Japanology Plus: 7x12

Geisha: A Sunset Trade?

Geisha have existed for hundreds of years, but in modern Japan they are declining in number. It’s a story that’s repeated across many forms of traditional Japanese culture. This time on Japanology Plus: the world of geisha, and the challenges ahead. Our main guests, Watanabe Kazuko and Mayumi, run a geisha association, and have decades of experience in the industry. They explain the challenges they face, and offer insights into how hard it can be to maintain tradition.