How To Become A Gay Geisha Boy

The word 'geisha' often conjures images of grace, beauty, and a rich cultural tradition within Japan. Originally, the role was exclusive to women who were skilled artists and entertainers. However, as cultures evolve, so too do their traditions. The geisha world has seen the emergence of male geishas, known as 'taikomochi' or 'houkan', and more specifically, the concept of gay geisha boys has begun to gain recognition.

Take a respectful look at the cultural and historical background of geishas. Their purpose has always been to entertain guests through dance, music, conversation, and arts. Amidst this backdrop, male geishas carve out a niche that honors tradition while offering a modern twist to a time-honored practice.

The Misconception of Prostitution

Geisha boys' primary role is to provide cultural entertainment, not sexual services. However, the assumption that they engage in prostitution stems from several reasons:

1. Historical Overlap: Historically, there have been other types of entertainers in Japan, such as courtesans and oiran, who did provide sexual services. The lines between these roles and that of geisha have sometimes blurred.
2. Western Misinterpretations: Western observers often misinterpreted the geisha profession, equating all forms of close interaction between geisha and clients with sexual transactions.
3. Secrecy and Discretion: The private nature of the geisha’s interactions with their clients can easily be misinterpreted. Geishas do value close, personal relationships with patrons, but these are not necessarily sexual.

Consensual Sex Outside of Working Hours

Because the sexual relationships that geishas have are typically private and not reflective of their professional duties, they cannot be broadly categorized as prostitution.

1. Preserving Tradition: Geisha boys and their managers are deeply invested in preserving the traditional aspects of their profession. Acknowledging any sexual activities would undermine their efforts to be seen primarily as cultural artisans.
2. Client Discretion: Many clients prefer the discretion offered by geisha. The privacy of their interactions, whether purely entertainment or more personal, is a big draw. Admitting to sexual services would violate this unspoken agreement of confidentiality.
3. Societal Expectations: Japanese society has long held the geisha in high regard as keepers of culture and tradition. Admitting to prostitution would conflict with societal expectations and potentially lead to social ostracism.
4. Economic Factors: The economic livelihood of geisha often depends on their reputation and the patronage of clients who value their cultural and artistic services. Public knowledge of sexual services could harm their economic prospects by deterring clients who seek cultural rather than carnal engagement.

How Geisha Boys Entertain Clients

Here are some of the primary ways geishas entertain:

1. Dance: They perform traditional Japanese dances, often accompanied by live music. These dances are intricate and require years of training to master.
2. Music: They play traditional Japanese instruments such as the shamisen (a three-stringed instrument), flute, or drums. The music can range from lively tunes to more serene, classical pieces.
3. Singing: They sing classical Japanese songs, often telling stories through their lyrics. These songs are usually performed in a style that complements the other traditional arts.

Conversation and Social Interaction

4. Engaging Conversation: Skilled in the art of conversation, they entertain clients with witty, engaging, and often intellectual dialogue. This includes discussing various topics, sharing stories, and keeping the conversation lively.
5. Games: They play traditional Japanese parlor games, known as ozashiki-asobi, with their clients. These games are designed to be fun and interactive, often involving singing, clapping, and sometimes even light-hearted drinking games.
6. Storytelling: They share traditional stories, folklore, or even humorous anecdotes. Storytelling is an art form that requires a good memory and the ability to captivate an audience.

Hosting and Etiquette

7. Tea Ceremony: They perform the traditional Japanese tea ceremony, which is a highly ritualized process of preparing and serving tea. This ceremony emphasizes grace, precision, and mindfulness.
8. Serving Food and Drink: They serve sake and other beverages, often with a flair that makes the experience more enjoyable. This includes pouring drinks in a manner that adheres to traditional etiquette.
9. Party Hosting: Acting as hosts, they ensure that the social environment is pleasant and that all guests are comfortable and entertained. This includes managing the flow of the evening and attending to the needs of their clients.

Arts and Crafts

10. Calligraphy: They may demonstrate the art of Japanese calligraphy, creating beautiful and intricate characters that can be given as personalized mementos to clients.
11. Ikebana (Flower Arranging): Some might showcase the art of ikebana, creating elegant floral arrangements that reflect the seasons and the principles of harmony and balance.

Cultural Education

12. Cultural Discussions: They educate clients about Japanese culture, traditions, and history. This can include explanations of the particular performances, traditional attire, and other cultural artifacts.
13. Language Lessons: For clients interested in learning, they might offer basic lessons in Japanese language, teaching phrases or writing characters.

Physical Entertainment

14. Martial Arts Demonstrations: Some geisha boys might demonstrate traditional Japanese martial arts, showcasing their skill and discipline.
15. Magic Tricks: Performing simple magic tricks or sleight-of-hand can also be a form of entertainment, adding an element of surprise and amusement to the evening.

Customized Performances

16. Personalized Entertainment: They tailor their entertainment to the preferences of their clients, which might include specific songs, dances, or types of conversation based on what the client enjoys.

Becoming a geisha boy requires a deep appreciation of the Japanese culture and a willingness to fully immerse oneself in the rigorous learning of traditional arts. Moreover, this path demands sensitivity and knowing as it intersects with deeply held cultural values, and an awareness of potential cultural appropriation.

The Path to Training: Steps to Becoming a Gay Geisha Boy

The path to becoming a geisha boy is paved with dedication and the mastering of traditional arts. It's a deep commitment, often starting with extensive research and soul-searching to ensure this life resonates with your personal goals.

1. Find a mentor or 'father,' an experienced geisha willing to take you under their wing. This mentorship is invaluable, as it connects you to the heart of geisha culture and teaches you the nuances of performance, etiquette, and communication.
2. Prepare for a considerable investment of time and possibly funds, depending on your choice of training. Some opt for formal schooling, where one can immer formed to the public as a minarai or 'learning by watching.'
3. Seek out reputable geisha communities that emphasize the respect of the tradition while banging diverse expressions of the role. It's an intersection of historical respect and personal authenticity that creates a revered practitioner of this cultural art form.

Throughout this learning period, you will honor the heritage you're stepping into. This isn't a role that one can self-proclaim but one that is granted through intense dedication and recognition by the geisha community.

Deciding Your Geisha Style

As a geisha boy, creating an identity is not only about adopting a name or wearing traditional outfits; it's an intimate process of self-discovery and artistic expression.

Choosing a geisha name carries weight, as it often reflects personal traits or aspirations. It's a name you'll be known by in the circles that matter, so consider its meaning and phonetic appeal. A compelling name can resonate with your clients and peers, becoming a symbol of your unique craft.

Your wardrobe is your canvas — elaborate kimonos, tasteful accessories, and the subtle yet striking play of colors and textures. Mastery of makeup is also essential, as it amplifies expressions and enhances your natural features. Yet, it's the nuances that matter; how a flower is tucked into your hair or the fold of a sleeve can speak volumes about your attention to detail.

Then there's the essence of 'you.' What sets a funky geisha male apart is not just the mastery of traditional arts, but also the infusion of one's individuality into the persona. This could mean integrating modern songs into the repertoire or offering a fresh interpretation of a classic dance. Being gay can be both an artistic standpoint and a personal narrative woven into performances, establishing you as a geisha who honors tradition while banging a contemporary identity.

Building a Clientele

You might wonder how to establish those invaluable connections. One practical step is to attend events, even if you're not performing. Being seen and making a gracious impression can open doors. Social skills are as integral as your cultural and artistic ones.

Your next challenge will be to translate your geisha persona into opportunities — to captivate audiences, not just in the room, but beyond its sliding doors. You'll need to nurture relationships with teahouses and event coordinators to showcase your art and secure patronage.

The Sacrifices Ahead

Geisha often make sacrifices in their personal and professional lives to maintain their roles and uphold the cultural traditions associated with their profession.

Apart from limited personal freedom, family life and romantic relationships, here are the main sacrifices geisha boys often make;

• High Costs of Training and Maintenance: The cost of training, purchasing kimonos, and maintaining the traditional appearance is substantial. Often, geisha incur a lot of expenses, which can be a financial burden.
• Dependency on Patrons: Historically, geisha relied on the support of patrons for financial stability. This dependency could limit their autonomy and require them to navigate complex social dynamics.
• Public Perception: Geisha often face misunderstandings about their role, both within Japan and internationally. The distinction between geisha and other forms of entertainers is not always clear to the public, leading to misconceptions about their profession.
• Social Isolation: The demands of their lifestyle can lead to social isolation, as the intense focus on their craft and the insular nature of the geisha community can limit interactions outside their professional circle.
• Behavioral Expectations: There are strict behavioral codes that geisha must follow, both in their interactions with clients and within their communities. This includes maintaining a graceful and composed demeanor at all times, which can be psychologically taxing.

The path of a gay geisha boy is as much about personal enlightenment as it is about entertaining others. Your dedication to the craft can be a beacon for cultural appreciation and a testament to the resilience of this unique aspect of heritage.