Apologies for the mispronunciations, I did look most of them up but this video was made in two days and some recording was done before I had researched. Thank you to everyone who corrected me! If you want to support this channel, you can find me at www.buymeacoffee.com/indiascarlett

I really wish her true story got just as much exposure than the movie that it deserves.

I had no idea Mineko Iwasaki hadn't agreed and was opposed to the book. I'm going to look for her memoirs now, thank you so much for speaking about this! 🤗🙏

So glad that this popped up in my KZfaq feed as I didn’t know that Mineko Iwasaki had written her own story to correct the story of Memoirs of a Geisha. Based on what you have provided, her true story is even more fascinating than the book and or the movie, both of which I have read, watched and enjoyed. Thank you for this, I will now read the book and you have a new subscriber.

She looks so much happier in her marriage. I am glad life worked out for her

I do love Memoirs of a geisha and Sayuri is my comfort character, but I absolutely love and admire Mineko too and agree that Golden should have kept her private as he promised. Such a fascinating woman, I once even actually did a presentation about her for my history class!❤

I am so happy you’re giving Mineko the credit she deserves! Her book is amazing!

I stumbled upon her memoir shortly after the release of Memoirs of a Geisha. Not only is it beautifully written, but Mineko herself is such a fascinating person. I've read Geisha, A Life numerous times and I think I may have to give it another read after watching this

one part of the book that always stuck with me was when she had a fan and some celebrity took it from her and autographed it, she thought he had ruined a beautiful piece of art and history (it was an antique). That always stuck with me because its not about vanity or fame, it's about expression and hard work that matters most in the end and are truly things to consider being beautiful to admire

I have her biography and it remains one of my favorites to this day. I always reread it every now and then because it's strangely comforting.

She's still very beautiful at 74. She's lived an incredible life, including entertaining Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. Along with many dignitaries and other royals. I would suggest her book Geisha: A Life.

The Inoue Yuki's book "Memoirs of a Geisha" and Mineko Iwasaki's book "Geisha: Life" ... Those books are so intense, powerful and REALLY explain the life (even as harder as you cannot imagine for someone who saw only the movie) of Geisha/Geiko.

Now in the age of people redoing movies , can we please have her movie redone 🥰🥰🥰

Just from looking at her with no makeup, she is to me extremely beautiful with an impression of a great mother spirit and deeply wise/worldly beauty that can only emanate from how she thinks and how she carries herself. Someone who looks to have a pure heart, has the upmost respect of the profession AND really, a dedication to the highest form of it's art of the profession called Geisha. Thank you for letting the world know your journey.

Gosh, her sister was a real piece of work! I don't know how she managed to keep it together during her career because the constant silent catfight in the background would have exhausted me. Glad to have run across this video! I already knew about a lot of it, but the further detail was appreciated. I bet she would have been so interesting to talk to, even if it wasn't about her career. 28 seasons though, yikes. Didn't know that!

I read her book last year. Once I heard about it, any interest I had in approaching Golden's book vanished. I'm glad I went this route. The true story is wonderfully compelling and educational. She is a remarkable woman.

Iwasaki’s biography is my favorite book to this day. I found it in a Goodwill Bookstore when I was fourteen and something about her storytelling was so comforting to me. Like hearing your grandmother tell you about her life. I reread it every few years. So glad that her story is getting a little more attention

Thank you for introducing us to the lady who inadvertently sharing her pearls with a fool. She is a very brave person who stood up and stood out for her contribution.

The channel, Shogo Your Friend in Kyoto, has several videos on this part of Japanese culture, including his wife being dressed as a geisha at a Kyoto kimono/photoshoot shop.

The tradition of Geisha is fascinating. Although in modern times, we tend to look down on things like this. But the Geisha were actually talented businesswomen, at a time when most women were destined to only get married and have babies. It wasn’t an easy life, but compared to living in poverty at that time, it wasn’t so bad. They used what they had to make a life for themselves. It’s honorable.

I was very honoured to attend her book signing, talk and performance in Glasgow a number of years ago ❤️❤️❤️

Read both Golden’s book, Linda Dalby’s book, Mineko’s book. The book and film based of Golden’s research were very frustrating to me because of his misconceptions. I’ve been fascinated by geisha and the floating world since I was a child. I am eternally grateful to Mneko for reveal her world to me. I still marvel at the concept of being art as well as being an artist.

This is a fantastic video. Thank you for posting it. As a student of Japanese culture. I learned about Japan from Japanese friends and from my father who was stationed in Japan back in the 1950s when he was in the army. And he got a different impression what Japan is like when he was there. That movies about Japan stereotype the Japanese into something less than what they are. I had read the book geisha a life by mineko iwasaki. And through her eyes I understood more about the geisha. And I'm sorry she had problems with the writer of memoirs of a geisha Arthur Golden. I would like to leave a message here for Mineko -san saying thank you for allowing us to see a glimpse of the world of the geisha. And I will treasure her book.

I read Mineko's book back in college. Definitely a page turner. Highly recommend.

I still appreciate Memoirs as a fictional story that could have happened to someone else. His true mistake was mentioning her name when she clearly asked him not to. Their stories are different and both valid, one for its interesting fictional, fantasy aspects, and the other for its realistic portrayal. Although I always thought it was unrealistic for the girls to be beaten because it would damage their bodies I don’t find it far fetched that some people would take advantage of a beautiful young girl in this position and go through similar events. I appreciate both stories and still watch the movie occasionally. Lovely video!

After reading "Memoirs of a Geisha" I also knew the story of Mineko Iwasaki and am now almost finished her book. You have given a very faithful and enjoyable representation of her story. Geisha are fascinating as they look so other-worldly. The make-up and hairstyles horrify me as they are so artificial. The kimono, ornamentation and dancing are very beautiful.

I am SO happy someone made a video about this! I read Mineko's book years ago and it made me so mad that one of my favorite books/movies were ripped off of her life! Thank You!

India had a similar culture centuries ago. The female performers had contributed to the development of classical music and dance that are practiced in the country today. They have been misunderstood too I going to definitely read the book

They were treated like life sized dolls to play with, that's no way to live. I'm glad her story has a happy ending

I heard Mineko's criticism of Golden's Memoirs of a Geisha before I ever read the book so I decided not to touch it. She deserved better

Really loving Mineko's autobiography so far.

I have read her memoir several times. It is truly one of the best stories of triumph and gaining control!

Thank you for sharing this! I knew "Memoirs of a Geisha" is based on a real woman and that the author twisted the information he got from her, which led to a lawsuit. But I had zero idea that this woman wrote a book herself! I read "Memoirs of a Geisha" at 15 for the first time. Had I known this book exactly, I would have read it back then. Off I am to find it now ❤

So in love w the fact you've brought about the true arc and complex reality that's been long over due this brilliant soul . love n respect to you both , ousss!

Thank you for telling this part of the story . I adored Memoirs of a Geisha mainly because I could identify with the controlling and tragic romantic aspects. It really was beautifully told. My heart broke and felt whole again. I read the book many times. I wish I had looked more into the life of the inspiration, Mineko Iwasaki though, like you did. Thank you for bringing her story to light. I'm going to find her true memoirs right away. I'm subscribing because I hope to see more deep dives like this!

I always felt like Memoirs of a Geisha was icky when I first watched it during high school. I’m now in my late 20’s and I saw Geisha, a life in the library on sale and it looked like a legit story. And it was, I’m so glad I found Iwasaki’s story through her own words. I had to find books reviews for this! Thanks so much for this video.

I read both Golden, Iwasaki, and Liza Dalby's book and found the truth to be something in between for Golden and Iwasaki. Mineko was designated atotori from the time she joined. She lead much more of a charmed life than others who didn't have her rank. So her story is not typical and even reads as someone who is a bit spoiled and naïve at times. It was indeed wrong for him to use her name when she said not to though.

I am not sure why this popped up on my feed, but I am truly grateful. My wedding dress was designed with an obi and it was absolutely inspired by Memoirs of a Geisha. I’ve traveled to Tokyo for work and had to buy a kimono. They’re very expensive so I settled for a yukata instead. I have a slightly different opinion. It wasn’t an autobiography, so I understand the creative liberties taken with the book and movie. However, Mr. Golden didn’t show integrity when it came to keeping her anonymous. I intend to purchase this biographical book and I’ll support this channel, as well. Thank you!

Memoirs of a Geisha was set before WWII. The experiences of a maiko/geisha of that era would be quite different than it was for Mineko Iwasaki, born after the war and through the Japanese economic boom. I do not understand how the two characters are conflated, even if Ms. Iwasaki was consulted. I enjoyed both books.

Thank you for this.

What an incredibly respectful accolade to such an interesting lady. I can't wait to read this! She was a true artist, and these are rare.

Wow loved this! Thank you for sharing her story

I'm so happy to learn the "real" story. As others in the comments have already said, the book and movie were super influential and have become a bit of a guilty pleasure for me personally, because I'm at odds with how downright misogynistic and opportunistic it was to write this story that way. But it is such a beautiful movie. It's amazing to learn that Mineko was such a fierce fighter for worker's rights in an environment that wasn't open for dicussion at all.

This was really fantastic, I love how matter of fact you were in your explanations, though there are just a few inaccuracies. Not every maiko has a specific onee-san assigned to her. It happens quite often that maiko will debut without an official onee-san but it's not so much of a big deal as the community helps lift her up and support her even without being official older sisters. Geiko can take on imouto (younger sisters) pretty early on as long as they can financially support themselves and help pay for the expenses of the maiko, on rare occasions even senior maiko can take on younger sisters (this is normally when they're just about to graduate to become geiko ) like was the case with kikuyuu-san and her onee-san Kikuno-san. Minarai don't normally follow their onee-san from ochaya to ochaya, instead they "intern" at a specifi ochaya so they can learn the ins and outs of an ochaya while also watching how ozashiki are performed. I really like how you mentioned that ozashiki are often hosted by women and can be family affairs involving children. This is probably the biggest misconception that I see people still stick to, that the customers of maiko and geiko are older men (Which yes of course older men can host ozashiki, but they're far from their only clientele. With women having a stronger presence in the work force, especially in various businesses, they're a common sight to see at ozashiki, becoming more common today ^^) The rest was also fantastic, really well stated ^^

I'm so happy this came up on my feed. Thank you

Thanks for the post! Very interesting!

Thank you for helping to set the record straight.

I’ve been reading “Geisha, A Life” written by her and it’s a beautiful story. Very few similarities to the memoirs, if there are any I haven’t seen them yet. It’s a shame that her story was twisted so much.

Thank you for sharing this. Can't wait to read Her story!

Memoirs of a geisha is one of my fav movies since my childhood I always thought they was so beautiful and their culture fascinating was nice to hear more about the real woman behind the movie

Beautiful photography and interesting content. Thank you!

I have just ordered the book, thanks for this. That last quote, so very true.

You did such a great job at explaining the story in a way anyone can understand. I love the pictures you used, and your tone! I watched the movie so many times so it’s great to learn the new story. Thank you!

I borrowed this book from my local library years ago but don’t remember much of it. Another great video packed with info I had no idea about. Thank you 🙏✨

So interesting and so well told . Thank you.

Thank you for taking the time to do this. I love the book, and have always wondered how accurate it was.

Thank you so this wonderful podcast ❣

Wonderful update, one of my favorite books. So glad I'm being set straight. I'm a huge fan!

Excellent doc and what a beautiful voice that narrated it

So happy your channel came up in my recommendations. Your storytelling is excellent. I’m loving your videos very much. Thank you for sharing 👍✌️🙏❤️✨

This was very interesting! Thank you for all your research. I'm placing my order for her biography. I'm highly looking forward to reading it.

Thank you for writing about Iwasaki! Her memoir is one of my favourite books, and like many who have commented here, I've read it many times over the years.

Thank you for making the video. Very informative 😊

Awesome. Can't wait to read Mineko's book. Thank you IndiaScarlett.

I will definitely read this biography! It sounds really interesting. A long time retired geisha by the name of Sawako Takahashi who worked both before and after the war shared her experience in a 1996 article. It also showed the professionalism and talent needed in her work, playing several different musical instruments , being proficient in dance and up to date on news and politics

I just remembered I read her book! Great video❤

I been waiting for a vlog! Let me get a glass of Stella ready!

I read this book when it came out and have subsequently read it every few years since. It’s so beautiful and well written. I wasn’t aware of the woman who was used for this. Dang. How many times do we see this happen?? Women and disenfranchised people are always stepping stools for ruthless people. I hope this changes someday.

I’ll have to check out Mineko’s book, I’d love to hear the true story from her own words, I didn’t even know she had a book, you learn something new every day. Thank you 🙏

I loooove your channel and the stories you choose to tell. ❤

It is a fascinating story and quote inclusive. Thanks so much, for sharing few of her life experiences and traditions, as you read it on her memoir.

This was so helpful to find more about Mineko iwasaki. Thankyou Indian Scarllet.

I truly love, adore and admire Mineko.

A great watch, thanks!

thank you for this video ❤️

This was such a wonderful video to stumble upon. I didn’t know about all of this. I saw the movie years ago when I was a teenager and I enjoyed it but I will seek out the original book to read now I know it exists. Thank you so much

Fascinating. Thank you.

This was a wonderful video so glad I found your channel

Love your channel! Thank you for this video and the book recommendation. I read it and thoroughly enjoyed it. I learned so much and found the history fascinating.

Thank you for this video. I LOVED reading Mineko Iwasaki's book, and have re-read it several times. I would love to travel to Kyoto and see the walls of the old Gions and see what is still left in its traditional forms

Geisha: Life is such a great book! I accidentally encountered it in the library, took it to just skip through the pages, read there and there, look at the pictures, but it sucked me in so bad and so instantly! Red it the same day. It's so well written, in such an engaging style, conveying a compelling and intricate personal story, revealing social complexities at the time (which makes the book so significant, as there are so many conflicting layers covered, can even say political in a sense). Very thoughtful, too, good food for thought. The quote I still remember is when she, as a working geisha, asked a client, an art critic during the evening event at the house, how to ('correctly') interpret art: he said "see what you see and feel what you feel". It's been such a brilliant simple advice!

Mineko's book is incredible (Geisha, a life). i read it after trying to read memoirs of a geisha and finding it up to its neck in orientalism. the author made the main character have blue eyes (wtf?). its a book by a white man and because of that it is filled with his own misconceptions of japanese culture, geisha culture, and even female culture. on top of that they made a movie in english and roles played by chinese actors. the costumes as well are at times close but usually rely on a western lens of whats considered fashionable.

Great video! Will definitely read her Mineko’s book👍

So enjoyed this video...I was fascinated by Memoirs of a Geisha....thank you for telling her truth...I loved hearing your voice as you related this story...your voice reminds me of Princess Diana...I admired her greatly and was saddened that she left us so soon.....thank you for the gift of your voice!!!

Thanks for a great story ❤

Thank you very much for this very informative and special presentation.

Well told! I had no idea that Memoirs was piecemeal fact and fiction, I just fell into a compelling story without interrogating the facts. I'm sure to add Mineko's real memoir to my to-read list.

The photos are amazing.

Thank You for sharing this ! What an extraordinary life .. Shame on Golden for breaking his promises and disrespecting her .. I am purchasing her true story immediately ♥️🕊🎶💪

She is so beautiful. Memoirs was one of my favorite movies of all time. But I was unaware of everything that happened thereafter unfortunately, as that would've been the first thing I'd done was read her story, had I known. So, thank you for this information as I'm definitely going to read now. :) Also, new subscriber.

Thank you for the video, I have watched the movie and wanted to find out more about the backstory.

This was a great video. I never read Memoirs of a Geisha, but I did see the movie. I really enjoyed the movie. I was completely unaware of the controversy surrounding it. I am now interested in reading Miniko's book after seeing this. Thanks for sharing.

Thank you for this video

She’s amazing. I’ve read her book many times ❤

Thank you for posting this beautifully crafted, respectful video. I too was terribly disappointed when i realized the lengths Golden went by through to defame and use Mineko Iwasaki. I appreciate your dedication in setting the record straight while still telling an interesting story.

Thank you so much for this information!! I have read her book and I love it so. I also read Liza Daly’s book. I wish I had this video 10 years ago.

I’m so happy to learn this true info about such an amazing Lady! The book was fascinating, but now im looking-forward to reading Moniko’s Own autobiography!!! Thank-You!

Am currently on the search of the book! thank you

Just subbed! Really happy I found this channel! ❤

I’m so glad this popped into my feed! I’ve read Memoirs of a Geisha so many times I don’t know how the book is in one piece and I’ve watched the movie quite a few times. I had no idea the geisha that the author spoke to had written her own book! I’m going to be looking for this today to see if I can find or order it. I must read it!