Japan

• Topic
• Special Education

Japan

Geishas 

What are Geishas? 

Geishas are highly trained Japanese women who entertain guests through traditional Japanese arts. 

They are known for their polite social skills and ability to perform music and dance.

In both Chinese and Japanese culture women would wear such clothing to show how lady like they were and to respect their cultural history. 

In Mulan she has to dress like this to find a husband. Girls do not have to do this anymore. 

There are still Geishas, however it is not quite the same anymore. 

There are approximately 1,000 geisha that still practice in Japan, mainly as entertainment and tourism.  There used to be 80,000 geisha practicing up to the 1920s. 

What did Mulan have to do to prepare?

What did Mulan have to wear/put on?  

What is she trying to get by dressing like this?

What will Mulan bring to her family if she succeeds?

What do you think the 'perfect' traditional Japanese woman was like or could do? What things was the assessor lady asking Mulan to do?

Do you think people now-a-days think these things? 

Was Mulan good at people the 'perfect' lady?  

Activity: Students can try their hand at writing Japanese characters with a brush and ink. Teach them how to write basic words such as "flower" (花) or "geisha" (芸者).

Materials: Paintbrushes, black paint or ink, and paper.

How it connects: Calligraphy (shodō) is a skill often practised by geishas as part of their cultural education.

Calligraphy

Activity: Teach students a basic Japanese fan dance (odori) using colourful folding fans.

Materials: Folding fans (real or crafted by the students), Japanese music with a gentle rhythm.

How it connects: Geishas are skilled performers, and traditional dance is a key part of their artistry.

Dancing with fans

Activity: Set up a simplified tea ceremony. 

Students can take turns preparing and serving tea or juice while learning about the polite and graceful gestures geishas use.

Materials: Small cups, a teapot, and a simple script for polite phrases

Tea Ceremony Role-Play

Activity: Teach students how to walk gracefully by balancing a book on their heads. Encourage them to walk slowly, with small steps, and maintain their posture. Set up a short "runway" or path for them to practise on.

Materials: Lightweight books, a clear space to walk.

How it connects: Geishas are known for their poised and elegant movements, which require excellent posture.

Graceful Walking Practice

What is a primary role of a Geisha?

1. Teach martial arts techniques
2. Entertain guests with traditional arts
3. Conduct business negotiations
4. Perform modern dance styles

Which skill is essential for Geishas?

1. Architecture design
2. Graphic design
3. Traditional Japanese music performance
4. Cooking international cuisines

Where do Geishas primarily work?

1. Tea houses and traditional inns
2. Shopping malls
3. Corporate offices
4. Public schools

Making a Geishas fan

Create a Geisha Fan

Activity: Students can design and decorate their own folding fans using paper and craft materials. They can draw patterns, flowers, or traditional Japanese designs, then fold and attach sticks to create their fan. Once finished, they can practise graceful movements with their fans, mimicking the way geishas use fans in performances.

Materials: Coloured paper, markers, glue, wooden sticks (e.g., lollipop sticks), and decorative items like stickers or glitter.

How it connects: Fans are a key part of a geisha's dances and artistry, reflecting grace and creativity.

Making a Geishas Kimono   

Design and Decorate Kimonos

Activity: Provide large paper templates of kimonos for students to decorate with paint, markers, or collage materials. Encourage them to use traditional patterns like cherry blossoms or waves.

Materials: Large kimono outlines, art supplies, 

images of traditional kimono designs.

How it connects: Geishas wear beautifully patterned 

kimonos during performances.