In their heyday, geisha were fashion trendsetters and were even used to promote beauty products. Geisha, the subjects of woodblock prints and kabuki plays, became role models for Japanese women. Many people even collected geisha photo cards.

Geisha have traveled abroad to perform for audiences around the world.

Contrary to popular belief, geisha are not just for men! They also entertain female clients who revere them as models of feminine grace. In addition, they perform publicly at designated times during the year.

It’s unusual even for Japanese people to get a chance to see geisha or be entertained by one in private, unless they're a politician or business executive.

Young girls who decide to become geisha at a young age will opt out of high school so they can begin their training. They then become apprentices in boarding houses called okiya where they continue their education.