Geisha houses were places for men to escape reality. Many people have the wrong impression of Geisha houses and what their ultimate purpose is. While the Geisha’s evolved from the courtesan, the Geishas were originally meant to pleasure men and not necessarily sexually (even though some Geishas were paid by a sponsor whom she would sleep with exclusively). Most upper class Geishas were educated and talented women who would entertain men through conversation and private performances. Some would even attend important events as guests. The Geishas have become highly ritualistic with strict etiquette. Some men could and could not associate with the ladies of the pleasure quarters depending on their social status. They even had to dress a particular way to show that they were not courtesans. The Geishas tried to show elegance not exuberance. There were even Geisha districts where men would specifically travel to get away.
How has this historical figure evolved? With the advent of video games possibly the needs or the fantasy has changed? Maybe these maid cafés have become modern day pleasure quarters that caterers to everyone’s specific fantasy much like the Geisha. Japan has modernized an old cultural icon and evolved it to fit with the times. Maybe these hard core gamers are the modern day Samurai?
For my conclusion I want to express how the Maid Cafés originated in Japan due to a combination of intense technological modernization of Japan and its culture.
Possibly Relevant Posts:
- Maid Cafe’s: Let’s Live the Dream! (6) | Ashley
- The Japanese escape (1) | Ashley
- Reading Summaries (0) | NateGsays
3 Comments
I think that the parallel between the geishas and modern computer cafes is a very fitting one. There is something interesting form a cultural standpoint of the connection between the two. Without getting into an anthropological and sociological sink hole, it would be interesting to include some sources about why Japanese culture kind of fosters fetishes and how that isn’t necessarily a sexual thing even though the knee jerk western perception to the word fetish disapproval. I see a cultural trend of fan-hood at work here, much more than in the US.
good work.
When I saw these videos I had to think of Sailor Moon, the cartoon I used to watch as a teen. When I think back now though, I think about what kind of sexual object she might be for others..everything is so extreme( her long hair and huge eyes, and the female common features.. ) Today, the entire hero aspect is being pushed in the background for me. Sort of the same feeling I got when reading about the Geisha role.Really sad.
You captured maiko impostors in your second photo…