Arthur Golden’s novel, Memoirs of a Geisha, is full of characters that are unique and memorable to Western readers. Here is a look at the main characters.
Sayuri (originally named Sakamoto Chiyo)
Sayuri is the protagonist of the novel Memoirs of a Geisha. Her story begins with her life in the impoverished fishing village of Yoroido where she is known as Sakamoto Chiyo. She is the uneducated daughter of the fisherman Sakamoto Minoru and his second wife. An intelligent and imaginative girl with light grey eyes, Chiyo’s future in Yoroido is bleak.
Several unusual circumstances bring her to the attention of Tanaka Ichiro the wealthiest man in the village and owner of the Japan Coastal Seafood Company. Ichiro brokers the sale of Sayuri and her sister Satsu to businesses in Gion. In her naiveté, Sayuri at first sees Ichiro as a heroic savior in her life, later she despises him for ruining her life and still later she sees his actions for what they were, a misguided attempt at giving her a better life than the one she would have had in Yoroido.
When they reach Gion, Chiyo becomes apprenticed into a household that trains geishas (and is renamed Sayuri). Her sister Satsu is sent away to become a prostitute. Unfortunately, Sayuri’s attempts to flee reduce her status to that of indentured servitude
A chance meeting with the famous geisha Mameha changes Sayuri’s prospects when Mameha volunteers to take her on as ‘little sister.’ Mameha’s skill, and fame put Sayuri at the top of the list of desirable geishas in Gion. Most importantly, Mameha carefully trains Sayuri in the skills necessary to survive the brutal politics of the geisha world.
Early in her career, Sayuri meets a man that she refers to as “The Chairman,” she secretly falls in love with him. As a result, many of her actions throughout her life reflect her desire to be close to him. Sometimes she inadvertently sabotages her life and Mameha’s plans in her attempts to bring The Chairman close to her.
The Chairman (Iwamura Ken)
Iwamura Ken is referred to as “The Chairman” throughout the novel Memoirs of a Geisha. He is the head of an important company in Japan known as Iwamura Electric. He began his company after the electric company that he was working for would not produce a socket that he had designed. His fledgling company struggled until he met Nobu who was his liaison on a military project. The two became friends and partners.
The Chairman was profoundly touched by his meeting with Sayuri and asks Mameha to assist in Sayuri’s career. His desire was to become involved in Sayuri’s life when the time was right, however, when Mameha and Sayuri begin entertaining for Iwamura Electric, it becomes clear that Nobu is interested in Sayuri. Because of the difficulties that Nobu has faced throughout his life, The Chairman refuses to be the cause of another disappointment and chooses not to interfere in the relationship between Nobu and Sayuri.
When it becomes clear that Sayuri and Nobu will not enter into a danna relationship, The Chairman comes forward and confesses his feelings for Sayuri. He becomes Sayuri’s danna. They have a son together and in order to protect his legal family, Sayuri has him set her up in New York so as not to be a threat to his Japanese interests.
Hatsumomo
Hatsumomo is the only working geisha at the okiya where Sayuri is employed. An exceptionally attractive geisha, Hatsumomo survives on her looks. Her beauty cannot hide the cruelty and hatred that exist in her. She views Sayuri as a threat and does everything in her power to make it impossible for Sayuri to succeed.
There is a deep-seated hatred between Mameha and Hatsumomo. As a result, when Mameha takes Sayuri as her ‘little sister’ Sayuri assumes it has to do with getting revenge on Hatsumomo. Ultimately, Mameha and Sayuri manage to destroy Hatsumomo by trapping her in her own selfishness and hatred. Hatsumomo is forced to leave the okiya and resorts to prostitution.
Mameha
Mameha is one of the most famous geisha in Japan. Her fame is a result of her beauty, which is not as striking as Hatsumomo’s extravagant attractions but is deeper and more appealing. In addition, to her beauty, Mameha had the highest mizuage (virgin price) on record (until Sayuri’s mizuage broke the record).
Mameha understands that while beauty may be the ladder that a geisha climbs to success, a geisha cannot maintain success without a firm foundation built on character and kindness. Because beauty does not last, she knows that is important to be kind and generous to those around her and she knows how to gain and keep a danna (to protect her financial interests).
Nitta Kayoko (Mother)
Mother is the head of the okiya that purchases Sayuri. She is an ugly woman who was unable to succeed as a geisha and now makes her living running the okiya. The bottom line for Mother is finances. While she knows that Hatsumomo is manipulative and a liar and while she sympathizes with Sayuri, her primary objective is the financial security of the okiya. She helps Sayuri only when it is to her financial advantage.
Toshikazu Nobu
Nobu is president of Iwamura Electric and close friend of The Chairman. He is a brilliant businessman and a loyal friend. Disfigured by a military accident, he is missing an arm and has burn scars on his face and body. He is a logical man who has no patience with sentiment but is extremely loyal and kind to those he respects. He believes that Sayuri has more character than most geisha and wants to become her danna. However, when he discovers Sayuri’s disloyalty, he throws her aside, which allows The Chairman to step forward and take his place in Sayuri’s life.
Sources:
- Golden, Arthur. Memoirs of a Geisha. Vintage Books. 1997. ISBN 0-679-78158-7
Melissa Howard - I am a stay-at-home Mom. My college education was in English and History and my last job was as a Technical Writer. Now that I ...
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