Defining Beauty through the years

When defining beauty among women in traditional Japanese culture the Geisha first to come to mind. Geisha are traditional entertainers who play music and dance. Geisha originated in around the year 600 when wandering girls without families wanted to make a living for themselves. At first some sold sexual services and some served as entertainment to people of high social status by dancing or playing music. In 794 when the imperial court moved to Kyoto, a full out Geisha culture began to emerge.

Becoming a Geisha was not easy but rather a a long process enduring process that takes much training. Many girls started training as young as age 5. Depending on the stage of their training determines the hairstyle they wear. They wore white makeup and red lips. Geisha became the full fledged symbol of elite beauty throughout Japan.

Mineko Iwasaki is the most famous Geisha to ever have lived. Many were jealous of her beauty and dancing skills. She performed in front of the high elite and celebrities including Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles. Her retired at the height of her career when she was 29 years old. Mineko Iwasaki is the subject of the 2005 movie Memoirs of a Geisha.

Modern day Geisha still exist in Kyoto today, although some practices have changed. Instead of starting training from a young age, girls first finish school. Many do not start training until after high school of college. Modern Geisha study calligraphy, tea ceremonies and traditional instruments.

Leave Kyoto however, just 3 hours north and you will be in Tokyo. Capital of Japan and home to modern fashion district Shibuya, including Harajuku. A far cry from the traditional Geisha, these places are home to modern fashion. Harajuku is famous for its crazy street fashion among young people. Many small owned shops and boutiques are in these districts as well as high fashion designers like Chanel.

Many young girls in Japan are deferring from the image of traditional beauty and dressing in more modern and western styles. A lot of girls dye their hair blonde or other unnatural colors, wear makeup and Japanese nail art.

One of the things that intrigues me so much about Japan is its mixture of modern and even futuristic culture with its traditional ways. Kyoto is home to temples and Geisha and Tokyo is an electric haven of Wii video games and soda machines from the future. I cannot wait to go shopping in Tokyo because I'm sure I will find things I could never find in the States. Japan interests me a lot and I think that is what draws foreigners in. It is a country full of mystery and curiosity.

マリㇱサ