Oiran Parade – Kitashinagawa
Before there were Geisha in Japan there were Oiran (花魁), a different class of courtesans who live very formal lives in specially designated “flower towns” around Japan. These Oiran led lives so formalized and so cut of from the rest of the society that even their customers came to think of them as too old fashioned, and the practice of training young women into Oiran died out probably as early as the mid 18th century, instead a new class of women became popular, the far more easy going Geisha. Although the original Oiran are long gone and doomed never to reappear, the tradition with the Oiran formal parade has been revived in some towns around Japan. The parade stems from the tradition that when Oiran were called out to visit customers, they would always do so in a highly ritualized procession, walking on very tall platform sandals accompanied by a parasol bearer who carried the 25kg heavy paper umbrella behind her, as well as a whole host of other servants, retinue and guards. I took these pictures in Kitashinagawa (北品川), where they hold a Edo themed festival at the end of September every year.
A few years ago there was a hugely famous movie release here in Japan, Sakuran, that depicts the life of one of these Oiran. The movie itself is highly stylized with a language and music that is much more modern than the era it portrays. It is interesting to note that the “rude” expressions and phrases used by young women (gyaru) today in Tokyo and Osaka is very similar to formal court language used by these Oiran all those centuries ago. I wonder how it survived? Rude Japanese language really bothers me so I won’t give any examples here. The movie was based on a famous manga with the same name by Moyoco Anno. Director of photography is Japan’s most famous female photographer, Mika Ninagawa and stars Anna Tsuchiya (who is a Japanese-American mixed race multi talented actress-singe-model). Although probably against all rules, there seems to be a copy of the movie on Youtube, if you are interested I recommend renting or buying the original, it is a quite beautifully crafted movie.
So these are the beautiful women one sees in those 18th century ukiyoe prints? I always thought those models were far more ornately dressed than the geishas you see in later paintings and prints. Also, thanks for the link to the film. I think I will look for the DVD, since I don’t like watching movies chopped up into sections, as they’re shown on YouTube.
Yes indeed! These orian make geisha look almost grey and boring! haha… Did you see the movie? (^-^)
i had no idea about Oiran – thanks for all the info! now i’m an expert
i’m heading to go check out the movie right now. i wonder if it’s on Netflix!
Haha… I am sure my explanation is only half correct… (^-^;) How was the movie?
Absolutely beautiful and incredibly evocative. photo 7463 captures an image and expression totally timeless. Many thanks for posting these images
Thank you for the kind comment! (^-^)
How beautiful. The embroidery is astounding, and the second photo really grips you in with the eyes gazing upon you.
I’ll definitely look out for both the film and the manga. Would be wonderful to look more into the Oiran : )
Thank you for the kind comment, I like the second photo too! Did you enjoy the movie? (^-^)
Wow! New infos! Never heard about the oirans before, but now I’m intrested in their story. I’m going to watch the film to find out more. Thanks for both the pictures and the story!
Thank you for the comment! How was the movie? It’s a bit over the top but a nice film to watch, the photography is great. (^-^)
I watched a movie for some time now, just forgot to answer, sorry..it was good, I liked it a lot, but it’s definitely not a kids movie
The whole setting was amazing, all the colors, the people everything!
No, I’d say leave it for the teenagers at least! Yes, the colors are amazing! (^-^)
But.. but.. I thought oirans were the pLayfuL, more easygoing ones, speciaLLy because a Japanese toLd me they gave some..speciaL services the geishas don’t.. (And Sakuran gave me that kind of impression, too) Or maybe I got it wrong.
But of course, the pictures are beautifuL
That movie is not very realistic. It is possible that Oiran was more playful (I have never seen a description of their actual work), they are certainly much more flamboyant. I think that geisha took over because they had “better” music and dance. There could be other reasons as well, but I am not an expert… (^-^;)
I remember a professor taught us a ‘simpLe’ difference between oiran and geisha:
Geisha seLL pLeasure with art and conversations
Oiran seLL pLeasure with art, conversations, and sex
But maybe she was just generaLizing..
Haha… that could be true! Or it could be geisha badmouthing oiran! (^-^;)