Geisha are like sumo wrestlers!

by Adam Acar, PhD | Geisha

What are the similarities between geisha and sumo:

Most sumo wrestlers weigh around 150 kgs, the weight of the maiko’s clothing during the winter time is around 15 KGS!!!
The loincloth of a sumo wrestler is made out if silk and is about 7-meters. The sash of the maiko is made out of silk and about 5-METERS
They both do jobs that were performed the same way 300 years ago
They both must belong to a house, no independent performers
They both require a sponsor
They both have a historic hairstyle
They both must walk outside in kimono/yukata and wear sandals
They both have a connection to religion (sumo is a Shinto ritual, geisha started out serving tea to pilgrims)
Champion sumo wrestlers wear shimenawa (Sacred Shinto zig-zag papers), all okiyas (geisha houses) also display shimenawa at the door
They both must leave from their parents at the young age and live in the lodging house
They both live with strict junior-senior relationships in their lodging houses
They both have to do house chores as part of their training
Both of their expenses are paid by the house they belonged to during their training
Both of their earnings directly go to the house until they become pro
Retired sumo wrestlers usually take over a sumo house, retired geisha usually take over a geisha house
Sumo wrestlers aren’t allowed to drive a car, apprentice geisha aren’t allowed to have a cell phone or carry their own money in their purse