PrøvGOLD- Free

Where life imitates art

Australian Women’s Weekly NZ|July 2023
A fun TV drama series about young girls training to be geisha in contemporary Japan has become a surprise global hit. But do Kyoto's maiko houses, where teens leave their mobile phones at the door to become apprentices in a classical art form, really still exist?
- JULIET RIEDEN
Where life imitates art

In the 21st century it’s hard to believe that an ancient interpretation of womanhood, bound by strict codes of conduct and anachronistic ideals of perfection, continues to survive in the same nation that recently topped the most technologically advanced in the world.

But painted geisha (or ‘geiko’ as they are called in Kyoto) swaddled in richly coloured silk kimonos, shuffling perilously on platform ‘okobo’ (wooden clogs) beneath elegant parasols, their rosebud ruby lips, white faces and intricate hairdos the result of hours of preparation, are still hanging in there as the enigmatic jewel of Japanese culture … just!

Certainly the number of geisha still working is waning fast, but as the global popularity of a peppy new Netflix TV drama, The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House, has proved, fascination with this secretive community is just as strong as ever.

The golden age of geisha was in the Edo period from 1603 to 1867 and even back in the 1920s there were around 80,000 geisha operating in Japan. But times have changed and today there are barely 600 across the nation.

Feminism undoubtedly played its part; the glamour and appeal of a culture that locks women into a codified conduct has worn thin, and unsurprisingly the geisha world is one teetering on extinction.

But it is precisely the potential disappearance of this idiosyncratic iteration of living art that makes any insight into its culture all the more enticing. Japan reveres its geisha and cares little that the western world doesn’t really get it. These beautiful creations are the embodiment of a culture that sets their nation apart, even on a higher plane – though this depends on your point of view ...

Denne historien er fra July 2023-utgaven av Australian Women’s Weekly NZ.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9500+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra July 2023-utgaven av Australian Women’s Weekly NZ.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9500+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA AUSTRALIAN WOMEN’S WEEKLY NZSe alt
How to boost the value of your home
Australian Women’s Weekly NZ

How to boost the value of your home

Whether you're looking to sell now or later down the track, it really pays to keep your house up to date.

time-read
2 mins  |
February 2025
The magic of manifesting
Australian Women’s Weekly NZ

The magic of manifesting

While it sounds woo-woo, putting your mind to what you want might be the key to turning your dreams into reality.

time-read
4 mins  |
February 2025
A quiet killer
Australian Women’s Weekly NZ

A quiet killer

Difficult to detect, ovarian cancer is silently taking the lives of women. Here's what you need to know.

time-read
5 mins  |
February 2025
Air fryer snacks
Australian Women’s Weekly NZ

Air fryer snacks

The air fryer makes cooking so simple. From healthier versions of fried favourites to baked treats, these easy recipes are made to enjoy!

time-read
4 mins  |
February 2025
The billiondollar world of astrology
Australian Women’s Weekly NZ

The billiondollar world of astrology

Astrology is back. Celebrities won't make a move without consulting their charts and everyone knows someone who's retraining as an astrologer. The Weekly investigates the current fascination with the stars.

time-read
6 mins  |
February 2025
The shape shifters
Australian Women’s Weekly NZ

The shape shifters

Contouring with make-up is a clever hack for instant facial definition.

time-read
2 mins  |
February 2025
"I'm a professional baby cuddler!"
Australian Women’s Weekly NZ

"I'm a professional baby cuddler!"

When Jenny Summerson’s own children grew up, she looked for something to fill the hole in her life. What she found were babies who needed a little extra TLC.

time-read
4 mins  |
February 2025
Princess Catherine THE REALITY OF A NEW NORMAL
Australian Women’s Weekly NZ

Princess Catherine THE REALITY OF A NEW NORMAL

After the hardest year of her life and as she finds her footing in a post-treatment world, the dutiful princess could be preparing for her ultimate role- but this time it's on her terms.

time-read
9 mins  |
February 2025
Put it in neutral
Australian Women’s Weekly NZ

Put it in neutral

Far from middle of the road, neutral tones can really add interest and sophistication to your home. Here's how to nail it.

time-read
2 mins  |
February 2025
QUEEN OF COMEDY The Marvellous Ms Margolyes
Australian Women’s Weekly NZ

QUEEN OF COMEDY The Marvellous Ms Margolyes

Speaking her truth in a delightfully wicked and candid manner we've come to cherish, British actress Miriam is now telling the world how she has fallen in love with New Zealand.

time-read
9 mins  |
February 2025

Vi bruker informasjonskapsler for å tilby og forbedre tjenestene våre. Ved å bruke nettstedet vårt samtykker du til informasjonskapsler. Finn ut mer