Takasago, the Okasan

Takasago somwhen in 2005 in her ageya Kushigiku

Takasago lived many lives. Here we look at her role as the founder and okasan of Kushigikuya, the newest ageya of Shimabara and Takasago’s struggles to pass on her legacy as a Tayuu on the verge of modernity.

Youth. It plays a vital importance in attraction. Specially in the hostess business so prevalent in Japanese culture it is crucial. But in contrast to the crushing relentlessness of modern hostess culture, for Geimaiko there is a chance of a second life after youth fades. For Tayuu even more so as there are so few young girls willing to train for years to debut as artist in such a niche artform. The Tayuu still active today are well into their 40ies, 50ies and even older. Some Tayuu take their last breath while still active. Takasago would have probably gone the same route, but life took a different turn.

After Takasago retired from public performance as a Tayuu, 23 years into her service, she decided to found her own ageya in the Shimabara. Mostly to keep a place open for her loyal patrons, she entertained in a way more akin to a senior Geiko now, but she needed a fresh face to be the shopfront of her new ageya, the Kushigiku. Sadly, this endeavor was and still is frowned upon as the ruling entity of the quarter, the Wachigaya, the only registered ageya, did not wish to give up this exklusive status. Even though Takasago had grow up in the quarters, had learned the trade of the Tayuu from the ground up, had nurtured friendly connections with the Wachigaya’s owners, even though she had proven herself a worthy Tayuu, she was not allowed to open her ageya officially. There was no kenban to register to and the wheels of change sometimes move slowly. The higher ups in the karyukai of Shimabara did not seem interested in change, and maybe they had their reasons but Takasago’s fire was burning too hot to get extinguished by these setbacks.

No kenban means no rules. She went ahead anyway, opened the doors of her ageya and the first girl she debuted was her last apprentice during her active days as Tayuu: Shima Tayuu.

The Kushigikuya was not located in historical settings like the Wachigaya or the Sumiya. Situated in a modern appartment building, Takasago offered her ozashiki in more modest tatami matt rooms. It was not the lavish backdrop fit for a Tayuu but since Takasago was not getting dressed up anymore it was enough space for her and her loyal patrons who continued to support her and her imouto Shima-san who was just 19 at the time of her debut.

When Shima retired, a new girl came along and raised Takasago’s spirits once more, her name was Kikugawa and she seemed to be the Tayuu to put the Kushigiku on the map. Takasago was always seen during the dochu of her girls, always smiling, holding their hand to help them balance on their geta, laughing with the Kamuro… She seemed genuinely happy. But it was not to be and the second Tayuu under Takasago’s wings retired in 2018. The retirement of Kikugawa set in motion a streak of incidents that lead to the closing of the Kushigiku. Due to health reasons she could not keep going and with Kikugawa gone, there was nobody to help the elderly Takasago keep the Tayuu traditions alive. The ageya was closed shortly after its last Tayuu retirement and with that Takasago retired herself and faded from the limelight to spend her days in peace.

Sources: Tokyo Blues on Blogspot / Gion Hatanaka