Century-old Tokyo geisha festival revives dying

The geishas glide with measured steps across a wooden stage, offering a glimpse of a long-misunderstood tradition that is becoming a rare sight in Japan.Dancing with paper fans and dressed in kimonos, the entertainers were rehearsing without the striking white make-up and sculpted hairstyles they are famous for.

But for seven days from Wednesday the women will perform in full splendour at the 100-year-old Azuma Odori festival at a theatre in the heart of the Japanese capital.

In the popular imagination geishas are often confused with courtesans, but in fact their work -- as trained masters of refined old artforms -- does not involve selling sex.

"Japanese people themselves often don't understand or have the wrong idea about what geishas do," Hisafumi Iwashita, a writer specialised in geisha culture, told AFP.

In Japanese, the word geisha means "person of the arts" - a woman or man trained in traditional Japanese performing arts. But the core role of geishas goes far beyond "just dancing and singing," Iwashita said.

Geishas in different parts of Japan are also known for different skills.

In Kyoto, where they are called geikos, "dance is seen as the most important artform," Iwashita said.

Tokyo geishas meanwhile are known for their singing and talents on the shamisen, which resembles a slim three-stringed guitar.
This year for the first time ever, geishas from 19 Japanese regions are participating in the annual Azuma Odori, as well as those from Tokyo's Shinbashi district who usually perform.

Around 180 geishas will take part overall, taking to the stage in small groups for two shows each day.
Koiku, a Shinbashi geisha, said her job first and foremost involves "welcoming and entertaining visitors at traditional restaurants called ryotei".