blind female traveling performer; goze
Historical term for a blind woman who traveled and earned a living by singing, playing the shamisen, or performing other arts; associated with a specific social role in pre-modern Japan.
Goze made a living by singing songs while playing the shamisen.
新潟県には瞽女の文化が今も伝えられている。
The culture of goze is still passed down in Niigata Prefecture.