Maiko or geisha putting on face make-up in Kyoto

There is a new, fuller and higher quality version of this film now up, in four parts under the title 'Maiko or geisha making up'.

JAPAN THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS by Alan Macfarlane explores the mysterious context to this film. It can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/5ocjfp

The film was made by Windfall Films. Please see www.alanmacfarlane.com under 'Global History' for details and other films.

All revenues will be donated to: http://www.oralliterature.org/

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  People & Blogs

[Yuki Winehouse]

Geisha not a prostitute!

Geisha gains money from entertain the customer by singing, dancing, talking (a little sexy but NOT sex)

Geisha must learn a lot about their job before they can go to work. (learn how to make up, how to sing, how to dance and knowledge for talking)

In 20 century, a lot of Prostitutes came from Japan and called themselves: "Geisha" but they were not!.

so a lot of peoples may misunderstand about Geisha.

[lifespinkbubbles]

this is one of the most beautiful things i have ever seen in my whole life.

[kimchifishy]

Now days you usually see that Maiko's who have been working for under a year only paint their bottom lip. Once they enter their second year they are allowed to paint both lips. In the in the Taisho era, and era's before this that Maiko and Geiko/Geisha only painted their bottom lip. To make them look young and cute.

[animefreak6181]

its so calming to watch this lol

[Rini D]

not all aMericans. I knew from the getgo that Geisha were not prostitutes.

[Karina Fordman]

Maybe if you ACTUALLY sat down and did some research. You will notice that Geisha are not prostitutes. The THOUGHT of naked skin to the men was sexual. Why do you think they cover it... Yes the nape of the neck are open the hairline as well. There were prostitutes in that time. They were not called Geisha. But people like you are extremely ignorant. It's heartbreaking to have to deal with ignorance. Please go and do some research before you just JUMP around and insult a very beautiful culture.

[GiveMeDandelions]

Yuki, please don't think all Americans think they are prostitutes, just because iiJessx is misinformed. I'm and american, and I have nothing but respect for those women. They are beautiful, smart, and study years in a grueling but wondrous traditions of culture. They work so hard to do what they do, which has dated back hundreds of years ago.

[kimchifishy]

I've seen quite a few comments regarding the painting of the lips. In the past usually maiko and geiko only did their bottom lip. For modern maiko and geiko, only the first year maiko/minari paint their bottom lip. After they complete their first year they are permitted to paint both lips.

[Vaethus]

Horrible teeth



[Mariposa960127]

She is a geisha, because she is able to wear a full lip makeup. Maikos can only have their lips tinted partly, not the whole.

[guranad0]

geisha is sort of considered elite escort

[blacksnowcatxx]

Japanese culture is just so breathtaking