Mineko Iwasaki
- Born:
- November 4, 1949, Kyoto, Japan
- Nationality:
- Japanese
- Profession(s):
- Retired Geisha, Author, Businesswoman
Early Life and Education
- Born Masako Tanaka in Kyoto, Japan.
- At age five, left home to live at the Iwasaki okiya (geisha house).
- Began formal training in traditional Japanese arts at a young age.
Career and Major Achievements
- Became a maiko (apprentice geisha) at age 15, taking the name Mineko.
- Became one of the most celebrated and successful geishas in Gion Kobu, Kyoto.
- Known for her exceptional dance skills and refined artistry.
- Retired from the geisha profession at the peak of her career at the age of 29.
- Her experiences in the geisha world, though not meant to be fully represented in fiction, influenced Arthur Golden's novel Memoirs of a Geisha, a controversy that sparked legal action and ultimately led to her writing her own account.
Notable Works
- Geisha of Gion (2002): An autobiography detailing her life and experiences as a geisha. This book was published as Mineko Iwasaki: The True Story of Geisha of Gion in the UK and is her direct response to the misrepresentations after Arthur Golden's novel Memoirs of a Geisha.
Legacy and Impact
Mineko Iwasaki is a prominent figure in understanding the realities of the geisha profession, offering a first-hand perspective that challenges romanticized and often inaccurate portrayals. While the identity behind 'the real sayuri geisha photo' is debated, Iwasaki's story has undeniably influenced public perception.