Geisha Balls: Learn what Japanese Women have known for centuries!
There was a time when beauty and pleasure were pursued for their own ends; a time when nothing but the finest silk touched our skin, when our lives were celebrations of our femininity, when our only goal was to bathe in waterfalls of ecstasy, and when all that mattered was that we were women. Some might say that we’ve come a long way, but there’s always been a part of me which longs for those things which we so willingly traded away to get here. I’ve been writing about sex and reviewing sex toys for some time now, and usually the focus has been on things which we can use to have more and better orgasms, either by masturbating or with our partners, so it’s a rare thing to be able to write about something that isn’t just about having orgasms, but about something to arouse, stimulate and excite everything that makes us a woman.
Geisha Balls (also known as Ben Wa Balls or Burmese Balls) originated in Japan sometime around 500 A.D., and for centuries women used these metal balls as a means to provide themselves and their men with sexual pleasure. In Japan they’re known as rin no tam which means tinkling bells because many designs were a ball within a ball, and when they moved they’d make a musical chiming sound. The concept behind geisha balls wasn’t to immediately bring a woman to orgasm, tho many women would eventually climax after hours of having them float freely inside her and rubbing against the walls of her vagina, but rather the idea was to tease her into a sexual frenzy so when she was finally penetrated by her lover, she would simply melt and explode in a cataclysmic eruption of bliss. Geisha balls have also gone through several design evolutions; with the original geisha balls being made of either metal or ivory. A woman would insert a single ball deep inside her and leave it in while making love, giving both her and her lover an additional sensation, but they quickly evolved into multiple balls attached together with either a chain or piece of silk which allowed for easy extraction, but also provided more stimulation by causing the balls to rub together while inside her. Some women were known to keep their geisha balls in all day long, leaving them in a constant state of arousal, and many would simply sit in a chair rocking back and forth until they reached orgasm.
I have two sets of geisha balls myself, and I’d like to talk a bit about each of them and describe the differences.
The most common brand of geisha balls are Ben Wa Balls made by Doc Johnson. They’re solid metal balls about the size of a small cherry or marble. They have weight to them, so you can feel them when they’re inside you, but they’re not so intrusive that you’d find them uncomfortable to wear. The polished brass shell conducts and transfers heat and lubrication very well, so they slide in and move around comfortably. When left in during intercourse, the combined friction of being penetrated and having the balls move against the inner walls of my pussy and having them slide against my partner’s cock is an almost indescribable sensation. They’re exceptionally well suited to being left in (or worn) for several hours at a time, and I’ve been able to give myself some of the most sublimely erotic and utter universe quaking orgasms that I’ve ever felt. But be warned, being in that always aroused state is not for the timid!
Doc Johnson includes this message with their Ben Wa Balls
It is written that hundreds of years ago, clever Japanese women, possibly driven by desperation to satisfy their sexual need; developed a technique for masturbating. When a Japanese woman wanted to relieve her sexual tensions, she reached into a little plushlined case and took out two small, shiny metal balls. These balls were then inserted well into the vagina. The woman would usually lay down, or to become more excited, she would rock in a chair. She would gently roll her hips, making the two small balls meet within her, causing sensual vibrations that would be transmitted outward to the entire vagina, clitoris, labia, and inward to the uterus. Sometimes, Japanese women would continue these languid movements for hours. Drifting from one orgasm to another.
The other type of geisha balls that I use are Smartballs made by Fun Factory. These are larger (1 ½ inches each) and made of hard plastic, but they’re hollow and they’ve got a 
metal ball inside the shell which rattles around and vibrates as they move around inside you. The balls aren’t perfectly round, but rather elliptical shaped, and they’re connected by a thin bridge and harnessed together with a long cord making removal very easy, and all together are about three inches long. These are perfect if you want to slip them in before a night out on the town if you can stand being so turned on for such a long time without release! The vibrations these balls make as you move and your pussy clenches and tightens around them is a sensation that can only be described as something uniquely feminine and exquisitely delightful. I found the Smartballs to be too large to leave in during intercourse, but the level of pleasure I’m able to give myself while wearing them simply leaves my heart pounding in my chest, and my mind and body in a heightened state of sensual and sexual arousal.
Geisha Balls are also very well suited to being used for doing Kegel Exercises. Having the balls inside your vagina as you repeatedly clench and unclench your PC muscles causes an increase in blood flow to the inner walls and to the legs of the clitoris, making your exercises seem very much like masturbating! In fact, a woman who is proficient in doing Kegels is capable of bringing herself to orgasm from the exercises alone, but add Geisha Balls into the mix, and you can expect to get very turned on, very wet, and very quickly!
Using Geisha Balls is easy. Simply slide them inside yourself until you can hold them in place by tightening your PC muscles. As your inner walls are stimulated, they’ll begin to swell and tighten, which helps keep the balls in place, but your body will begin to reflexively respond and you’ll find yourself unconsciously flexing your muscles, and increasing your arousal and pleasure. And the beauty is that no one will know you’re wearing them either! As you get used to the sensations, you’ll be able to use your vaginal muscles to move the balls inside yourself at will and chime them together and forcing them to vibrate.
What I love most about this ancient Japanese toy is that it reminds me of just how beautiful our femininity truly is, in every shape and form.
1Mistress S
wrote on 15 April 2007 at 10:48
I am a firm believer in slowing down and enjoying life’s simple pleasures and enjoying pleasures for pleasure sake. Sometimes I take 2 or 3 baths a day, because I love them and I can. Now you’ve given me another way to enjoy my day. Thanks for sharing.
S
2Pi
wrote on 15 April 2007 at 13:38
And to think that I always imagined these balls, sold during the Seventies in London without real explanation, were merely decorative! Now I know what to give the ladies in my life as birthday and Christmas presents in future.
3nina
wrote on 15 April 2007 at 16:41
S,
Oh yes, stopping to enjoy those simple pleasures makes life so beautiful! Baths are delightful! We should all stop and slow down to enjoy these things. You would love Ben Wa Balls! Next time you can you should pick up a pair!
Thanks sweetheart!
xoxo,
nina
4nina
wrote on 15 April 2007 at 16:43
Pi,
That’s so interesting. I know they’ve been around for many centuries, but I also discovered that people really didn’t understand what they’re used for, or even how to use them. I’m sure any woman you gave them too would be most appreciative of such a thoughtful gift!
Thanks so much!
xoxo,
nina
5Angela
wrote on 19 April 2007 at 17:24
Interesting ….
After being pregnant five times I’m a firm believer in kegels, but this sounds … interesting and fun.
HugsKissSmile
~Angela
6nina
wrote on 19 April 2007 at 19:11
Angela,
Five times! Oh my sweetie! How beautiful!!! You would love these! They make doing your kegels so much more fun!
Thank you, darling!
xoxo,
nina
7Mike Paahana
wrote on 16 January 2008 at 23:42
made my sex slave keep 2 of these up her while she was with me in my lunch trailer and nobody knew nothing but me it was so funny watching her squirm every time she moved, had da best sex ever after pau work
8rkw
wrote on 10 July 2008 at 0:13
I just discovered geisha balls simply because I want to make sure I stay firm and tight. I’ve not had kids, but it also goes with age. I remember seeing these around when I was a kid but I had no idea what they were for. I’ve got to say I can see why they’ve been around for so long.
I bought Smartballs and they’re great! I’m going to treat myself to more traditional geisha balls soon because these are great but I want to be able to manipulate my muscles.
The treat is how aroused I am when I wear these…good Lord they’re great.
9AudaciousAria
wrote on 30 July 2008 at 23:55
Geisha balls are utterly fantastic.. I just ordered a new pair & I must say, your review was wonderful. I’m more excited than ever to receive them now!
10nina aoki
wrote on 1 August 2008 at 21:59
AudaciousAria,
Thanks! I actually have a set of LELO Luna balls which I’ll be reviewing soon too! ;)
nina
11AudaciousAria
wrote on 2 August 2008 at 19:11
LELO Luna balls ahe, sounds interesting.
—–
I’ve just Googled them ;) I actually saw them when I was buying a new set of smart balls but thought I’d stick with them for now, they may end up on my list after your review though! Can’t wait!
12nina aoki
wrote on 2 August 2008 at 19:32
AudaciousAria,
Thanks! Yes, the LUNA Balls are a nice set to play with. I’ve had them for a couple of months, I’ve just been lazy about writing my review! LOL!
Tho I’m planning on doing that next week provided everything goes according to plan!
nina
13Keeley
wrote on 3 August 2008 at 13:50
Ooh! Those look interesting. Great review (even though I am so late on commenting considering when you wrote it). I could have guessed what they were for but you explaining it makes it much easier to fully understand. Not to mention I don’t know if i’d want to be taking wild guesses when it comes to toys.
You sure do have a toy collection to be jealous of. When I become rich (a girl can dream) and live in my own place I hope to be following in your footsteps. :P
14nina aoki
wrote on 3 August 2008 at 17:44
Hi Keeley!
Oh NP hon! This has been posted here for a while, but discussion is always open on everything here!
I’m happy you liked the review too! Geisha Balls or “BenWa Balls” have been around for hundreds of years — and they’re fabulous too. When I write my reviews I always try and make them easy to understand so when people are ready to choose something for themselves, they have a good idea what they’re getting and how to use a particular product.
The big thing to remember when choosing something like Geisha Balls is to think about size. Something like Fun Factory Smart Balls might be too big for some women, whereas the Ben Wa brand of geisha balls are much smaller and easier to get used to and manipulate inside yourself. The LELO Luna Balls I’m writing about next are a little in between.
HA! Well, yes, I do have more sex toys than any ten women I know combined! lol!
I think I could use a different toy every day of the month and still have some left over! :P
(when and if you’re ready to get something for yourself, let me know and I’ll help you pick out something good for you — in fact, I think something like the LELO NEA would be a perfect choice for you… or even something like the Impulse Slimline Rabbit would be a good choice too… and I always recommend Geisha Balls! Every woman should own a set! )
xoxo,
nina
15Keeley
wrote on 3 August 2008 at 20:14
You definitely did a good job of making it easy to understand. If I can understand it then ‘anyone’ can. Hah! Honestly though, you write so openly about it that it’s easy to trust you and your opinion. Obviously a person never knows how they will like something until they actually try it but the next best thing is to read your reviews. They seem so ‘different’ and real than other ones that I have encountered.
The size is a good thing to consider. Boy do I wish I had thought of size when I bought my rabbit (not sure which one, I destroyed that packaging lmao). I read articles from Caitlain on picking one out and even though it said to consider size I didn’t quite realize the significance of that until it was too late. I wish I had known about the slimline rabbit before I got that! The one I got ended in much frustration and pain, it’s gotten better but meh…
The LELO NEA looks incredible. I’ve heard nothing but good feedback on their toys so maybe that will have to be my Christmas gift to myself this year. :D
Thanks for all of your advice! If I keep reading your reviews i’m worried that i’ll be broke but in orgasmic bliss before I know it. I thought I could stop at one toy and wait a couple more years but that might not be the case.
~Keeley
16nina aoki
wrote on 3 August 2008 at 23:43
Hi Keeley!
Well thank you for saying so — that’s always been one of my goals, to make everything as accessible as possible; and I try and keep things in the perspective of how I would want to read about something too. So, thank you for the vote of confidence in my work!
Size in a toy, especially something you insert inside yourself is a *huge* decision (no pun here) — but it really is. Not every toy is made to go inside every woman — and there are some really good alternatives available.
So, while sometimes bigger is better, not always! :P
Having something fit and work is a much better plan!
(Tho if you’re having comfort issues with your rabbit, I’d suggest spending more time getting yourself aroused, and maybe try adding some lube. While you may feel that you’re wet enough, the materials which toys are made from can ‘dry you’ very quickly — so a good water based lube like AstroGlide or plain old KY is a really good thing to invest in to use with your toys — I use lube for everything and I get very wet!)
The NEA is a great vibrator — it’s small but extremely powerful. You wouldn’t think that it was so powerful based on its size alone, but she packs a kick! :lol:
I give them as gifts all the time to friends and they all love them.
And you are always welcome to the advice sweetheart! Anytime! And please, email me before you buy something and I’ll let you know what I think!
xoxo,
nina
17AudaciousAria
wrote on 4 August 2008 at 14:41
Yuuuss! I got my new smart balls in the mail today *GRINS* - Just thought I’d share that :P Actually they are different from the ones I had before as they are heavier & Real Skin.. *Purrs*
Keeley - I too found my (first) Rabbit to be too big..I felt it was really badly designed to be honest. It did nothing for me & honestly, it just hurt. So you’re not alone there. And like Nina said; So, while sometimes bigger is better, not always!
I really do want a NEA - isn’t she just beautiful?!
It’ll have to wait though.. perhaps a Christmas present to myself :P
18Keeley
wrote on 4 August 2008 at 18:22
Looks like the female blog-world is going to be having a Nea frenzy around Christmas time. Lol! No harm in spoiling ourselves. Bloggers with a NEA = Happy Bloggers
:edit: The discomfort issue… I’ve tried going a lot slower but it’s still not what I want. I’ll continue to work with it because it’s what I have and someday I might fully enjoy it but it always sucks when the first couple experiences are bad. >.<
19nina aoki
wrote on 4 August 2008 at 22:27
AudaciousAria,
Congratulations hon! I hope you enjoy them!
Yes, the NEA is a gorgeous vibrator — I think we all should have one! :P
nina
20nina aoki
wrote on 4 August 2008 at 22:30
Keeley,
lol! No harm at all — and the NEA would be perfect for you. It allows you to pleasure your clit and outer pudenda, so there wouldn’t be any insertion involved, so no pain.
As for the rabbit, I agree — once you’ve had a bad experience it makes it tough to get into it again. As I said, I think you’d be happier with something like the NEA which you can use on your outer girlparts rather than trying to force something too big inside yourself.
nina
21nina
wrote on 22 September 2008 at 3:28
do they tighten your pussy? that is my question?
beautiful blog btw. can someone email me the answer?
22Chrissy
wrote on 4 November 2008 at 17:02
I found smart balls a few years back, and have found that they are so wonderful for having your own personal time, and for helping you control your muscles to please your partner too!
Also, loved the control they gave me when I gave birth to my two sons. The midwife was amazed at the control I had when pushing, and how quickly I recovered physically from the labor!
Share these with all your friends!
23Carole
wrote on 17 November 2008 at 23:41
I am 55 and have never had an orgasim…yes, Iknow, I know. Have lots of great sex and some toys but thought these might do the trick. Your opinion?
24nina aoki
wrote on 18 November 2008 at 12:40
Hi Carole,
I think they might — yes. I mean, they’ll teach you control and help you exercise your vaginal muscles, which will help you achieve orgasm. I’d give them a try!