[8] When the succession of a family line was considered paramount, no parents would agree to their heir or heiress marrying out of their family. The eldest son succeeded to the family name and estate. In case of a daughter being the only one to succeed, a man was chosen to marry her and take her family name, so that it would not pass out for the absence of a male child.
[9] In old time the geisha was not permitted to wear foot-cover in company of her guests, an idea to keep herself low out of her respect for their lordly patronage. However, the custom was often looked on as a privilege for a woman of dainty feet to indulge in.
[10] “San”, used after one’s name, is an honorific term used in more formal language and the one most used in accosting people.
[11] Ten o’clock.
[12] The 8th year of Bunsei was 1825 A.D.
[13] “Hatamoto”, the Shogun’s bodyguards; therefore, the most honoured amongst the “samurai” under the Shogunate regime.
[14] It is customary that the husband calls his wife’s name without any honorific term, whilst the wife addresses to him in a more honoured way.
[15] “Saké”, drink made from rice and the most common drink among the Japanese.
[16] “Samisen” or, often pronounced “shamisen”, is a musical instrument of three strings. It plays invariably a chief part in the music entertainment given by the geisha.
[17] “Katobushi”, a distinct musical product of “Yeddo civilization,” is one of those tunes which are played secondary to the chanted words often telling a dramatic episode or a tale complete in itself.