Virtual Geisha

When does it ever become okay to butcher a culture? Taking into account the Geiko culture most of the world outside of the actual maiko and geiko themselves -- get it wrong. This is a brilliant example in fail geisha-henshin. These images are from Finland's Next Top Model where the girls pose for Fazer brand "Geisha Chocolates". Right away we can tell of some of the odd features of these photographs. Who knew anyone with an edo-esque hairstyle and jumble of a mess tied kimono could be called a geisha? Good thing they were smart in the kimono department and didn't settled for the bathrobe-geesha-girl look. Also looks like these geisha are zombies, especially the top ad which has her eri folded right over left, signifying a dead person.


What is most disturbing about these photographs, besides the fact that they look confused and uncomfortable, is their anorexic bodies and photoshopping to the end of time. Nothing makes an image worse than excessive photoshopping to the point it looks unreal. Their lack of padding emphasizes the fact that they are very thin when they should have a square shape. The way the kimono lays on the frame is sloppy, obis are held down awkwardly and look like pillows tied down with curtain cording.


Hair is also a huge issue. This is probably my biggest peeve. A Geiko katsura looks nothing like this. These are probably the geisha wigs sold at party city for cheap. You can even see how bad the synthetic fibers are. The style looks like a smash between maiko ofuku (senior maiko hairstyle) and geiko katsura (wig). If the sides went down passed the ears instead of being above, it wouldn't look like a buzzcut of the sideburns. It would change the image slightly for the better. There is nohing more to say but; do your research. Even if this was a beauty shot it is offensive in the small details you get wrong (collar, obi) to Japanese who do practice kitsuke (kimono dressing). If a culture is too difficult to interpret, don't attempt it!