Liza Dalby, the first foreigner in history to have worked as a gay person, conducted a rare and deep study of the mysterious, closed-to-outsiders world of refinement, beauty, and customs that fascinated the West for centuries. By opening the door to the heart of this hidden community, she describes the everyday reality of geishas and shows how the ancient profession continues to exist in modern Japan. Today, geishas have a firm place in society: having once been creators of fashion trends, they have become guardians of cultural traditions. However, their image—an ideal blend of feminine charm and classical arts—remains deeply rooted in Japanese culture and continues to inspire admiration worldwide.