20 Facts You Didn’t Know About Oiran – Evergreen Edition

The Enigmatic World of Oiran: 20 Facts You Didn't Know

Oiran, the highest-ranking courtesans in Japanese history, were more than just prostitutes; they were entertainers, artists, and cultural icons. Here are 20 fascinating facts about these enigmatic women that highlight their unique place in Japanese culture.

Etymology and Origins

• Name Origin: The term "oiran" comes from the Japanese phrase "oira no tokoro no nēsan," meaning "the lass at our (my) place," which was later shortened to "oiran." The kanji characters for "oiran" mean "flower" and "leader" or "first".
• Historical Context: Oiran flourished during the early Edo period, particularly in the 17th and 18th centuries, when they were seen as entertainers and superstars.

Education and Skills

• Arts and Culture: Oiran were educated in a wide range of traditional arts, including Japanese tea ceremony (sadō), flower arranging (ikebana), calligraphy, and playing musical instruments like the koto, shakuhachi, tsuzumi, shamisen, and kokyū.
• Intellectual Companions: Clients expected oiran to be well-read and able to converse and write with wit and elegance, matching them in intellect.

Ranks and Hierarchy

• Tayu: The highest-ranking oiran were known as tayu, who were considered the pinnacle of their profession.
• Generational Names: Oiran could inherit generational names (myōseki) upon promotion, which were prestigious and carried the reputation of the previous holder.
• Professional Names: Lower-ranking oiran used professional names, often pseudonyms, to protect their identity or promote the brothel's image.

Appearance and Attire

• Extravagant Kimono: Oiran wore kimonos made of the purest silk, often with gold patterns and vivid colors, designed to attract attention.
• Bare Feet: Unlike geisha, oiran did not wear tabi socks; their bare feet were considered a point of eroticism, and their skin was often painted white.
• High Clogs: Oiran wore 20 cm tall pauwlonia wood clogs (koma geta) that required them to take small, slow steps, often assisted by manservants.

Daily Life and Traditions

• Parades: Oiran participated in daily parades (oiran dōchū) around their district, which served as advertisements for their services.
• Assistants: Oiran were often accompanied by child attendants (kamuro) and apprentice courtesans (shinzō).
• Walking Style: Oiran walked in a unique, sliding step (suri-ashi) due to their high clogs.

Clientele and Costs

• Elite Clients: A night with an oiran could cost as much as a commoner's annual salary, and oiran had the right to reject clients deemed unworthy.
• Wealthy Patrons: Oiran were visited by wealthy men who could afford their services, reflecting the societal acceptance of sexual relationships outside marriage.

Decline and Legacy

• Prohibition: The oiran profession declined steadily throughout the 19th century and was eventually outlawed in Japan in 1957.
• Modern Reenactments: Today, oiran reenactors perform in parades and cultural events, keeping the tradition alive.
• Cultural Impact: Oiran continue to influence Japanese culture, appearing in manga, anime, and films like "Sakuran".

Unique Customs

• Makeup and Hair: Oiran had highly stylized makeup and wore elaborate hairstyles decorated with kanzashi (hair ornaments).
• Formal Outfits: Their formal parade outfits could weigh up to 30 kg, requiring significant assistance to put on.

Social Status

• Respect and Prestige: Despite being prostitutes, oiran were highly respected for their education, artistic skills, and cultural contributions.
• Caste System: Within the brothels, a subtle caste system emerged, with higher-ranking courtesans commanding more respect and higher fees.

Historical Evolution

• Early Edo Period: The early Edo period saw the rise of Yoshiwara, a red-light district where oiran and other courtesans flourished.
• Sumptuary Laws: Efforts to regulate their ostentatious clothing and hairstyles were periodically enforced but never fully successful.

Modern Preservation

• Living Traditions: A few women in Kyoto continue to perform as tayu, keeping the cultural and performing arts traditions of oiran alive.
• Festivals: Oiran dōchū parades are still held during local festivals, such as the Edo Yoshiwara Oiran Dōchū and the Tsubame Sakura Festival.

Cultural Significance

• Artistic Influence: Oiran were celebrated in art and literature, with artists like Utagawa and Utemaru contributing to their popularity.
• Enduring Popularity: Despite their profession being outlawed, oiran remain a fascinating and enduring part of Japanese cultural heritage.