Japan’s geisha community remains one of the country’s most private and traditional worlds, with its customs and way of life largely unknown even to many Japanese people.

Geisha are highly trained performers who dedicate themselves to traditional Japanese arts, including dance, music, conversation and formal hospitality. Their distinctive kimonos, hairstyles and makeup have become iconic symbols of Japanese culture.

But the profession is facing a major challenge as the number of geisha continues to decline. In Tokyo, more than 13,000 geisha once lived and worked in the city, while today the number has fallen to around 200.

The demanding lifestyle requires young women entering the profession to give up many freedoms enjoyed by their peers and undergo years of training in traditional arts and etiquette.

With the ancient tradition becoming increasingly fragile, some geisha are now trying to open their closed world to a wider audience. They hope greater understanding and public interest can help preserve the centuries-old performing arts tradition for future generations.