< Ozashiki-asobi (Games Played at Japanese-Style Parties) > Music and dance are always present at a party with guests. In Japan, female entertainers called geiko (geisha in the Kanto region, which includes Tokyo) have flourished widely for such occasions, exhibiting their skills and handing them down for generations. Geiko have a wide-ranging repertoire that contains dancing, singing, and playing the shamisen (three-stringed instrument) as well as percussion instruments. Through this tradition, various types of party entertainment have been developed. Strictly speaking, entering the party site, such as a parlor at a ryotei (traditional Japanese-style restaurant) or ochaya (establishment where geiko entertain), is already considered ozashiki-asobi in itself. However, ozashiki-asobi in common speech refers to calling geiko to a party to enjoy their music and dance, as well as playing games with them. Many different types of ozashiki-asobi are known from olden times. (Ozashiki-asobi and Osaka) Since red-light districts were established by authority during the Edo period (1603–1867), Osaka’s four major nightlife districts—Kitashinchi, Nanchi, Shimmachi and Horie—enjoyed popularity and prosperity. Times have changed since then, with only Kitashinchi and Nanchi surviving, but these two areas still keep up the tradition. Geiko are also involved in quite a few festivals at shrines in Osaka, which indicates their high popularity.

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