Japan’s first western geisha

apparently being a geisha is not all about jaegerbombs, glitter eyeshadow, and boob jobs. it’s a pretty intense training that culminates in the hard-won privilege of wearing uncomfortable attire, heaps of white make-up, and an uncanny ability to speak intelligently on any subject.

Australian fiona graham, known by her stage name, er, i mean geisha name, as Sayuki, underwent rigorous training to become Japan’s first non-japanese geisha, a role that by its very nature is meant to epitomize the height of japan-ness. according to her website, she first became a geisha as fieldwork for her anthropological studies, but has now dedicated herself to becoming a full-fledged geisha, sans tape recorder.

“Sayuki denies she’s a flawless example of Japan’s ancient flower and willow world. ‘Being a geisha takes a lifetime to perfect,’ she deflects, as she clacks along in lacquer sandals that she wears slightly too small to make her size-8 feet look more petite. Sayuki, who was born in Melbourne, Australia, became the first foreign woman in the notoriously closed profession’s 400-year history to formally debut as a geisha two years ago, in late 2007. ‘I’ve only just begun, she says. ‘To many of my geisha sisters, I’m still a walking disaster.‘”

read the full article in marie claire