90-DAY GEISHA

I have just finished reading this fascinating book, by Chelsea Haywood, about hostess clubs in Japan, but with insights into many things Japanese, including the psyche of that enigmatic place and its enigmatic people. Having been in Japan only months ago, I found that it brought back lots of wonderful memories. Admittedly, I never had the experiences that she did (and frankly, I wouldn’t have done that to my body and my mind!! – the number of times she ends up in a drunken and drugged stupor – even if it was “for the book” – is frightening) – but I did experience a hostess club in Kobe. The father of my Japanese friend, who I was staying with, owned and ran quite an exclusive one in the centre of Kobe, and we went there one evening. I observed all the wierd behaviour described in the book, but only now, vaguely understand it … if it is something that can ever really be understood.

It was a very readable book and her style very natural. But, I did get a bit annoyed at how many times she mentions how beautiful she is (quoting her customers of course). She was only 21 when she was there (4 years ago), and she was a model, so she probably WAS beautiful, but was she THAT beautiful???

I found this interesting photo of Chelsea on Flickr by mattbooy. It was taken in an underpass near Waterloo Station in London, for promotional purposes. I recognised the location as I had been there, also on my last trip, and had taken photos of this same artistic graffiti, which adorns the walls, the whole length of the underpass. 

This is my picture.

Tags: japan women book