2002*1st* Geisha Of Gion(Memoir of Mineko Iwasaki) with Rande Brown(Simon & Schuster)

Mineko Iwasaki is a former geisha from Kyoto, Japan, who became widely known for her autobiographical book "Geisha, a Life." Born in 1949, Mineko Iwasaki joined the prestigious geisha district of Gion at the age of fifteen and quickly rose to become one of the most revered and successful geishas of her time. She became the top-earning geisha of Gion and was considered a living legend within the geisha community.

Iwasaki's book provided an insider's perspective on the hidden world of geishas, dispelling many misconceptions and revealing the rigorous training, dedication, and artistry required to become a geisha. The book also shed light on the challenges and sacrifices that geishas face in their personal lives, including the pressure to maintain discretion and uphold traditional values.

While Iwasaki initially received praise and respect for her book, she later faced criticism from both the geisha community and the public for breaking the code of secrecy that surrounds geisha culture. As a result, she retired from the geisha world in 2001 and stepped away from the public eye.

Despite the controversy surrounding her book, Mineko Iwasaki's story remains an important contribution to the understanding of geisha culture and the lives of these extraordinary women.