"It'll take all of our body and soul" - geisha struggle to survive in the shadow of coronavirus

Coronavirus-induced austerity has slashed expense accounts, and many people remain wary of spending hours in the elegant but closed traditional rooms where geisha entertain.

Engagements are down 95 percent, and come with new rules: no pouring drinks for customers or touching them even to shake hands, and sitting 2 metres apart. Masks are hard to wear with their elaborate wigs, so they mostly don't.

"When you sit close, you can talk with feeling, your passion comes through," Ikuko said, wearing a black silk kimono patterned with irises. "When you're two metres apart, conversation breaks down."

Geisha aren't the only Japanese artists in danger. Performers of "jiutamai," an ancient women's dance, as well as makeup artists, wig stylists and kimono dressers, confessed to worry the coronavirus could further imperil their niche professions.

"Every single one of my events has been cancelled," said Mitsunaga Kanda, who has spent decades doing elaborate makeup for geisha and dancers.

"We touch their skin and their face, all over, and while we don't talk we're very close - something we're very aware of now," added Kanda, donning a mask and face shield to work on dancer Tokijyo Hanasaki.

Though the ancient capital of Kyoto is best known for geisha, Tokyo has six geisha districts of its own. But discouraged by the rigour of geisha life with its hours of artistic practice, fewer now join.

Akasaka had 120 geisha 30 years ago. Now all of Tokyo has only some 230.

Lessons and kimono are expensive, with pay dependent on popularity. And some skills, such as the witty conversation that make older geisha like Ikuko especially popular, can only be gained through time.

"Our income has been down to zero," Ikuko said. "I have a bit of wherewithal, but it's been very hard for the younger ones. The geisha association has helped with rent."

All geisha, as freelancers, can also apply for 1 million yen in government subsidies, which she believes most did.

"I was just full of anxiety," said fellow geisha Mayu, 47. "I went through my photos, sorted my kimonos..

"The thought of a second wave is terrifying."

Still, every effort is being made.

"We arrange things in the largest room possible," said Shota Asada, owner of the luxurious restaurant where the geisha entertain. "Anything to keep this culture alive."