This bachelor's thesis examines Japanese artists known as geishas and their role in society. Geishas spend their lives learning and mastering traditional arts, such as singing, dancing and playing instruments. Because their job requires entertaining guests, they need to be skilled conversationalists and performers. Their history dates back to the Edo period, when they began working in red light districts, alongside prostitutes. Their intertwining histories, as well as association of geishas with prostitution, significantly influenced their role in society. From the Meiji period onwards, especially after American occupation, geishas continuously fought for improving their status in society. At first, they did so through public performances, charity work and publishing newspaper articles; and then in later periods, through documentaries, various forms of literature and interviews. Consequently, geishas gained global recognition, which brought along new challenges, especially in the form of stereotypes. This resulted in the continuation of their fight for correcting the misconceptions about their work and identity, which they are battling even today. Through history, there were other major influences on their role in society, namely, their position as women in society, various political movements and government control. All these factors forced geishas to constantly evolve and adapt to different circumstances, which resulted in changes to their role in society. Today, the most significant influences on their role are their rapidly declining numbers, modernization and digitalization. Consequently, geishas have become increasingly aware of the importance of their role in preserving Japanese art and history.
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