Most Women Would Not Have What It Takes To Be An Edo Period Tayu
Edo-period Japanese courtesans were in a league of their own.
There are few things as emblematic of historical Japan as geisha women. Geishas were highly decorated, specialized women who were talented artists, actresses, dancers, and entertainers.
Their entire being was devoted to being elegant, sophisticated hosts who would entertain the upper echelon of society. Geisha life is an art in and of itself.
To become any form of geisha or courtesan, women would need to spend several years learning how to walk, pour tea, paint makeup, dance and play music. The end result was a woman who was highly trained in being graceful in every sense of the word.
Lately, I’ve been on a Japanese culture kick. The more I read about this Edo period culture, the more I was impressed with the sheer demands that being a courtesan in 17th and 18th-century Japan required.
Geishas, oiran, and tayu all had different ranks and jobs.
Before I continue, I want to differentiate between geisha, oiran, and tayu.