The Japanese Oiran is an important and often misunderstood figure in Japanese culture. Dating back to the Edo period in Japan, the Oiran were courtesans, considered to be the highest level of prostitute in the country. They were highly skilled in the arts of dance, music, and poetry, and their presence in the country’s culture is still felt today.
The Basics
The term Oiran is used to refer to the highest-ranking courtesans in Japan during the Edo period (1603-1868). They were respected and admired for their beauty, intelligence, and skill in the arts. They were also known for their luxurious attire, which would be made up of several layers of kimonos and accompanying accessories.
The Oiran were not just considered courtesans, but also entertainers. They would often be invited to parties and events to perform dances, recite poetry, and play music for their guests. They were also known for their skill in the tea ceremony, and would be hired to serve tea to their guests in a formal setting.
What is and isn’t an Oiran?
The term Oiran is often used as a catch-all phrase to refer to all courtesans in Japan. However, originally the name was only meant for the highest ranking prostitutes of Yoshiwara (the Red Light district in Tokyo). They are often confused with Geisha, but there are notable distinctions between the two. While the Geisha were primarily entertainers and hostesses, but not prostitutes, the Oiran were considered to be the highest-ranking courtesans.
Oiran were also not the same as common (遊女) Yuujo (prostitutes). The highest ranking Oiran, called Tayu, were selective in their service and picked their clients. They were expected to be more skilled in the arts than the Geisha, and their services were in very high demand.
The word Oiran uses the kanji (花魁). 花 means “flower” and 魁 means “first”. The word is said to have originated from the phrase “oira no tokoro no nesan” (おいらの所の姉さん), which translates loosely to “the lass (older sister) at our place.”
Today they are considered the highest ranking courtesan. However, before the Oiran term, the courtesans of Yoshiwara were listed with 6 ranks. According to a Yoshiwara guidebook from 1792, the ranks were as follows: Tayū, Kōshi, Yobidashi Tsukemawarashi, Sancha, Tsukemawarashi, and Zashikimochi. With Tayu being the highest rank. The word Oiran became a polite word to refer to any of the Yoshiwara courtesans.
History of the Oiran
Their history dates back to the Edo period in Japan, where it was an established form of entertainment for the wealthy. They were traditionally female courtesans with a high level of etiquette, who often wore elaborate costumes and hairstyles. They would perform music and dances for the guests, as well as providing services such as conversation and walking with guests.
Oiran were strongly associated with the pleasure quarters of Yoshiwara, where they resided and entertained. During the Edo period, they were highly respected, and their occupation held a great amount of social prestige. In the 19th century, the role of Oiran began to decline due to the government’s efforts to suppress prostitution and being out competed entertainment-wise with the less expensive and exclusive Geisha.
Today, Oiran are still respected in Japan, and they even have special parades that take place each year in Japan. The parades feature Oiran dressed in their traditional costumes, and the event is meant to celebrate and preserve their history.
Dress and Accessories of the Oiran
The dress and accessories of the Oiran were a reflection of their status and wealth. Their attire was often made up of several layers of kimonos, and was often decorated with loud, elaborate designs and patterns. The Tayu were known to have 5 layers of kimono, which could weigh up to 20 kg.Their hairstyle was called datehyougo(伊達兵庫) and included several large hair ornaments called kanzashi.
Their attire was also often very colorful, as they would often wear bright colors to signify their wealth and status and to attract customers. For shoes they would wear extremely tall (20 cm) Geta shoes. As for makeup, they had white faces with red lips and red eye shadow on the outer corner of their eyes.
Some modern oiran experiences allow tourists to dress in elaborate kimono, have their makeup and hair styled in traditional fashion, and participate in photo shoots or reenactments. These experiences are particularly popular in Kyoto and other historical cities where oiran culture once thrived.
If you’re interested in trying one of these experiences for yourself, Klook offers a variety of Oiran-themed cultural activities in Japan.
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The Difference Between Oiran and Geisha
The Oiran and the Geisha were both important figures in Japanese culture during the Edo period. While they both served similar roles, there were some notable differences between them.
The most obvious difference between the Oiran and the Geisha was their status. The Oiran were seen as the highest-ranking courtesans, and were highly sought after by the wealthy and powerful. The Geisha, on the other hand, were seen as entertainers and hostesses. Geisha were not prostitutes and that misconception may have come from some confusion by Americans in World War II.
The Geisha were seen more as entertainment for lower class citizens. While Geisha were highly skilled in the arts, the Oiran were supposed be even more skilled in the arts and their services were in higher demand. This meant their fees were also much higher.
Cultural Legacy
The Oiran were an important part of Japanese culture during the Edo period, and their legacy is still felt today. They were seen as symbols of beauty and grace, and their presence is still felt in the country’s culture.
While professional Oiran no longer exist today, there are still festivals in Japan that celebrate them. Oiran Dochu are re-enactments of precessions that used to be done by real Oiran. Originally, they were done to promote an establishment and to attract customers. Now these precessions look to preserve their history and honor their cultural impact on Japan.
There are multiple of these Dochu throughout the year and their locations can vary, but one of the most famous annual ones is from the Asakusa Kannon-ura Ichiyo Sakura Festival. The festival has several events but the Yoshiwara Oiran Dochu is considered the highlight. The precession normally takes place on the second Saturday of April.
Conclusion
The Japanese Oiran were an important part of Japanese culture during the Edo period, and their legacy is still felt today. They were seen not just a symbols of beauty and wealth, but as protectors of the downtrodden, and often provided assistance to those in need. They were also seen as a source of knowledge, as they were often well-educated and knowledgeable about the arts.
They are still a part of Japanese culture today, although they are not as prominent as they once were. Next time you’re in Japan, try to find a Dochu parade and experience a little bit of Japan’s rich history.
