True Geisha - A Documentary
During my trip to Japan I was overwhelmed by the incredible amount of culture the country has to offer.
I had the chance of meeting Tomitsuyu, a young girl at the end of her 5 year training to become a real Geisha.
Here is what I have learned about this centuries old art form and I am so excited to be able to share it with you.
A very special thank you to:
gion-east.jp/en/tomikiku/
Music by Marco Porrá
open.spotify.com/artist/7h9tb...
Пікірлер: 553
So interesting to hear from the women themselves with minimal narrator interruptions.
@goombapizza6335
4 жыл бұрын
What, you didn't want 90% mansplaining? That's crazy!
@salimhq
3 жыл бұрын
@@goombapizza6335 .
@salimhq
3 жыл бұрын
MKkp
@GothJedi
Жыл бұрын
@am i It’s better to hear it from the people that are actually living that life as opposed to someone on the outside looking in. There are too many documentaries like that
The senior geisha in the grey kimono is absolutely precious. Her personally is infectious. She's such a sweetie!
@moushimoushi8963
4 жыл бұрын
Do you mean Geiko Tsunekazu-san? The Older sister of Tomitsuyu-san? The kimono looks a little more like a light blue to me but I understand also seeing it as gray. She's legendary not only in Gion Higashi, but throughout Kyoto. She's very well known for her skill in dance which is really impressive with how old she is, she's still kicking butt! And yes, she's super sweet~
@singingflowers7456
Жыл бұрын
@@moushimoushi8963 She has such a positive demeanor, I bet it's infectious! :D
@Hahhabudo
6 ай бұрын
She's from Gion Higashi right?
@SadMoon20
3 ай бұрын
Its a shame to record her in such terrible lighting.
I didn't know that there were still maikos and geishas who blackened their teeth to this day! They're literally walking art🖤🖤✨
Thank you for letting the women tell their own story! That shows true respect for them and their art.
These ladies are married to their art. I respect that. It is very strange to me when some people assume they are not virtuous, since their grace comes from within. Sending much love!🌸💕
@JohnTaylorR-A-G
4 жыл бұрын
Learn more about the history of their art form and you’d understand. They were fluffers for prostitutes. That may or may not be true today, but there is a history here and it’s not a virtuous one.
@rivalx288
3 жыл бұрын
@@JohnTaylorR-A-G If youre gonna look through history to determine what is virtuous and whats not, you're going to be very disappointed with pretty much everything.
@Algrenion
3 жыл бұрын
@James Burton you're kind of ruining the point you're trying to make... your foul mouth and especially your lack of respect would probably give you just as much of a bad name in Japanese society i'm in absolute agreement with Teuta though, there's something really beautiful and deeply empowering about dedicating yourself to an art form in this way i wish we had similar things, especially the concept of an art community (the same way that Geisha do for their Okiya) here in Scotland!
@GothJedi
Жыл бұрын
@@rivalx288 For the most part I suppose. But mankind has had its moments, however far and few between they may be. Greatness comes and goes. But how cool is it that it even happens at all?
Geisha are national treasures! Long may the tradition thrive! Goodness, I wish I were Japanese!
All I can say is,.... this Japanese culture is beautiful, one unique and rare in the world none others....please preserve as world heritage.
@willtay3575
4 жыл бұрын
Agreed. Contemporary foolishness should never be allowed to tarnish it
@sheilabang3942
Жыл бұрын
Yes indeed!!! Precious historielærer still living beauty!!!
@phoenixflier25
Жыл бұрын
Leftists want to force Japan to adopt perverse leftists ideology. Hell no!
Fascinating and nice to see them keeping tradition alive. Utmost Respect for these ladies. ❤️❤️
REGARDLESS of the mistranslations, etc. that some viewers noted, this is one of the best documentaries on Japanese Geisha I have ever seen. It reminds me of my brief studies on Japan in college, only to (my) joining the U.S. navy and being stationed at Yokosuka (for over 3 years; I got a lot of language practice, though NOT fluent but I could speak far more than other Americans I was stationed with; some people often asked me if I was a mixed Japanese because I am Black and could speak a lot of NIHONGO.), and acquiring more practice in speaking Japanese and gaining insider access to much of that society. Learn a little of ANY foreign language and the people will love you more because you took the time and effort to learn of their culture and language. You'll be treated differently than the regular tourist.
@DoZashand
4 жыл бұрын
Absolutely fascinating!
@michellerjackson5776
4 жыл бұрын
@@DoZashand Yes!
@lisamariejennings9020
4 жыл бұрын
They missed the part where many of these young men are being kidnapped and held in an ancient form of human slavery. Many are forced to sign contracts & work as drug dealers & prostitutes.
@deborahpollitt7533
3 жыл бұрын
Lisa Marie Jennings I assume you mean young women. What is the source of the information you base your assertions on? The original geisha were males who entertained by music, drama, and dance in the Floating World of the pleasure districts. Takyu were women who were sex workers, distinguishable by the fact that their kimono and obi provided easy access to the body. There is excellent on the history and practices of the geisha life. Many westerners apply their western ideas about entertainers to geisha unfortunately. To be a well respected geisha has to adhere to a code of behavior and beliefs similar to Bushido, in my opinion. Books and films like Goulding’s “Memoir of a Geisha” misunderstand and misrepresent geisha. He was used by the geiko he consulted with and based his novel on. The costume designer didn’t even get the kimonos right. So it’s not surprising to to have a critique that sounds like a yakuza story
@faahcue
2 жыл бұрын
No one gives a fuck about your life story, so fuck off.
I’m really drawn to Japanese culture and I would really love to go to Kyoto and meet a Maiko and Geiko someday. That’s my dream. I love the music and dance they perform. I even bought a Shamisen just to learn them. Thank you for sharing this wonderful video.
@princerschannel7426
4 жыл бұрын
me too you can become one but only in Tokyo not Kyoto because they are strict and still don't accept foreigners
@NanoPanoGusano
2 жыл бұрын
My dream came true when I met a geisha in Nippori 💕
@zxyatiywariii8
Жыл бұрын
Cool, I would love to have a shamisen!
I love the comraderie and sisterhood of this tradition. 💛
@josephmessina4832
3 жыл бұрын
Vincent T. excuse me..
@BBB-rd2qi
3 жыл бұрын
Me too!
This was so lovely! I kinda cried with Tomitsuyu too, all of those 5 years of hard work & dedication suddenly & literally lifted when her hair was taken down!
Thank you for this very tastefully done documentary and for clearing up a lot of misconceptions. Right after WWII, young japanese ladies who were hungry told the occupying soldiers that they were geisha when they were really just offering themselves for a little bit of food and money. That did not help the reputation of geisha and is why a lot of westerners still think they are prostitutes. They are beautiful and graceful and I admire the dedication and hard work that goes into the training and the profession as a whole.
the woman who voice over who had the mouth smacking was so aggravating to listen to
@drooliab
2 ай бұрын
Seriously... swallow your spit, lady.
@dianaclark5658
Ай бұрын
Dry mouth, needed some sips of water before narrating.
Whoever thinks that women are weak have never watched a documentary like this.its been a honor to see and learn such a wonderful traditional life . I feel a great respect watching and learning such a beautiful art of Japanese people .I wish them to prosper. I have thoroughly enjoyed this documentary . I am breathless on this beautiful tradition.
She’s stunning. Every bit a literally “Moving Work of Art.” They are living dolls. The years of training they go through to perfect their art craft. One cannot help but look their way like a magnet because of their beauty and stoicism. ❤️👌🏻
Warring kimono everyday for a long time is an art in itself. But the real people we have to thank are those who continue to design this beautiful kimonos. So, thank you for keeping the tradition going.
In such a “ running like mad” world watching this documentary is so comforting Let’s hope that geishas will always be there to remind us the importance of traditions 🙏🙏❤️
She is so intelligent: When we learn to adapt to the modern world, our world will continue. Thats the survival of the fittest (most adapted). Such a intelligend old lady
There was something so special that made me tear up. When she was bowing to her parents. In the bow from her mother it exuded pride and love. It was special
From a westerner point of view, I was totally captivated! I loved their humble and respectful ways that have gone by the wayside in the USA. The beauty of the culture is overwhelming. Thank you for taking us along to see something amazing!! Taking us on a journey that other wise we would not be able to experience! I cried with her when she was crying.Thank you sincerely!!
@yenylevano221
4 жыл бұрын
Dionne Coburn I visited Japan March 2020, got captivated by their peace and kindness ❤️
@dionnecoburn134
4 жыл бұрын
@MaGuffintop I am afraid the younger culture in our country are so arrogant and have that sense of entitlement and lack of respect that I don't hold out for things to change! I guess I have seen too much in my life time that when I witness a culture as old and the Japanese and how they have maintained this amazing culture it just confirms what I think. Sorry
@willtay3575
4 жыл бұрын
@@dionnecoburn134 So true. Younger generations refuse to believe there could be something greater than themselves like beautiful tradition. Little respect for culture... If only we could have half the humility of the Japanese!
@dionnecoburn134
4 жыл бұрын
@@willtay3575 I hear ya!! Our country is in trouble!! With the younger generation I find nothing but arrogance,self entitlement and feel like they are owed. Sad times in this country!! We could learn valuable lessons from the Japanese!!
@ingenueblue8914
3 жыл бұрын
@@dionnecoburn134 Boy, you are judgemental. Maybe you are just way too negative. Younger generations aren't perfect but neither are older ones.
Teenagers transforming themselves into elegant "time travelers" from the 17th Century. They are some of Japan's national living treasures. For them, like just about everyone else, 2020 has been the most challenging year of their lives. They are truly artists in every way...
@edienandy
3 жыл бұрын
It’s really sad how much damage has been done to this world because of COVID-19. I’ve read that currently there are only 2 or 3 maiko in the Kamishichiken district because of the virus. And the Miyako Odori in 2020 and 2021 were cancelled because of it as well. It’s unreal what a precarious position they’re in.
Japan is so interesting! I love it. Preserving their story and traditions is both a duty and honor.
Thank you for this amazing documentary. It is very well made. I remember seeing Tomitsuyu in an old french documentary. I am happy for her that she managed to become a geiko.
@SebaTvChannel
4 жыл бұрын
Mina Mina thank you for watching. It was an incredible experience
The kimono nearest the camera at 7:58 is utterly stunning!! 😲 Edit - the kimono that she wears at her geiko ceremony, HOLY COW!! 😮🥰 I honestly think of geisha as mythical creatures, on a par with unicorns. I would love to travel to Japan to try and see and hopefully interact with one. 🥰🥰 I have even started learning some Japanese. 👌🏻
@moushimoushi8963
3 жыл бұрын
It's a very pretty Komon ^^ Komon are actually the least formal silk kimono meant for just doing chores and running errands but they're definitely coming more into fashion and Maiko and Geiko will both wear Komon Hikizuri to their various engagements at times ^^ It's hard to see the Motif of her Kuromonstuki (The 5 crested kimono she wars for her erikae) but I think it's fans with strings sprawling around them. I'm not 100% sure if this kimono is hers or if she borrowed it from her okiya, but I suspect she borrowed it from her okiya rather than going the expensive route of commissioning one of her own
this was really one of the best documentaries on geisha and the first 5 years the very very end is so touching thank you !
Beautiful!!! Thanks so much. Congratulations! So much hard work and the mastery!
This is such a beautiful rich culture it would be so refreshing focusing your life on this instead of all the other life expectations here in the USA.
@M1N1Girl007
4 жыл бұрын
Everyone's life is different here in the US. Live your life to the fullest and DO what you LOVE. WHO CARES what others expect of you. Living life shouldn't be a burden. Life's too short for other people's drama, and cast out those that are toxic in your life. Be around those people that are for you and that uplift you. Life is short, it's what you make of it
@geslinam9703
3 жыл бұрын
Men in the USA who want female entertainment just go to the strip club
This is a beautiful documentary. I like the older sister, I enjoyed hearing what she said about not having a family and having regrets, it was sad to hear but from the heart. Very interesting. It is also very interesting to see that they aren’t using electric curling irons for their hair but rather a metal one heated up, that’s so near that even down to the hair they keep things authentic, even though an electric one would be easier. Wonderful preservation of culture and beauty. And I love the blackened teeth, I don’t know how much of it was done for beauty but I think it looks beautiful
Women are indeed the carrier of cultures ❤ What a beautiful documentary. Thank you.
Muchas gracias por traernos este MARAVILLOSO DOCUMENTAL❣️😊👍
I watched an amazing documentary on Wilderness Japan last night and this video today. I’m completely enthralled and overcome by the beauty of Japan. Well Done... Thank you!
A beautiful documentary. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for this beautiful, touching documentary. It was an honor to get a glimpse into the lives of Gion Higashi's geimaiko ❤️
@SebaTvChannel
4 жыл бұрын
Amé L. You’re wellcome
Hermoso documental! Muchas gracias! A beautiful documentary, thank you so much!
Simply Beautiful. It brings tears of joy Thank You.
Been studying the Geishas for a while. Thank you for presenting this fascinating documentary.
You have a talent for making a documentary. Hope to see more content from you.
Best documentary I have seen on the modern Geiko community. Thank you for sharing it with us. 現代の芸ikoコミュニティで見た最高のドキュメンタリー。 共有していただきありがとうございます。 🌙💜
Wishing Tomitsuyu a wonderful and fulfilling life with great success in her chosen profession.
@moushimoushi8963
4 жыл бұрын
She's extremely popular and is still practicing without any sign of quitting~
So inspired by her life's vocation! Congrats!!
Fantastic Documentary! Loved it! They have some stunning kimonos too!
Outstanding documentary!!
This is truly an amazing document !! thanks a lot for sharing !!
I love it, thank you for sharing!
What a fascinating life. Such a great documentary. Thank you for this.
This was absolutely beautiful!! Well done
So interesting. Japan is such a fascinating country . Thank you for sharing
Loved this video -- so interesting! The geisha are so beautiful.
Brilliantly done. My heart was overwhelmed for her when she turned her collar. ❤
Beautiful documentary, I watch several of them. You make one the best one
@SebaTvChannel
4 жыл бұрын
Thank you very much
beautifully done
If possible, subtitles would have been better, instead of talking over them
@kaoruancafe
4 жыл бұрын
Even the subtitles are not that good :(
@LadhielVulnera
4 жыл бұрын
I actually enjoyed the talking, bcause I can just listen, while doing other stuff. :)
@LynxSouth
4 жыл бұрын
I would like to hear their voices a little more, but I prefer to listen in English so I can look at the people, their clothes, their actions, the scenery, and everything instead of just reading.
@raimundosilva4382
4 жыл бұрын
Pelo amor de Deus são todas
@raimundosilva4382
4 жыл бұрын
Que da hora não a Lara bama shampoo Sampaio love you Tainá eles que faz um escândalo não é eles que estão fazendo todas as cenas escandalosos e criminosa contra minha vida que salário que faz essa cena criminosashampoo cai no rio Tainá eles que estão fazendo essa cena de crime escandalosose tu me defendendo eu tô usando a minha defesa contra
I am glad this explains the true meaning of Geisha and not the western movie that painted Geisha to be .
Great material ♥♥♥
Beautiful and Fascinating!!..."I'll do my best" seems to sum up the Japanese work ethic....
Love it and thank you so much for sharing!
I enjoy getting to know this culture so much
BRAVO! BRAVOO! Thank you for sharing your video,wonderful and beautiful! Congrats and cheers....
the tooth blackening is mesmerizing, what an amazing effect.
Omg so astoundingly Beautiful. I could almost weep😍
Wonderful documentary, and sobinteresting. Thank you 🙂
Such a beautiful documentary about a beautiful culture
Thank u for this opportunity 2 see an old tradition still alive
What a beautiful documentary..
So glad that the Geisha💖 tradition is still alive in this modern world. Today on mound all the troubles of life. There is peace and art in the Geisha💖 tradition. Beauty and kindness ring in her life style.💝 And she brings it to others. Like a bird song after the storm. 💞So glad the mother said, the Geishas had never and will never be a pracertude to any man. She is a purformer in many art forms. This film shows the hard moment that a young woman goes through to become a Geisha.😔 The pain she goes through and the lonely times .😔 And In the end she blossoms and shine to bring many joy.😀 Thank you for all you do to keep this Japanese tradition alive.💖👍🌹🍁 Many happy, healthy, good fortune, successful years ahead Geishas 💝💖🙋☕🍰 and to all the Geishas 💝 Happy Birthday always.🍰☕😁
Oohhh a modern film on this wonderful world? Thank you.
I don't know her from Eve and I'm here in the USA but I'm sure she succeeded and was perfectly fine at it! It comes from desire, if you want something enough you will make it happen. I choose to believe that's what happened to her!
such a legit Doc, salute and respect, great work
So fascinating!
I'm so fascinated by Geisha! They're so beautiful and elegant with their style and the arts behind it.
She's so cool! She did such a great choise! Good luck and a lot of joy and happines to her! These gorgeous women remain world culture!
Fantastic!
Also there is a lady whose voice over is very "intense" and you hear like a chewing sound. I'm sorry, I'm really only expressing my opinion because I really appreciated this video.
@SebaTvChannel
4 жыл бұрын
Li-san thanks for the feedback
@mrsk8518
4 жыл бұрын
Right, subtitles would have been more pleasant The mouth sounds are aweful... hydrate yourself next time
@kawehionalani
3 жыл бұрын
Dry mouth
Wonderful documentary. I actually believe it was far better than others I have seen on KZread. 🌙💜😱
Fascinating!
Lovely and amazing. Thank for your documentary keep doing them. My respects for them. That is a hard life butvthere is noting better than dedicate your life to arts
@SebaTvChannel
4 жыл бұрын
Irene Gavidia thank you for watching
Beautiful documentary ❤
So so lovely...blessings
Lovely documentary..I have been interested in Japanese culture as a whole!
It was so delicious to watch! Loved! So nice to go along with her graduation and see how anxious and nervous she was. Simply loved. So cute her craying.
@SebaTvChannel
4 жыл бұрын
Thank you
They are stunning
Molt pero que molt maco! m-agradat molt! gracies!!!
Bravo!
My grandson is in Japan now. I told him to respect all that he comes in contact with. This shows how much tradition should keep going.
great work
Such a fascinating culture. I love their love to keep their history alive. In my country people are trying to destroy history. If you can’t learn from the past you have no future.
very interesting, my only point or lets say it's a pet peeve, the voice overs. I don't like it at all, definitly would love to hear their voices in their beautiful native language.
@TheEternallyAggrieved1999
2 жыл бұрын
Is there anything you people can't complain about?
@L_San87
2 жыл бұрын
@@TheEternallyAggrieved1999 complain ≠ constructive criticism
Beautiful & peaceful people!💓🙏💕
They are so beautiful, I love the Japanese culture, it's absolutely amazing!!! I wish I could go there and live.
I really love that this tradition continues. And I'm delighted to learn that women can now attend a tea ceremony. We have nothing like this in my country. ( Scotland) For me it is the height of elegance and grace... Something our modern females sadly lack. Long live the Geisha🍸💕
I'm going to dress some 50s style hats and fascinators inspired by these geisha hair styles. Utterly fabulous and creative
Her makeup is exquisite 🤗
Thank you for clearing that up about prostitute due to a film that i watch. Right now everything is clear to me I was fascinated with japans culture and amaze how they preserved there culture and tradition. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
this was awesomel! Very interesting!!!
It's good she pointed out that Geisha's are not prostitutes because here in the West we only know about other cultures from the movies we've seen, in my past, (I'm 46) I thought they were as well but that was only because of the movies I'd watched which were produced by western production companies. I had no idea until I hit college and even then, I only learned that because in College I had begun studies in foreign languages for French, Chinese Mandarin, and Japanese. When you learn about other languages you have to learn as much as possible about the cultures because so much in language comes from the culture of the people you just can't leave culture out and fully understand why people say things they say to each other in those cultures. When I went to high school, we didn't have programs to allow students to spend a week or a month in a foreign country, at least not where I was from in the South.
@SebaTvChannel
4 жыл бұрын
Culvea Solvere I really wanted the topic to be very clear. I’ve also talked about it specifically in another video
Oh my that music ! It’s great when it stops !
@MPMProducer
3 жыл бұрын
I'm the creator of the music and you just made my day 🤣 Thank you
So interesting
舞妓さんは見えないところで汗と涙を流して日本の文化を継承するためにたくさん努力していて、とても尊敬します! I am japanese. I like maiko and geiko in kyoto. She says she is making a lot of effort to pass on Japanese culture by tearing and sweating. Sorry for my poor english.
Beautiful