The world of the Geisha, Japan‘s iconic entertainers, will be opened up on the London stage this month as Sayuki, the first Westerner to formally debut as a geisha, and three of her geisha sisters, come to perform and give a talk at HYPER JAPAN 2013, 26-28 July.
Sayuki will share her knowledge and experience of living in the geisha world, known as ‘Flower and Willow World’, and demonstrate some of her skills in traditional Japanese arts. Masters of Japanese etiquette and upholders of ancient customs such as kimono and tea ceremony, in effect Geisha are living cultural treasuries of Japanese culture.
Australian-born Sayuki attended the University of Oxford and graduated with a PhD in Social Anthropology and has lived half her life in Japan. She was initiated into the Asakusa Geisha Association in late 2007. She initially began her strict training in Asakusa, one of the oldest of Tokyo’s six remaining geisha districts, as an anthropologist with the intention of making a documentary. But after immersing herself in this new enigmatic lifestyle the first year, she asked for, and received, permission to continue as a Geisha where she remained for a total of four years.
As the world around them changes, Geisha have adapted, opening up their services for westerners who have the right connections, and becoming more visible in their existence
In 2011, she left the Asakusa Geisha Association and now operates independently. She is trained in several arts, including shamisen and singing, and specialises in yokobue (Japanese flute). She is a published author and an anthropological film director and has worked on programmes for the BBC, NHK, National Geographic Channel and others, and lectures all around the world on geisha culture.
Japanese Geisha culture first emerged at the end of the 8th century, in the courts of Japan’s historical capital of Kyoto. In this painted world, beauty, refinement, and the indulgence of all manner of sensual pleasure was celebrated. Although many offered erotic arts, gradually Geishas came to be venerated for their high level of artistic expertise, and despite the lurid claims of many books and films, modern Geisha would never trade in sex. As the world around them changes, Geisha have adapted, opening up their services for westerners who have the right connections, and becoming more visible in their existence. Still, it is very rare to see on perform anywhere overseas, making this event a particularly exciting opportunity for fans of Japanese culture.
