The image of the geisha catering to the every whim of her male clients is a longstanding Japanese stereotype. But now, the modern ladies of Tokyo are lining up for some pampering of their own, courtesy of the increasingly popular "geisha guys" - male escorts that earn up to $50,000 for an evening of "companionship."
Industry spokespeople insist that no sexual favors are exchanged, but claim that wealthy, working , independent women are happy to pony up for attention, compliments and fun without the commitment of a relationship.
I know this represents a real upending of traditional gender roles in Japan, and should probably be applauded. But I can't help but find it pathetic that women are paying the price of a luxury automobile for men they don't know to tell them how pretty they are. Is that really progress?
I guess it's more of a reflection of my own hang-ups than anything else that I see exploitation of women in all forms of sexual commerce - it doesn't matter whether they're the ones paying for sex companionship, or the ones selling it. Which doesn't make any sense, I know. After all, no one is forcing Japanese women to flock to clubs and engage the services of these male geishas. And maybe it is empowering to have a handsome boy toy at your beck and call.
But it just seems more sad and lonely than anything else.
