Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Geisha Etiquette for Tourists


The Blog "Japan Visitor" has provided some guidelines to follow when you encounter Geisha's in Japan:

Geisha Etiquette for Tourists



Camera-wielding tourists from around the world have become more and more aggressive in stalking Kyoto's geisha.

As at the Tsukiji fish market - which just recently let tours back in after banning them because of the many problems caused by the visitors - Kyoto's Gion and Pontocho areas have in recent years been swamped with ever more tourists. Unfortunately, many of these tourists seem to lose any sense of restraint in the presence of frozen tuna or geisha.

Like the fish mongers and auctioneers in Tokyo, Kyoto's geisha (and their clients) are none too happy. Unlike Tsukiji, however, banning tourists from these areas is not an option.

To combat the pushy foreigners, and protect the women, patrols have been created to escort the geisha from tea house to tea house.

A bit of common sense and restraint, though, could solve the problem.

When visiting Kyoto, try to keep in mind the following:

1. Gion, Pontocho, etc. are not theme parks. The women are not dressed up for you.
2. The geisha are working. They will not pose for photos. They are going to an appointment. They are on a schedule. Stay out of their way.
3. Never touch the geisha. It takes hours - literally - to get dressed and prepare for an evening.
4. Never follow them.
5. Do not go into a tea house or private residence.
6. Respect their space. Do not thrust your camera inches from a geisha's face or body.
7. Take your picture and move on.

You are not on a safari in search of a cheetah. Stroll, enjoy the vibe of the neighborhood, take a few pictures from a respectful distance, then go out for dinner and a beer.

That should clear things up!

Monday, March 19, 2012

Profiles In Manners and Public Displays of Social Graces

John Jacob Astor IV

In remembrance of the 100 year anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, I chose to recognize John Jacob Astor IV. He was said to be the wealthiest man on the Titanic, but it also seems he had a generous heart as well. Not only did he give up his place on  the lifeboat next to his wife to make room for someone else, he took drastic measures to save the life of a fourteen year old boy who was not allowed to board a life boat. The now defunct Warsaw Times newspaper dated April 20, 1912 gives this account:

"Captain Chase F. Crain, U.S.A., one of Carpathia’s passengers, said that one of  the survivors, a boy fourteen years of age, told him that he owed his life to Colonel Astor. The boy’s story, as repeated by Captain Crain, was that when he tried to get into a lifeboat the sailors pushed him back with: “You’re not a girl.”

Colonel Astor, the boy said, happened to be near, saw this and picking up from the deck a girls hat, jammed it on the boys head and watching his chance pushed him into the boat with the women."

Heroic acts that save someones life  in my humble opinion are of far more importance than any social protocols that are violated in the process.



To read the entire article click here.