Shunga, or erotic art, is sometimes referred to by the slang term "wajirushi," and

the "wa" in this term comes from "warai-e," meaning "pictures of laughter."

Good shunga should elicit a chuckle at first glance, whether from a young woman or a gruff man.

It should not frighten the young woman or infuriate the gruff man.

After all, in Japan, an agricultural nation, there is a tradition of viewing union (sexual intercourse) as a symbol of prosperity and a prayer for abundant harvests.
Union is a joyous thing, productive and full of vitality—a positive force, not negative; light, not shadow.
It has always been a powerful force.

Thus, it is said that "kachi-e," or "victory pictures," were taken into battle or placed inside armor chests.

The view of sexual pleasure as taboo seems to be unique to countries with a unified religion.
Japan, with its myriad gods, developed into a rather non-religious nation,
and in matters of sexuality, it has maintained a timeless magnanimity.

Excerpted from "A Day in Edo" by Hinako Sugiura, published by Shinchosha.

Magnanimity. Perhaps the joys of life are encapsulated in this word.

I hope to live out my days with such magnanimity. Don't you agree?

Oh, and today I had an interview for that SHIPS web magazine.

Thanks to Taishi Kuninobu's thoughtfulness, I wore a double-breasted suit, tailored for me for the first time in my life. I was so pleased that I might have talked a bit too much. Thanks to all of you, I was able to get through today safely. Gratitude.

← Diary-T 117-122