Japan Times: Kyoto group creates geisha pension plan
Japan's prolonged economic slump has sparked moves in Kyoto to establish an additional pension system for geisha. The Kyoto Traditional Musical Art Foundation is pushing the plan under the leadership of its secretary general, Hiroyuki Yamazaki, who said his organization wants to extend "some sort of assistance (to geisha) as a substitute for patrons who used to help them purchase kimono and pay fees for lessons."...The foundation plans to give 50,000 yen a month to active geisha aged 60 or older starting from April next year. About 60 working women in five geisha districts in the city are eligible, including one who is still active at 93.
