The Beginnings of The Idea of an American Geisha

Arthur Golden's 1997 book, Memoirs of a Geisha, andhave for American women beyond a book to read, a
the 2005 movie it inspired, teased non-Asian women,movie to watch, and some expensive boots to
making them curious about the beauty secrets andwear? My investigation into the history of the geisha
powerfully attractive qualities of geisha, of Japanesein both Japan and Korea, combined with my research
women, and perhaps of Asian women in general.with over four hundred Asian and American single
Many Japanese-inspired fashion and beauty productswomen and men, convinced me that the Asian
were introduced immediately before the movieGeisha (my term for the blending of the Japanese
reached the theaters. Coach offered a Japanesegeisha and the Korean kisaeng) offers many lessons
silk-and-mink kimono hobo bag. Cole Haan featuredfor American women who want to be married, soon,
stiletto boots covered in antique Japanese silk.to their Good Men. The golden age of the Japanese
Banana Republic launched a limited-edition holidaygeisha and her attitude toward men dates from 1841,
collection inspired by the movie's wardrobe, including awhen she was accorded by law the status of
silk floral kimono sash-tie top, a quilted geisha bag, an"entertainer" or "artist."
Asian-style tassel necklace, and a satin kimono dress.In "Sex Secrets of an American Geisha" I have
Facial and body creams featuredadapted Asian Geisha practices somewhat to fit
cherry-blossom-themed packaging and the sametwenty-first-century Western/American culture while
image of the movie's star, Zhang Ziyi, that gracedcontinuing to emphasize the geisha's performance or
billboards, newspaper ads, and even the cover of aentertainment skills. In particular, I have upheld the
special edition of the book.concept of the Asian Geisha, as embodying the
In late 2005 American women heard a lot about thearchetypes of beauty and femininity.
Japanese geisha. Yet what relevance could the geisha