Hardcore Ozashiki Play ② | Let's Play Ozashiki
When you hear the term "Ozashiki play," what kind of scene do you imagine? Perhaps a target-throwing game with fans while geisha cheer you on, or playing rock-paper-scissors across a sliding door. Maybe drinking a penalty cup in one go if you lose the game. Or perhaps admiring a geisha's dance.
A Hardcore Ozashiki
In my case, because I am "hardcore," I don't engage in rowdy behavior like games. The geisha know this, so they create an atmosphere where we can enjoy a quiet, refined conversation. After the meal, the geisha finally showcase the results of their daily practice. A dance is performed to the accompaniment of singing and shamisen played by the lead geisha. This geisha's dance is sometimes referred to as "Ozashiki." To say "to arrange an Ozashiki" means that the geisha will perform a dance.
Ozashiki is Nothing Without Kouta
Usually, the party would end here, but in our case, this is when the Kouta (short song) time begins. After the dance, the geisha will prompt us, saying, "Now, gentlemen, would you like to do something?" so I have a quiet consultation with the itokata—the geisha playing the shamisen—to choose a song. There might be seasonal songs, or I might dare to choose a song I am currently practicing, even at the risk of failure. In this way, each person performs two Kouta (for some reason, it has been called "two Kouta pieces" since long ago), and the party concludes.
A Typical Ozashiki is Like This
The first part of an Ozashiki is food and drink. What kind of conversation do you have with the geisha here? Those who have never experienced an Ozashiki might feel intimidated, but they are absolute professionals. The geisha have a wealth of topics and are skilled at drawing out the guest's stories, so there is no need to worry. You can just drink the sake poured by the geisha, relax, and continue the conversation. Depending on the mood, they might even suggest a game. The latter part is the geisha's "Ozashiki." In our case, it is followed by "Kouta time." Here is one note of caution: it is taboo to put food in your mouth while the geisha are performing their "Ozashiki." Since the geisha practice seriously every day and perform before the guests, it is the mark of a mature person to watch them with equal seriousness. Even if it is a catchy song, "clapping along" is also taboo. Let's listen quietly.
How to Play Ozashiki — The Correct Way to Call a Geisha
So, how can one experience "Ozashiki" play? First, let me explain the principles. The district where geisha reside is called the "Karyukai" (flower and willow world). The Karyukai is composed of three organizations, collectively called the "Sangyo Kumiai" (Three-Industry Association). This is the reality of the Karyukai. The first organization is the "Kenban." All geisha are registered with the Kenban. Fees paid to the geisha, called "Hanadai" or "Gyokudai," are also collected by the Kenban. Managing the geisha's assignments and schedules is also the role of the Kenban. The second is the "Okiya." It might be easier to understand if you think of it as the agency to which the geisha belong. Under the guidance of the Okiya's proprietor, known as "Okasan" (often a veteran geisha), they practice and learn the customs of the Ozashiki. The third is the "Ryotei." Nowadays, the image of a Ryotei is a restaurant in a sukiya-style building serving high-end Japanese cuisine, but originally, a "Ryotei" did not cook food. The food is catered. A Ryotei is essentially a rented banquet room. Do not think, "Oh, it's just a room." To play Ozashiki, the Ryotei is the most important element.
Suppose you and a few friends plan to "play Ozashiki." The first place you, as the organizer, should go is a "Ryotei." Then, you inform the proprietress of the banquet details, such as the date, time, number of people, and the number of geisha required, and ask for her advice. The proprietress calls the Kenban to confirm which geisha are available on that day and proceeds with the arrangements. The proprietress handles the food and drink without any issues, so the organizer does not need to worry. Once the reservation is confirmed, you just need to go to the Ryotei at that time. If you have a specific geisha in mind, it is also fine to consult with the proprietress. In any case, your point of contact as the organizer is only the Ryotei proprietress. At the same time, it is only at a Ryotei that you can call geisha and hold an "Ozashiki." That is why the Three-Industry Association exists. The payment, including the food bill, room charge, the Hanadai paid to the geisha, and sometimes taxi fares, is paid in full to the Ryotei. In modern times, the accounting is transparent, so you should receive an itemized statement showing how many geisha were there for how many hours at what hourly rate. Since the Hanadai varies by Karyukai, I will not write it here, but I think the cost-performance is quite excellent.
However, in some Karyukai, the three industries are no longer functioning
This is the original process for an "Ozashiki." However, the reality is that in many Karyukai today, there are few Ryotei left, and the three industries no longer function as they once did. So, where is the point of contact? It seems that no clear rules have been established for this. My opinion is the "Kenban." Alternatively, finding a restaurant that seems to have connections with the Karyukai might be a way. Large banquet halls like those in hotels usually have connections with the Kenban.
In My Case
In my case, fortunately, I have interactions with geisha through "Kouta" and "Tea Ceremony," so it is possible for me to contact geisha personally to make a reservation. However, I do not think this is a very commendable method. It is a last resort. I usually make it a rule to contact the Kenban first. No matter how well I know them, I feel that contacting geisha directly to arrange a reservation is an act that damages the dignity of the Karyukai. This sense might be difficult to understand, but sticking to it is the reason I call myself "hardcore." Is it too much to call it the pride of a playboy?