Japanese prostitutes

thumb|upright=1.2|An sitting with a client and an apprentice. Ukiyo-e print by [[Suzuki Harunobu (1765).]] thumb| dancing, 2023 is a collective term for the highest-ranking courtesans in Japanese history, who were considered to be above common prostitutes (known as ) for their more refined entertainment skills and training in the traditional arts. Divided into a number of ranks within this category, the highest rank of were the , who were considered to be set apart from other due to their intensive training in the traditional arts and the fact that they lived and worked in Kyoto, the politica

right|thumb|A man cavorts with a (probably a ) and a female sex worker. The (wearing headscarf) sneaks a kiss from the lady behind his patron's back. Nishikawa Sukenobu, . Hand-colored print.

thumb|right|A in Tokyo, 1872