Chapter 5. No Wallet Required

摘要

The system of deferred payment by customers and its relation to the elaborate division of labor within the hanamachi are explained. As was explained in detail in chapter 3, the no first-time customers practice is still in use in the Kyoto hanamachi even today. In addition, payment of the fees for customers' use of the ochaya is deferred to a later date. Therefore, when you go to a hanamachi to be entertained, they say, "No wallet required." When you actually try patronizing an ochaya, you realize that this practice of postponing settlement is to be highly prized. Since no one is seen actually paying the bill, there is no psychological burden on the invitees, and they can depart serenely.