Tokyo Eye - 2011/07/06 - History of Geisha in Asakusa

Jul. 6, Wed. 0:30 - 1:00 (UTC) etc.

History of geisha in Asakusa

A special edition on geisha in Asakusa, which has been an important
location since the samurai days, when Tokyo was called Edo. One key
element of that long tradition is the geisha. Asakusa has one of
Tokyo's most famous geisha quarters. Today, we'll take a look at the
history of Asakusa's elegant geisha.
Tokyo Asakusa Kumiai (5 min. 32 sec.)

For about 400 years, they have graced opulent Japanese banquets with their impeccable charm... Japan's famous geisha.

The geisha also help to preserve some of Japan's traditional performing arts.

Yuko is 88 years old... the oldest working geisha in Tokyo. For 72 years she has followed her vocation in Asakusa.
Asakusa's Geisha Quarters (6 min. 49 sec.)

Yuko's home is tucked away in the geisha district.

Almost nothing is left from the prewar years.

Her photos are all from the early postwar years.
Ryotei in Asakusa (5 min. 43 sec.)

In the late 1950s, the geisha quarter faced new business rivals. Many cabarets and clubs were opening. Places that anyone could visit without a reservation, and without elaborate preparations.

The geisha world, in contrast, turned away first-timers lacking an introduction from an existing customer. At one time there were more than 100 places where geisha performed - ryotei -- but many closed or changed their style of business. Only eight remain.

The kenban, too, used to bustle with geisha. Now it is a quiet and forlorn place.
Asakusa Wig-weaving Workshop (5 min. 09 sec.)

This hairdresser has been in business for 100 years. Yuko's been coming here since she became a geisha.

Next to the salon is a wig-weaving workshop.

This workshop was once so busy it had a row of staff working side by side.
An 88-year-old active Geisha girl (3 min. 14 sec.)

The kenban is also promoting geisha to a wider audience.

Only a privileged few used to enjoy the arts of the geisha. But now the kenban puts on various events throughout the year at which geisha perform for the public. The effort is bearing fruit: every time an event is held, customers flock to Asakusa.
Further Info

History of geisha in Asakusa
- Kenban (the geisha union office): Tokyo Asakusa Kumiai
http://www.asakusa-kenban.com/ (in Japanese only)
- Business card for geisha: Mr. Unokichi Tachibana, UNOS Corp.
http://www.unos.co.jp/ (in Japanese only)
- Former geisha's ryotei: Miyakodori
http://asakusa-miyakodori.com/about/ (in Japanese only)
- Hairdresser with the wig-weaving workshop
Address: Asakusa 3-36-1, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- 130 year-old Ryotei: Asakusa-tanbo Kusatsutei
http://www.kusatsutei.jp/ (in Japanese only)
- The site for Yuko's 88th birthday party: Asakusa View Hotel
http://www.viewhotels.co.jp/asakusa/english/index.html

Download: http://www.fileserve.com/file/GDfJc2D/20110706 Tokyo Eye - History of Geisha in Asakusa.mkv

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