Beyond the Kimono: Candid Moments with Japanese Geishas
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In Japan’s historical brothel system, the lowest class of women, known as yūjo, endured harsh conditions that starkly contrasted with the elegance of geishas. These women faced severe restrictions and societal stigma, living in difficult circumstances.
Unlike geishas, who were celebrated for their artistic skills and cultural contributions, yūjo were often marginalized and lacked the same opportunities for social mobility. Their lives were marked by limited freedoms and societal judgment.
This stark difference highlights the disparity between the refined world of geishas and the challenging realities faced by those at the bottom of Japan’s historical social hierarchy.
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