Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on October 2009

Geisha represent a dying tradition, particularly in Tokyo. But the ladies in whiteface aren’t going down without a fight. For the last 50 years, the geisha of Akasaka—along with Shimbashi and Kagurazaka, one of the traditional quarters—have emerged from their upscale wining-and-dining establishments to present a performance to the public. Despite dwindling in numbers from over 400 in the immediate postwar era to around one tenth of that today, Akasaka’s geisha are determined to preserve their art and, with some young members now entering their ranks, they stand at least a fair chance of doing so. At Akasaka Odori, expect them to perform stately traditional song-and-dance routines alongside surprisingly earthy numbers such as work songs favored by Edo era firefighters.

Akasaka Odori
50th anniversary dance performance by Akasaka geisha. Oct 31, 6pm; Nov 1, 11:30am & 3:30pm, ¥5,000 (A)/¥6,000 (S). Akasaka ACT Theater. Tel: 03-3234-9999.