First western geisha leaves 'sisterhood' after clashes with fellow members

The first ever westerner to be admitted to the closed world of Japan's geisha hostesses has been asked to leave the organisation for bringing the movement into disrepute.
 
Oxford-educated Fiona Graham, 47, originally from Melbourne, was the only foreigner in 400 years to be accepted into the ranks of the geisha, whose skills in traditional Japanese dance, poetry and music are a revered part of national culture.

But now, having gone through rigorous training to enter a profession long considered off-limits to non-Japanese, she has parted company with its professional organisation after clashes with fellow members.

Graham, who took the name "Sakuyi" (transparent happiness) after making her debut as a geisha in 2007, was accused of refusing to follow its customs, failing to attend obligatory classes in music and dance, and spending too much time on self-promotion.

Worst of all, insiders claimed, in a world that is built on traditions and adherence to conventions, she refused to show respect to her elders.

"She was in the association for more than three years, but she did not take part in lessons and she did not follow our rules. And she was always fighting us," another geisha told The Telegraph.

Keiji Chiba, a spokesperson for the Asakusa Geisha Association, declined to comment on whether Graham was fired from the association, but another official revealed that she had been "asked to leave."