7. Danna

Little Yoshiwara - Bakumatsu Period Japan Cultural Area. , Milarepa (49.0763,71.3693,43.6968)

Danna is a patron who supports one geisha financially in a long term. It does not necessarily mean a lover or boyfriend. It would be compared to today's wealthy men who support a young talented girl who is poor to achieve her career or study goal.

They could be in love, if so, the relationship must be very discreet as it is forbidden for geisha to be in love (openly) or married.

Usually, their daily schedule is very tight, to make life easier, they would prefer to be single and not in love.

Their work starts from 6 pm until 2 am (makeup and dressing from 3 pm), with only 2 days off per month. The okaasan (head of the geisha house) needs to keep her girls busy to repay the expensive training costs she has invested in them.