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INTRODUCTION What is a geisha? Many Westerners assume that geishas are simply prostitutes of another cultural form, in this case the Japanese culture; however that belief is not particularly true, when comparing Western prostitutes to Japanese geishas. WHAT ARE GEISHA? In the Japanese language the word geisha basically translates into performer of the people, “Gei” meaning art or performance and “Sha” meaning people. [ Shizuko Mishima ] Geishas are basically skilled hostesses. They are trained to entertain guests through many of the traditional Japanese arts such as Japanese ancient dance, singing, playing the shamisen, flower display, kimono bearing, tea ceremony, calligraphy, conversation, and alcohol presentation. After reading this, one may wonder why, Westerners tend to believe geishas are the Japanese answer to prostitution, because it seems geisha are not performing any of the actions, Western prostitutes carry out. Well, besides entertaining guests through various Japanese art forms, Geisha also possess relations with usually one man, her benefactor, which