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Kyoto Geisha: What You Need to Know Before Your Visit with Dr. Gavin Campbell
Kyoto Geisha: What You Need to Know Before Your Visit with Dr. Gavin Campbell

Kyoto Geisha: What You Need to Know Before Your Visit with Dr. Gavin Campbell


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Have you ever wondered about what it takes to become a geisha? In this lecture, we will discover the behind-the-scenes enchantment of Japanese dance studios and houses where traditional practices intersect with contemporary women who carry on a remarkable legacy.

Kyoto is a city of matchless beauty and cultural depth; few of its citizens embody those qualities better than the geisha. Meaning a "person of art," the geisha dedicate years to perfecting traditional skills, from music and dance, to tea ceremony and flower arranging. The most fantastic geisha are, quite literally, living works of art. "She's a geisha all the way to her fingertips," people will say. But make no mistake: geisha are not wallflowers or demure playthings. To become a geisha requires drive, dedication, and determination.

For centuries, the geisha world has been closed to all but a handful. This ensured discretion while also drawing an alluring veil over this "floating world." Our journey together takes us behind the fantasy into the dance studios, the dressing rooms, and the boarding houses where the geisha and their apprentices learn to weave a spell of beauty and enchantment. We will learn about why women still choose this path, trace the profession's raucous and sometimes painful history, and follow contemporary women who, at the age of 15, begin a quest to join their name alongside those who proudly preserve one of Japan's most incredible living arts: the Kyoto geisha.

Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, this lecture is led by Dr. Gavin James Campbell, a Ph.D. professor of history at Doshisha University. Gavin has lived in Kyoto for 19 years and avidly participates in Kyoto geisha culture.

Gavin received a Ph.D. in history from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and came to Kyoto in 2001. He is a Ph.D. professor of history at Doshisha University. His teaching and research revolve around Japan's cultural encounters with the West, particularly during the Edo, Meiji, Taisho and early Showa periods (1600-1940), and he has published on the history of foreign tourism and of Protestant missionaries in Japan. To further explore Japan's global cultural encounters, he is currently writing a book on the history of Japanese menswear from the 1600s through the early 20th century. He is also an expert on Kyoto geisha culture and a frequent participant in geisha entertainment.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

60 minutes

Customer Reviews

Based on 29 reviews
86%
(25)
10%
(3)
3%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
M
M. (Washington, US)
A Different World

Dr. Campbell. a 20+year resident of Kyoto and a professor of history and religion a a university there, gave a fascinating review of the unique world of the geisha. He described the history of the field (who knew there used to be male geisha?) and also the post-war evolution that led to the current geisha scene in Kyoto. Photos and classic woodblock prints illustrated various aspects of a geisha’s training and daily life. Made me want to experience geisha culture myself one day’

D
D.B. (Cheyenne, US)
Geishas

Oops, I did it again! Missed it, but await the recording.
I am certain it was wonderful, as Dr Campbell always is.

M
M.S. (Vancouver, CA)
Fascinating lecture!

This was a most interesting, well-researched and clearly organized presentation about Kyoto Geishas,, past and present. A very enjoyable and enlightening lecture!

J
J. (Los Angeles, US)
Fact-filled and we’ll-organized presentation about geisha

Dr. Campbell's presentation about geisha in Kyoto was a pleasure to attend. He has great command of his subject matter and uses the example of a young woman who trained as a geisha to good effect as he shares the process. The presentation of answers to FAQ at the end was a great addition. Thoroughly enjoyed it and the 90 minutes sped by.

J
J.E. (Frankfurt am Main, DE)
Excellent Presentation

It was excellent. Provided a lot of information and answered my questions. Very well organized.

Customer Reviews

Based on 29 reviews
86%
(25)
10%
(3)
3%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
M
M. (Washington, US)
A Different World

Dr. Campbell. a 20+year resident of Kyoto and a professor of history and religion a a university there, gave a fascinating review of the unique world of the geisha. He described the history of the field (who knew there used to be male geisha?) and also the post-war evolution that led to the current geisha scene in Kyoto. Photos and classic woodblock prints illustrated various aspects of a geisha’s training and daily life. Made me want to experience geisha culture myself one day’

D
D.B. (Cheyenne, US)
Geishas

Oops, I did it again! Missed it, but await the recording.
I am certain it was wonderful, as Dr Campbell always is.

M
M.S. (Vancouver, CA)
Fascinating lecture!

This was a most interesting, well-researched and clearly organized presentation about Kyoto Geishas,, past and present. A very enjoyable and enlightening lecture!

J
J. (Los Angeles, US)
Fact-filled and we’ll-organized presentation about geisha

Dr. Campbell's presentation about geisha in Kyoto was a pleasure to attend. He has great command of his subject matter and uses the example of a young woman who trained as a geisha to good effect as he shares the process. The presentation of answers to FAQ at the end was a great addition. Thoroughly enjoyed it and the 90 minutes sped by.

J
J.E. (Frankfurt am Main, DE)
Excellent Presentation

It was excellent. Provided a lot of information and answered my questions. Very well organized.