Geisha in Rivalry - Main Characters

Main Characters

Komayo – protagonist, has been a geisha since she was seventeen or eighteen, was named Komazo before debut

Yoshioka – methodical and calculating businessman who first met Komayo seven years ago when her name was Komazo

Rikiji – Yoshioka’s first mistress, not pretty but is skilled

Kitani Chojiro – also known as Old Gozan, is a storyteller married to Jukichi, has one surviving, ruined son and a son who died young

Jukichi – plump and dependable woman who oversees the Obanaya, married to Old Gozan

Segawa Isshi – Onnagata (female impersonator in Kabuki) actor who becomes Komayo’s lover

Kikuchiyo – sister in the okiya, nicknamed “Chinese goldfish” and is described as gaudy and kitten-like, Yoshioka takes interest in her after Komayo’s affair with Segawa

Hanasuke – also a sister in the okiya and a friend to Komayo as they both went through hard times, is sturdy and hardworking, but not particularly pretty, holds her money close

Sea Monster – Antique dealer who becomes the danna of Komayo, he knows she will put up with him because she needs his money

Kimiryu – former geisha in Rikiji, patron died leaving wealth, becomes Segawa Isshi’s lover, approved of by Segawa’s mother