Pronunciation: [ɡˈə͡ʊz] (IPA) 
The word "goze" is spelled with four letters - G, O, Z, and E. It is pronounced as /ɡoʊz/, phonetically represented as "g-oh-z". The "g" sound is produced by the back of the tongue touching the soft palate or velum, followed by an "oh" sound, made with an open mouth, then a "z" sound by buzzing the tip of the tongue against the alveolar ridge, and finally ending with an "e" sound produced by the tongue raised towards the front of the mouth.
Goze is a term that primarily refers to a blind female traditional Japanese storyteller, who typically traveled from place to place to entertain and earn a living. The word itself is derived from the combination of two Japanese characters: "go" meaning blind, and "ze" meaning female.
Historically, goze were important figures in Japanese culture, particularly during the Edo period (1603-1868). They formed female artist collectives known as goze-kai, where they would gather to practice their storytelling skills and share their experiences. At these gatherings, goze would typically sing while accompanied by a shamisen, a traditional three-stringed musical instrument.
Goze were distinct in their style of storytelling, often specializing in oral narratives and songs that depicted local legends, folktales, historical events, and even contemporary social issues. They mesmerized their audiences with their expressive performances and mastery of vocal techniques.
Beyond their artistic expertise, goze also played an essential social role. They empowered blind women by providing them with opportunities for independence and self-sufficiency in a society where disability was often stigmatized. Through their performances, goze gave voice to the marginalized, bringing stories and experiences from various regions of Japan to the forefront.
While goze are less prevalent today due to technological advancements and changing societal norms, their influence on Japanese culture and storytelling traditions remains significant. Their legacy as talented blind female performers continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.
The etymology of the word "goze" is not entirely clear. It is derived from Japanese and refers to visually impaired female musicians who were known for their unique musical performances. The term "goze" first appeared in written records during the Edo period (1603-1868) in Japan. However, the exact origins of the word are uncertain. Some theories suggest that it could be derived from the combination of the Japanese words "go" (meaning "5") and "ze" (meaning "sediment" or "tramp"), potentially referencing a group of five itinerant female musicians. Another theory suggests that "goze" might be derived from the Japanese word "goseki", meaning "rubbish music", which could relate to the challenges faced by visually impaired musicians in society. Nonetheless, due to the limited historical records available, the true etymology of "goze" remains a subject of speculation.
