / Japanese dance / Kaiseki etiquette / Kouta / Shamisen performance
Recommended Skills
Calligraphy / Flower arrangement / Language (English) / Tea ceremony
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Adaptability | Need to adjust responses based on guests and the atmosphere of the occasion. |
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Attention to details in attire, movements, and speech is necessary. |
| Communication Skills | To read guests' feelings and engage in appropriate conversation. |
| Learning Agility & Knowledge Acquisition | Need to continuously acquire a wide range of traditional performing arts and etiquette. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Physical stamina is required for prolonged standing, posturing, and dancing. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Financial and time management is often handled by tayu or okiya. |
| Planning & Organization | Organizers and tayu (assistants) handle planning, while geisha focus on performance. |
Aliases
- Banquet geisha
- Geisha
Related Jobs
- Japanese attire companion
- Maiko
- Ryotei waitress