Geisha (芸者) (; Japanese: [ɡeːɕa]), geiko (芸子), or geigi (芸妓) are Japanese women who entertain through performing the ancient traditions of art, dance and singing, and are distinctively characterized by traditional costumes and makeup. Contrary to popular belief, geishas are not the Eastern equivalent of the prostitute; a misconception originating in the West due to interactions with oiran, whose traditional dress is similar to that of geisha.