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Although outside bound of orthodox society, geisha world gave refuge from social isolation, support system, and degree of freedom unavailable to other Japanese women.

in Kyoto, they live together in geisha houses that seem more like college dorms than residences of the demimonde.

In pre-war Japan, women's place was only home or brothel. But geisha created a separate niche, a community of women known as 'the flower and willow world.'

Average age of geisha is now over 40, and there is always a place in their world for the older geisha. They still perform, even at 80.

Centuries ago white makeup was used in brothels to imitate the pallor of noblewomen. Once lead-based, it caused the early death of many young geishas.

A geisha said, 'This world is like Hollywood - the smart young girls concentrate on their skills, the dumb ones look for a man.'

maiko (apprentice geisha) attend a kabuki performance as a group.

Some geisha have children, but if they marry they will leave the geisha world. Their real hope is to acquire a wealthy patron.

Geisha rarely laugh in public because teeth can look ghastly yellow next to their stark white faces.

A geisha said, 'A geisha contains her art within her, and because her body has this art, her life is saved. The power of art is the salvation of one's soul.'