The Changing World of Japan’s Geisha

Al Jazeera’s Steve Chao reports from Kyoto on the changing world of the geisha. Shot and edited by Matthew Allard, the piece gives us a rare, inside look at their modern world. “Japan is reeling from a 20-year economic slump, and has recently been surpassed by China as the world’s second-largest economy. What the Japanese call the “lost years” have taken a serious toll on some of the country’s most beloved cultural icons, including the Geisha. Instead of charging several hundred dollars for tea, dancing and artful conversation, many now have to look for other ways to make a living.”