I really wish her true story got just as much exposure than the movie that it deserves.

She looks so much happier in her marriage. I am glad life worked out for her

So glad that this popped up in my YouTube feed as I didn’t know that Mineko Iwasaki had written her own story to correct the story of Memoirs of a Geisha. Based on what you have provided, her true story is even more fascinating than the book and or the movie, both of which I have read, watched and enjoyed. Thank you for this, I will now read the book and you have a new subscriber.

I had no idea Mineko Iwasaki hadn't agreed and was opposed to the book. I'm going to look for her memoirs now, thank you so much for speaking about this!

I stumbled upon her memoir shortly after the release of Memoirs of a Geisha. Not only is it beautifully written, but Mineko herself is such a fascinating person. I've read Geisha, A Life numerous times and I think I may have to give it another read after watching this

I am so happy you’re giving Mineko the credit she deserves! Her book is amazing!

I have her biography and it remains one of my favorites to this day. I always reread it every now and then because it's strangely comforting.

one part of the book that always stuck with me was when she had a fan and some celebrity took it from her and autographed it, she thought he had ruined a beautiful piece of art and history (it was an antique). That always stuck with me because its not about vanity or fame, it's about expression and hard work that matters most in the end and are truly things to consider being beautiful to admire

The Inoue Yuki's book "Memoirs of a Geisha" and Mineko Iwasaki's book "Geisha: Life" ... Those books are so intense, powerful and REALLY explain the life (even as harder as you cannot imagine for someone who saw only the movie) of Geisha/Geiko.

Thank you for giving Mineko the respect she deserves.

Just from looking at her with no makeup, she is to me extremely beautiful with an impression of a great mother spirit and deeply wise/worldly beauty that can only emanate from how she thinks and how she carries herself. Someone who looks to have a pure heart, has the upmost respect of the profession AND really, a dedication to the highest form of it's art of the profession called Geisha. Thank you for letting the world know your journey.

I'm so happy to learn the "real" story. As others in the comments have already said, the book and movie were super influential and have become a bit of a guilty pleasure for me personally, because I'm at odds with how downright misogynistic and opportunistic it was to write this story that way. But it is such a beautiful movie. It's amazing to learn that Mineko was such a fierce fighter for worker's rights in an environment that wasn't open for dicussion at all.

Thank you for introducing us to the lady who inadvertently sharing her pearls with a fool. She is a very brave person who stood up and stood out for her contribution.

After reading "Memoirs of a Geisha" I also knew the story of Mineko Iwasaki and am now almost finished her book. You have given a very faithful and enjoyable representation of her story. Geisha are fascinating as they look so other-worldly. The make-up and hairstyles horrify me as they are so artificial. The kimono, ornamentation and dancing are very beautiful.