Die Geisha

It is not for Geisha to want. It is not for Geisha to feel. Geisha is an artist of the floating world. She dances. She sings. She entertains you. Whatever you want. The rest is shadows. The rest is secret.

A story like mine should never be told. For my world is as forbidden as it is fragile; without its mysteries it cannot survive.

My mother always said my sister Satsu was like wood; as rooted to the earth as a sakura tree. But she told me I was like water. Water can carve its way even through stone...and when trapped, water makes a new path...

We don't become geisha to pursue our own destinies. We become geisha because we have no choice.

I want a life that is mine!

Can't you see? Every step I have taken, since I was that child on the bridge has been to bring myself closer to you.

None of us find as much kindness in this life, as we should.

At the temple, there is a poem called "Loss", carved into the stone. It has three words...but the poet has scratched them out. You cannot read "Loss"... Only feel it.

The heart dies a slow death, shedding each hope like leaves... Until one day there are none. No hopes. Nothing remains.

You cannot call yourself a true geisha until you can stop a man in his tracks with a single look.

Now I understood the thing I´d overlooked; the point wasn't to become a geisha but to be one. To become a geisha...well, that was hardly a purpose in life. But to be a geisha... I could see it now as a stepping-stone to something else.

No man would ever bid so much for a thing he had already taken.

I humbly beg to differ. What is sumo but a dance between giants? What is business but a dance between companies? I would like to know about every kind of dance.

I owe Nobu my life. So, when I saw he had a chance at happiness with you, I stood aside and... But I cannot any longer. I hope it is not too late.

Smile for me, won't you?

Besides, who wants a plum when someone has already had a bite?

I shall destroy you.

Geisha needs an elegant wardrobe, just like an artist needs ink. If she is not properly dressed, then she is not a true geisha.

Water is always in such a hurry. Perhaps it is just as well - we have no time to lose.

[When he first meets Chiyo by the river] Where did you come by such surprising eyes?