Teaching Geisha in History, Fiction, and Fantasy

Abstract

The article offers the author's insights on geisha studies in fiction, history, and fantasy. She says that geishas, who refer to artists with skills to perform classical music and dance, are famous as the emblems of Japanese culture. She states that a range of works, like fiction, tips for would-be connoisseurs, and academic study, is included in the literature on geisha. Moreover, students are not only easily engaged to explore geisha's multiple representation in Asian studies course, but they are also challenged to think critically. She adds that her own engagement on geisha studies is when she started teaching one unit in "The American Life of Japanese Women," which is a first-year seminar that focused on the Japanese women's representations in popular culture in the U.S.