Overall
Accessibility
Fun
Reliability
The Author
Dr. Jan Bardsley is a scholar of Japanese language and literature and professor emerita of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at UNC Chapel Hill. She has spent over twenty years studying Japanese women, particularly maiko, and has published extensively on the topic. Her long-standing expertise and numerous teaching awards make her a highly respected authority in the field.
The Book
Maiko Masquerade was the result of nearly two decades of research before its publication in 2021. As Dr. Bardsley explains in her preface, the book was inspired by a student’s question in her first-year seminar, Geisha in History, Fiction, and Fantasy, back in 2002:
“What kinds of geisha stories exist these days in Japan? Are Japanese reading novels and seeing movies about geisha, too?”
This question led Dr. Bardsley to Japan multiple times, where she discovered that it was not the geisha, but their younger counterparts—the teenage maiko—who had captured the public imagination. And thus, Maiko Masquerade was born.
The book delves into the cultural significance of maiko in contemporary Japan, analyzing their representation across various media, from books and movies to manga and even merchandise like handkerchiefs. But enough about the background—let’s get into the book itself.
Accessibility
Dr. Bardsley’s years of teaching shine through in her writing. She assumes no prior knowledge of the subject, carefully laying out the book’s scope, methodology, and firsthand sources in a way that makes it highly approachable.
The text seamlessly integrates Japanese terms, each of which is promptly translated, and for those who need a refresher, a glossary is conveniently provided at the back. Since much of the book is based on textual analysis, Dr. Bardsley ensures that readers understand the historical context of each work she examines. Whether discussing maiko, light novels, manga, or Japanese films, she offers just enough historical background to keep readers informed without veering into overwhelming detail.
For these reasons, Maiko Masquerade scores top marks in accessibility.
Fun
The writing flows effortlessly, and the book is both engaging and easy to follow. Dr. Bardsley strikes a balance between academic analysis and enjoyable storytelling, making the book an entertaining yet informative read.
For those interested in Japanese pop culture, Maiko Masquerade offers a fascinating look into how maiko are portrayed in contemporary media, including manga, light novels, and films. The inclusion of images from the discussed media provides helpful visual breaks and enriches the reading experience.
However, there is a minor drawback: when describing these visuals for accessibility reasons, the flow can feel slightly bogged down. But given how much goodwill Dr. Bardsley builds throughout the book, this is a small price to pay.
Overall, Maiko Masquerade earns a strong 4.5 stars for fun.
Reliability
Given Dr. Bardsley’s credentials, is it even necessary to evaluate reliability? Yes, but only to confirm what we already know: this book is rock-solid.
Academic reviews confirm its credibility, but even without those, the text itself makes its case. Dr. Bardsley utilizes both English and Japanese sources, consistently cites relevant scholarship, and draws upon firsthand materials. The depth of research is undeniable, and she engages with other recognized experts in the field.
With its meticulous citations and extensive use of primary sources, Maiko Masquerade earns full marks for reliability.
Overall
Dr. Jan Bardsley has truly nailed it with Maiko Masquerade. This is an informative yet accessible book, suitable for anyone with an interest in maiko, geisha, manga, or Japanese film.
Dr. Bardsley’s years of experience teaching the topic shine through, making this book both approachable and rewarding. Whether you are new to the subject or well-versed in geisha studies, Maiko Masquerade is an insightful and highly enjoyable read.
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