Japan’s geisha tradition is fading — but a new generation is fighting to keep it alive by reinventing what it means to be a geisha today. In this episode, we explore how modern performers like Azuha and Seiko are blending centuries-old elegance with livestreams, casual livehouse shows, crowdfunding, and playful, informal entertainment. As they compete with cheaper hostess bars and push back against stubborn misconceptions, these women are reshaping an art form once thought too rigid to survive. The question now is: can innovation breathe new life into one of Japan’s most misunderstood — and most mesmerizing — traditions?

https://www.economist.com/asia/2023/12/07/the-new-geishas