Hundreds dressed as oiran courtesans participate in the annual Oiran Dochu through Tokyo's Yoshiwara, which was once red-light district, on April 14, 2018. Distinguished from regular prostitutes, oiran were culturally sophisticated and well-versed in poetry, music and other performing arts. During their heyday in Japan's Edo period (1600–1868), many oiran were known as entertainers and set trends in fashion. However, they often lived very difficult lives, and died young. They are remembered with an annual parade that celebrates this courtesan culture.