Taikomochi

, also known as , were the original male geisha of Japan.

==History== The Japanese version of the jester, were once attendants to (feudal lords) from the 13th century, originating from the Ji sect of Pure Land Buddhism, which focused on dancing. These men both advised and entertained their lord and came to be known as ('comrades'), who were also tea ceremony connoisseurs and artists. By the 16th century, they became known as or ('storytellers'), where they focused on storytelling, humour, and conversation. They were sounding boards for military strategies and they battled at the side of their lord.