Q&A for How to Become a Geisha

Return to Full Article

Coming soon

Add New Question

Question

I want to be a geisha, is it alright if I'm white? Do I still need to put face paint?

Community Answer

Yes, you will still need to put on the face paint. However, if you want to be a geisha, your race shouldn't matter.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 7 Helpful 45
Question

Would I get paid as a geisha?

Community Answer

Yes, typically through working. The amount you would earn all depends on the event you work and your standing as a geisha.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 22
Question

Can I be a Geisha if I'm white?

Community Answer

Your race should not matter.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 29
Question

Can I become a geisha if I'm a man?

Community Answer

Mostly no, but there is the case of the "Eitarou-san" who is somewhat of a crossdresser, but I think this is an exception to the rule.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 8 Helpful 22
Question

Is there any way to do this faster, as I am already 20?

Community Answer

No, you still must go through years of training in order to become a Geisha. It is customary, and if you do no go through the proper steps, you will not become a respected Geisha. You may go through the training faster if you can quickly pick up techniques and follow orders, but there are many steps in becoming a Geisha: you must learn how to sing and dance traditionally, play the shamisen/koto/shakuhachi, and read/write Japanese fluently enough to write dramatic poetry, among many other things.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 6 Helpful 15
Question

Can I become a geisha and still fulfill my requirements within the Catholic church?

Community Answer

No, you cannot. Geishas are pinnacles of the Japanese Shinto faith, which is a different religion than that of Catholicism.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 11
Question

Do geishas get paid?

Sonia

Community Answer

In addition to the fees the central office charges for a geisha's time, she typically receives generous tips from customers. Most of the money a geisha earns goes toward maintaining the okiya (geisha house owned by the woman who will pay for her training) and keeping herself adorned in the proper make-up, expensive kimono, and valuable hairpieces for which she is known.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 6
Question

How old do I have to be in order to become a geisha?

Community Answer

Traditionally, training begins at the age of 14-15 years old.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 4 Helpful 6
Question

Becoming a Geisha is my dream, but I am very short, just 150 cm. Do I still have any chance?

Community Answer

Most often height does not generally matter in the process of being accepted into an okiya. In fact, your particular height could be a way to better your chances, it all depends on the hiring preferences.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 8
Question

Do geishas live their whole life in the geishas' house?

Community Answer

Maikos do but geishas typically have more freedom and can have their own apartment. But if they get married or have a child, then they have to retire.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 5