Italian Geisha: the perceptions of the Japanese “Person of Art” in the Italian peninsula

The aim of this research is to examine the perception of the figure of the geisha in Italy by presenting data collected through questionnaires and secondary sources. The geisha, long victim to stereotypes within both Japanese and Western contexts, has been represented across a wide range of media, from literature and cinema to contemporary digital platforms and social media. These representations carry the potential to reinforce or challenge such stereotypes, shaped by other factors such as globalization, generational and gender differences. Following a brief historical overview of this figure and an analysis of the evolving representations of the geisha, this study discusses the findings related to her image in Italy. Ultimately, the research highlights the pivotal role of media and intercultural education in shaping the perception of one of Japan’s most emblematic, yet often misunderstood, cultural role.