Yuujo (遊女, lit. "women of pleasure"), were the [[prostitution|prostitutes]] of feudal era Japan. 

Yuujo are usually shown wearing a [[open kimono|kimono loosely hanging open]] or [[off shoulder|off their shoulders]] in order to expose their chest. Their hair tends toward extremes: either carefully sculpted shapes with the [[bangs pinned back|bangs pulled back]], or [[hair up|pinned up]] in an [[messy hair|artful mess]] (both of which are achieved through the use of several [[hair stick|hair sticks]] and [[kanzashi]]). Some form of makeup may be present, often [[eyeshadow]] or [[lipstick]]. Oftentimes, they are shown holding a [[kiseru]], an [[oil-paper umbrella]], or a rolled-up mat. Sometimes the [[obi]] will be tied in a bow on the front of their kimono, allegedly for "easy access". 

The most common depictions of yuujo are [[indoors]], [[on side|lying on their side]] in a state of seductive, carefully-arranged disarray, or waiting for clients at night on a [[bridge]] that crosses over a stream or a river.

There is a certain sub-type of yuujo, the [[oiran]], who despite also providing sexual services, were famed for being more cultured, educated, respectable, and skilled in providing classical entertainment and intelligent discourse.

h4. See also

* [[oiran]]
* [[layered kimono]]
* [[prostitution]]
* [[geisha]]

h4. External links

* "Japanese Wikipedia: 遊女":https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E9%81%8A%E5%A5%B3 
遊女