Memoirs of a Geisha Chapter 5 Summary

How It All Goes Down

  • After school, Hatsumomo takes Chiyo to the Gion Registry Office.
  • Being a geisha isn't all cool hairstyles and fluttering fans. There's a lot of paperwork.
  • An ex-sumo named Awajiumi registers Chiyo, like you'd register your car.
  • She asks him if he's seen her sister, and he says no.
  • Hatsumomo looks angry that Chiyo would ask him such a question.
  • At home, Chiyo is bathed, dressed in a lovely kimono, and sat down to watch Hatsumomo apply makeup.
  • Have you ever seen a bricklayer slather mortar on a wall? It's like that.
  • Hatsumomo is pretty, but geisha wear a lot of makeup.
  • After the makeup procedure, Mr. Bekku enters to dress Hatsumomo.
  • Geisha need help dressing because their obi—the rope around the kimono—is tied in the back. It's like buckling your belt from behind.
  • When everything is done, Hatsumomo, as mean as she is, is stunning to look at.