Oiran (花魁) is a collective term for the highest-ranking courtesans in Japanese history, who were considered to be above common prostitutes (known as yūjo (遊女, lit. 'woman of pleasure')) for their more refined entertainment skills and training in the traditional arts.

2015年4月23日 · While many are familiar with geisha, Japan’s “oiran” remain a mystery for most. Oiran are high-class prostitutes from Japan’s past, and are known for their elaborate dress style and sophistication. So, what exactly is the meaning of oiran? And what did oiran do? In this article, we’ll share 20 facts about oiran sure to answer all your questions!

2023年2月26日 · The Japanese Oiran is an important and often misunderstood figure in Japanese culture. Dating back to the Edo period in Japan, the Oiran were courtesans, considered to be the highest level of prostitute in the country. They were highly skilled in the arts of dance, music, and poetry, and their presence in the country’s culture is still felt ...

2018年8月22日 · Oiran Dochu is a reenactment of a procession from the Edo period (1603-1867) with men and women dressed up in Edo period costumes. The parade ends with a meeting between the tayu (senior most oiran) and her customer. Oiran, skilled in many art forms, are high-class courtesans, who enjoyed the status of celebrities during the Edo Period.

2020年8月27日 · Many people may think Oiran is almost the same as Geisha because they both are women dressed in kimonos. However, unlike the Geisha and Maiko that still exist today, Oiran is now gone. Still, there are spots where you can experience Oiran, and there is also an event called “Oiran Dochu” that recreates the situation at the time.

2020年10月1日 · Speculative fiction writer, long-term resident of Japan and Bram Stoker Award finalist Thersa Matsuura explores all that is weird from old Japan—strange superstitions, folktales, cultural oddities, and interesting language quirks. These are little treasures she digs up while doing research for her writing. © Copyright 2025 Uncanny Productions

2017年8月15日 · In ancient Japan ‘women of pleasure’ were called Yūjo (遊女). This word identified their job and also marked the difference between common prostitutes and courtesans, also called Oiran (花魁). The figure of the Oiran is the one we will analyze in this article.

2023年8月4日 · Revered as the pinnacle of beauty, elegance, and refined culture, Oiran were high-class courtesans who entertained and captivated the elite members of Japanese society. This article delves into...

Today, we’ll explore the differences, often understood as maiko vs geisha and how Oiran fits into this dynamic, in these three cultural icons and the roles they play in the traditional Japanese arts.

An oiran refers to a high-ranking courtesan in the pleasure quarter of Yoshiwara. Around the mid-18th century, senior courtesans were addressed as "oiran" by their underlings such as kamuro or shinzo. Then "oiran" became the word used to refer to a high- ranking courtesan in Yoshiwara.