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Geisha learning English

Sep 23 (NHK) - An English seminar for geisha has been held in Tokyo to help them communicate with foreign tourists and explain traditional Japanese entertainment culture.

Eight local entertainers attended the seminar at a Japanese restaurant in the geisha district of Asakusa.

They practiced saying "thank you for visiting us," and explaining sake in English for taking drink orders.

They also learned how to explain the rules of a traditional game in geisha entertainment.

The number of foreign tourists visiting Japan has been rising. The figure for this year is estimated to have topped 20 million by mid-September, faster than before.

Many foreign nationals want to experience traditional geisha entertainment.

The restaurant says that last year it welcomed about 800 foreign guests -- more than twice as many as three years ago.

Source: ANNnewsCH

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