In Memoirs of a Geisha, Sayuri’s age is a significant aspect of her story. The novel begins when Sayuri, whose real name is Chiyo Sakamoto, is just nine years old. The story follows her life as she is sold into the geisha district of Gion in Kyoto and eventually becomes one of the most renowned geishas in Japan.
By the time Sayuri becomes a fully-fledged geisha, she is around 15 years old. The narrative spans several years, and by the end of the novel, Sayuri is in her late twenties. Her age is crucial as it reflects her journey from a young, naive girl to a mature and accomplished geisha.
Throughout the novel, Sayuri’s age is a marker of her growth, both personally and professionally, as she navigates the complexities of her life in the geisha world.