First off, I have very little knowledge of Geisha, or the Japanese culture in general. Second, I knew they were / are not callgirls.
Now - I was thoroughly disappointed by the entire mizouge bidding process. I guess I was under the impression that they *NEVER* sell their bodies. Is this something that all Geisha used to do (I'm guessing this doesn't happen any longer - or does it) ??
I'm not an expert either, but one of the Geisha that the author of the book interviewed was appalled that they included this. Aparently it is one of the main parts of the film that is different to reality.
Chihiro: You don't remember your name?
Haku: No, but for some reason I remember yours.
check out the wikipedia article on it!
from what i remember it said this used to happen in the past but after it became illegal it stopped occurring. now in the ceremony they cut the topknot of the maikos' (apprentice geisha) hair.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mizuage
The cash transaction was between the purchaser and the okiya, and not the almost-geisha, to pay off the debts incurred on her behalf by the okiya. It was a ritual initiation. Some geisha slept with the most worthy men. And it couldn't do for the geisha to behave like some clueless virgin. That would make the man uncomfortable.
Get me a bromide! And put some gin in it!
Some geisha had sexual relationships with men they were attracted to, but worthiness didn't come into it and these relationships were kept secret to avoid soiling their reputation. Part of the privilege of a danna was sex, but it came at great cost and was explained thoroughly in the book. A danna sponsored expensive dance recitals, gave expensive gifts of jewelry and kimono, paid a monthly set amount to the okiya, and still paid for the geisha's time as any other client would. In most cases, the danna actually paid more for the time than others would. In rare cases like Mameha's, the danna also paid living expenses like her apartment. A danna also generally paid for the geisha's continuing educations and personal services and products, like makeup, perfume, face cream, and hairstylists.
shareWhen Sayuri told the colonel "If there were a price, you could never afford it", she really was telling the truth. The only way a man could ensure an opportunity for sex with a geisha was to become her danna, and very few, if any, military men have that kind of money, even high ranking officers.
in the book:
geisha are a very expensive girlfriend to have. i wouldn't say they are prostitutes... but they most likely wouldn't have sex with a men for free.