Geisha After World War II
After Japan’s defeat in World War II, Allied forces occupied the island nation. Tea houses and entertainment venues opened back up, and some geishas were able to return to their newly reopened okiya, and for the first time in years, put on the silk kimonos and white makeup of their trade. Some of the old traditions continued in earnest, like finding a danna to support them and retiring through marriage or finding a patron. But American troops brought western fashion and culture to Japan.
Geisha weren’t the icons of style any more as women turned to more western fashions. Geisha started adapting to these western fashions and served cocktails instead of sake. But a new, even greater threat loomed, even worse than setting aside some of the old traditions. There were some trying to usurp the name and reputation of the geisha industry.
