Asakusa it certainly is. And a real geisha she most certainly isn’t. But what’s similarly certain is that the sight of her is still very striking.
Asakusa it certainly is. And a real geisha she most certainly isn’t. But what’s similarly certain is that the sight of her is still very striking.
Very nice photo. It looks like she is attracting attention even from the Japanese around her.
Cheers! Yes, she was. Quite a lot of attention actually. It was interesting to see people’s reactions as she walked past.
He, perhaps?
Actually the person appears to be dressed up as an oiran. That is my guess. Plus I don’t think most real geisha would be wearing red toenail polish.
I know they have oiran processions in some places. However I know the outfits are even more elaborate than this one.
Kind of a step back to Edo when there use to be geisha and oiran and more around Taito not too far from Asakusa.
Ah, thanks for the info, Julie. I wasn’t aware of oiran. Just had a look at some old photos of therm, and yes, that’s certainly the look she seems to be going for. Interesting stuff. Always good to learn something new.
I saw a TV programme a while ago doing a tour of Asakusa, and apparently there are a few geisha still working in the area. Not far from the main tourist area. Never seen any though.
This picture is so cool and interesting!!
The soft pink(Look like pink to me)beautiful flowers on top of the two row of shops make her even more outstanding!!
Thanks, Winnie.
Yes, they are all set for spring in Asakusa, hence the pink flowers. Good timing, as like you say, they add something extra to the photo.
Lee, do you think “she” could be a man..?
That’s something I hadn’t even thought of to be honest! Took another photo of her/him fairly close up, and after giving it a good look, I’m pretty sure it’s a woman. Not 100% sure though!
This exactly what my first thought was.
Definitely seems to be the general consensus. I now have no confidence at all that it’s a woman!
I thought the same regarding gender! It may explain some of the funny looks
That’s funny. The thought really hadn’t occurred to me. But for you both to say it, I now have my own doubts. Like I mentioned above though, I took a look at the other photo I have, and I still thinks it’s a woman.
Probably!
I’ve heart that there are actually geishas in Asakusa. Not sure how it works, but they are real ones, and crazily expensive. I am not sure we would see them walking in the middle of those shops though
Yeah, there are few there by all accounts. There’s an area not far from the main tourist area where they tend to work. Definitely not plying their trade amidst all the day trippers that’s for sure!
I’ve studied and read a lot about geisha and oiran. I could be mistaken, but, from what I’ve read, I think the difference is how she ties her obi. If it’s in the front, she’s most likely an oiran. If she ties it in the back, she’s most likely a geisha. There are different theories on why oiran tie the obi in the front, some of them not so flattering. Oiran were the geisha’s predecessor and were a sort of combination actress and prostitute while geisha focused more on non-sexual entertainment. And the oiran do have such elaborate processions! They also have a much more elaborate way of dressing and decorating their hair. Both oiran and geisha have always been expensive, though. It’s a shame that both are dying arts. I wish I could see a geisha or an oiran in person. I’ve always been fascinated by the “flower and willow world”.
I apologize if all this sounds didactic; it’s one of my favorite subjects. And it’s such a lovely picture, Lee! Thank you for sharing!
Not at all. It’s interesting to get more details. Up until posting this photograph, I was unaware of orian, so I’ve managed to learn quite a bit.
It’s certainly a fascinating topic. Such a secretive world too. I’ve seen a couple of geisha and maiko in Kyoto, but amidst the crowds of camera toting tourists (myself included), quite a bit of their mystique is sadly lost.
My first thought was that this is a man. It is the thick neck that gives me that impression.
I was sure it was a woman, but now I’m really not so sure. In fact I think I’m in he minority!
My first thought was she is a he as well. The thick neck and large feet are what gave me that impression. Still beautifully attired either way.
I think that pretty much makes it official. It’s a man!
I think she resembles a Chinese ghost bride more than a geisha!
http://www.wired.com/table_of_malcontents/2007/06/the_trade_of_ch/
I have never heard of them before. Very interesting. And yes, there’s definitely a resemblance there.
definitely a dude, check out the adam’s apple