The Present State and Issue of the Geiko Culture in Provincial Cities:

A Case Study of the Aizu Higashiyama Geiko

Abstract

 The purpose of this paper is to make clear the present state and issue of the Geiko culture in pro- vincial cities, by the case study of the Aizu “Higashiyama Geiko”. Except Kyoto, the down trend in the Geiko culture is a present problem. In the Aizu “Higashiyama Geiko”, the number of Geikos decreased from 152 person in 1930, to 20 person in 2013. But, there are some young Geikos, and some Jikata Geikos who can play the syamisen.

 Higashiyama Geikos make their debut as Geikos, although their inexperience. So, it is said that they continue unsuccessful for at least three years. But, it means that they must train their arts after their debut for their lives as Higashiyama Geiko.

 The companion is the rival of Higashiyama Geiko. But, some Higashiyama Geikos were originally in companions. And, some Geiko houses manage snack bars, and recruit companions. So, Higashiyama Geiko has a symbiotic relationship to the companion.

 Traditional customers of Higashiyama Geiko are local people, especially middle-aged men. But, they are decreasing, because of self-restraint of the entertainment of business contacts. On the other hand, female tourists are interested in Geiko culture, rather than male tourists. They have different de- mands and characteristics, from the traditional male customers. The Geiko industry needs to construct new business model to win over them as new customers.