Geishas And Their Dannas

The term ‘danna’ usually means husband, but to a geisha, a danna is seldom used that way. A danna is more like a benefactor with benefits. Geishas of any standing never give themselves to a man without careful consideration and compensation. If the correct sort of man is interested in becoming a danna to a particular geisha and is willing to negotiate terms, most geishas are happy to enter into such an arrangement. A geisha without a danna will be unlikely to earn enough money on her own to move out of an okiya and enjoy her independence like Mameha had. Most geishas hope that eventually a man of standing will approach the mistress of the teahouse to inquire as to what terms can be arranged, and should they be unwilling to begin with a gift of an expensive kimono, they are likely...