Geishas are an honored tradition in Japan with a rich history and unique culture. They are also often misunderstood by foreigners.
Fortunately, the fascinating world of the geisha has seen many books written about it, offering insight not just into the traditions but the lives of the women who have chosen to follow it.
Here are ten geisha books that offer insight into this storied Japanese tradition:
1. Geisha of Gion by Mineko Iwasaki
This is the story of one of the most prominent geishas to rise in recent memory.
Starting from her earliest memories, Mineko Iwasaki tells the story of how she became the most influential geisha in Gion.
It was not an easy path, full of challenges and rivalry, but this memoir is an insight into a world long unknown. This unique first-person perspective is not just informative but deeply personal.
It is an excellent read for those looking to know more about geishas and traditional Japanese culture.
2. Autobiography of a Geisha by Sayo Masuda
This is the story of the life of Sayo Masuda.
Originally written in hiragana instead of the more typical literary form of Japanese kanji, then publish in Japan in 1957, the book was translated into English in 2003.
Masuda grew up poor and was sold to be a geisha at the age of twelve, where she encountered many difficulties. Her story is one of struggle and slow victory, with not a few tragedies.
This book is an excellent look at a time and place long forgotten by most modern people.
3. Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
Famous for a 2015 film adaptation, this book was published by an American author in 1997.
It is a fictional but heavily researched account of a geisha’s life in 1930s and 1940s Kyoto.
The main character Nitta Sayuri faces many challenges from the start when she is sold to work as a geisha, through her growth in the profession, the war, and the unique period following Japan’s loss.
Reading this book is a great way to learn more about the story of the award-winning film.
4. A Geisha’s Journey: My Life As a Kyoto Apprentice by Komomo
Published in 2008, this story is related by a foreign photographer as he follows the journey of a young Japanese woman named Komomo into the world of the geisha.
Komomois a contemporary Japanese teenager who found the life of a geisha fascinating, offering the structure and identity she sought.
The book documents her journey in images accompanied by autobiographical text. If you are curious about the path of the modern geisha, this book is a must-read.
5. Geisha, A Life by Mineko Iwasaki
Written by a woman who took on the life of a geisha very young, this book is an interesting look at the ins and out of a geisha’s life.
It is surprisingly dispassionate for a look at a profession so fraught with drama. This offers unique insight, as it is more akin to a manual than a dramatic retelling of a life.
Because of this, the book offers a different take than many other geisha autobiographies.
6. Snow Country by Yasunari Kawabata
This classic of Japanese literature is about a love affair between a young rich married man and a geisha in a hot spring resort town.
It is a melancholy novel, focusing on themes of modernity versus tradition as well as musing on the concept of beauty. The book was written during a transition time in Japan, so modern inventions can be found alongside traditional lifestyles.
Many consider this Kawabata’s finest work and it was one of the books cited for his Nobel Prize in Literature in 1968.
It is an excellent book for anyone looking to read some of the finest works in Japanese literature.
7. Women of the Pleasure Quarters: The Secret History of the Geisha by Lesley Downer
This scholarly work explores the life and history of the geisha. Lesley Downer is a western scholar who was allowed to have unprecedented access to the world of the geisha.
What she found was not just history, but legends and a unique culture unlike any other found on earth.
This is a very accessible book for western audiences and is a great introduction for anyone who wants to better understand geisha.
8. Geisha: A Unique World of Tradition, Elegance and Art by John Gallagher
This amazing book is a visual treat. It goes through the complex layers of clothing of a geisha as well as their meaning and history, all with excellent photos and illustrations.
One portion of the book is interactive, allowing a reader to ‘dress’ a geisha to better understand how the different layers of clothing come together.
It is a must for anyone not only interested in geisha life but also anyone with a passion for costuming.
9. Geisha: A Photographic History, 1872-1912 by MD Stanley B. Burns
This book offers a literal glimpse into the lives of 19th-century geisha.
The author collected and restored many photos of geisha from this time, featuring geisha as they went through their daily routine and entertained customers.
These photos were taken by Japanese photographers for tourists eager to see more of Japan’s legendary geisha during this period of opening for Japan.
Besides photos, the book features accompanying essays that elaborate on the images and explain more of what a geisha’s life was like during this period.
10. Geisha by Liza Dalby
This book tells the unique story of Liza Darby, the only Western woman at the time of its writing to ever train as a geisha.
Dalby captures details that reflect her training as an anthropologist and present them in a relatable, understandable way. Many consider this a companion book to Memoirs of a Geisha, as Dalby’s experiences are good reference points for details contained n that book.
Once a reader gets used to Dalby’s anthropological style, the book draws you in and captivates all of your attention. Excellent photographs complement intelligent writing.
If you are fascinated by the world of the geisha, this is an amazing read.
