Whispering among bald and shinzo - Behind the scenes in Yoshiwara that supported the oiran (Edo period)

Whispering among bald and shinzo - Behind the scenes in Yoshiwara that supported the oiran (Edo period)

In the Yoshiwara of the Edo period (1603-1868), the presence of the "bald" and "shinzo" behind the oiran was indispensable. The bald girl was a girl around 10 years old who learned to speak and behave while taking care of the oiran, and eventually became a shinzo on her own. The shinzo was an intermediary position between the two, assisting the oiran in preparing for and receiving customers, and playing an important role as the trustworthy owner of the store. Unlike the glittering stage, their world was a place of strict and delicate training where they supported the oiran behind the scenes.

In the tatami room where the oiran greeted their guests, the bald and shinzo would stand back, observing the guests and whispering to each other in hushed tones. Such words as, "Today's guest seems generous," or "He speaks Kyoto," were filled with nervousness, curiosity, and learning through experience. These whispers were not mere gossip, but also training for detecting the origin, dignity, and financial power of the customer. For the oiran, their observations were a valuable source of information and part of the "eye-catching coordination" that set the tone for the service.

Yoshiwara at that time was a place for socializing with the best of the townspeople's culture, and the beauty of language and manners was valued above all else. The world of bald and shinzo girls was the epitome of this culture, and these girls grew up to be "attractive while learning. In the whispers of daily life, admiration and jealousy, hope and anxiety were mixed together, and behind the oiran, a small stage for training for life was spreading.