KYOTO--Geisha scattered roasted soybeans to exorcise “evil spirits” and bring good fortune in the year ahead during a traditional event held at Yasakajinja shrine here. Geisha and “maiko” ...

(Mainichi/Hideyuki Yamada) MORIOKA -- The head of a local geisha supporters' group in this northeastern Japan city has sparked controversy by saying, "After all, it's men who call for geisha.