Memoirs of a Geisha

The General becomes Sayuri’s danna in a ceremony conducted in September, after which the General takes Sayuri to an inn and she remembers how she felt during her mizuage. This time, however, she does not feel terror but “a kind of vague queasiness” (350). As the months go on, this queasiness also goes away and such encounters simply become an unpleasant routine.

Around this time, a young man called Yasuda Akira starts visiting Gion, and Sayuri finds herself attracted to him, perceiving that he has the same kind of dignity as the Chairman. They first meet at a banquet, and he tells Sayuri that he has not been able to keep his eyes off her. She consequently gives him her business card and they start meeting regularly. When they are alone one night, Yasuda begins kissing Sayuri’s wrist, and she asks him to meet her at the teahouse at midnight. When they sleep together, Sayuri is conscious that this experience feels entirely different to her encounters with the Doctor or the General.

Many geishas’ lives change dramatically after taking on a danna, but Sayuri’s life goes on with little difference; still, the General’s alliance with the okiya is valuable in Mother’s eyes and he covers many expenses.