The setting: Nippon, land of the gods. Known to the western world as Japan.
The time: 1862, the second year of the American civil war.
Act I; scene 1 City of Yokohama, Yoshihara district
The city of Yokohama is a settlement that several western powers have established residents. England, France, Russia, Prussia and the United States all have representatives as well as merchants here. The English are the dominates factor, since the Americans are still a fledgling country and are fighting their own war. As with most settlements or towns, the people, if not the officials, in too different districts, divide Yokohama. There are the legations, the official government settlements. The Merchant quarter, the locations of the major tradesmen and merchants. Drunk town, the lower end of the settlement, where seaman and solders got to find fun and some fighting. Last but not least Yoshihara, the floating world. This is the world of the Geisha, the courtesan and the masseuse. On the bridge that led to from the settlement a sign written in Japanese, Chinese and English reads:
Lust will not wait. It must be satisfied.
And so it shall be in Yoshihara.
In this, the floating world, pleasures of the flesh are not hidden and shamed as in the western world. They are skills that are to be mastered. The technique that can bring about pleasure is sought after in many ways. Your name is Emiko. You are Tayu, Geisha of the highest rank. You have been trained since the age of 7. You know all the things that can please a man. From the skills of the Tea ceremony to the art of calligraphy. You also know more ways to please a man in art of pillowing, than some geisha twice your age. You have been taught by the best. The skills that you know from the rubbing of the one eyed monk to the back over the moon, you know it all. That skill has brought you to the Yoshihara, of Yokohama. You are also shaishi, secret rebel against the shoganate. They take the power away from the son of heaven, the emperor. Part of the shogantes power is the western influence, with their guns a cannon; they will take all the power away from the emperor. You are here to stop that. With your power over men you can get information and with that defeat the enemies of the emperor.
Your mama-san has asked you to come and met a very important guest. He is a tradesman from the Americas. He has come to find a better way to buy silk and spices from the east, without the opium trade. That has brought him to Nippon and to you. Your mama-san has told you he good friends with the British admiral. He might let secret information out you and then you can pass it on. As you enter the room, you bow down and greet him. As you look up for the first time you feel you cheeks flush. He is taller than most of Nippon, but so are most Gai-jin, foreigners. HE has a look about him that you have not seen before. He has an air of confidence and charm about him. As you kneel, your mama-san introduces you.
Cristo-san this is Emiko. Emiko, this is Cristo-san of the amricas.
She look terrifically pretty, hey-ya?
Yes, very pretty.
He smiles and you can fell the warmth spread.
Fade to black
Act I Scene II
After some small talk about different customs in Nippon, who the Gai-jin refer to as Japan, food arrives. You Take the tray and place it before Cristo-san. Without another thought you poor the sake, which has been warmed to perfection. You offer him a cup as well as your mama-san. A toast to new friend ships and further business is offered. You all drink and feel the same work it's magic on you. That will be your last drink for some time. You are Geisha, not some second tramp. The rest of your time shall be spent on the client.
Your mama-san excuses herself and you know that it is your time. You put your eyes and full attention of the Gai-jin. As you noted before he is taller than most men you have seen. You have heard the stories of the giant doctor in Kanagawa, who stands almost three heads taller than most samurai. You take in the rest of him in judgment. His build is not trim as we are, you think to yourself. He is hearty and looks strong. In the light of the oil lamp, you see him look at you and look away. He is almost shy, without the mama-san here. Could this be his first time? That would be a prize. Your mama-san has told you of how some Gai-jin clings to there first, as if it was a precious moment and not a felting pleasure only to be savored again. Some of the Geisha have yearly contracts with their patrons. This will ensure devoted attention as well as providing a garconiere, small house. This was addition built to the complex of your mama-san by your patron. You're own place and a maid. Yes this is all possible, if you play the Gai-jin like a game of GO!
You move closer and offer the Gai-jin some of the food that was prepared. With your chopsticks you take a piece of tempura, fish delicately battered and lightly fried, and places it in his mouth.
He is very pleased by the taste and the service. As he eats, you study his features more in order judge how to best please him. You have learned over the years, that a subtle gesture and tell you what a man likes and what might please him. You first study his mouth. He does not gulp down the food as most have told you of Gai-jin. He savors it. Gently moving the food around with his tongue and slowly tasting his lips, so that he gets every delicious bite. You offer more sake and he accepts:
Domo, Emiko
His mastery of the language is far from a native, but his accent is almost not present. You ease him by speaking a combination of pidgin and English. This is a common practice here. Most of the merchants came from Hong Kong or Shanghai. They can speak some Cantonese. The girls you have asked said that this would get the point across fine. You tell yourself he must be taught the languages of Nippon and who a better teacher?
After the food is done and the sake has worked its way to his head, you move closer.
How I please you Cristo-san? I know many things.