Literally translated, the word “geisha” means “art-doer.” It’s a fitting description of women who are masters not only of traditional Japanese dance and music, but also of the art of communication, keeping conversation going with their finely-tuned wit. The first “geishas” were actually men, who entertained customers waiting for courtesans. Female geishas didn’t become popular until the mid-1800s, living and working at teahouses called ochayas. Said to inhabit a separate reality known as karyūkai or "the flower and willow world,” geishas were held in high esteem for their strength and grace. Though World War II brought a significant decline in the geisha arts, places like Kanazawa and Kyoto still have active districts. There behind carved wooden lattices called kimusuko, these talented performers do what all true artists do — create beauty for the rest of us. Read Less