Love, lust and life in Saikaku’s Japan
Edo Japan, according to novelist Ihara Saikaku, was a world in which love could save or destroy you.
In a tale of love, lust and life in 17th century Japan, two young men embark on a journey after overhearing a conversation about the pursuit of love and the desire to escape from it. The ferry they are traveling on arrives at its destination, and the men disembark, following the pair they overheard to a secluded wood.
At the edge of the forest, they find a humble cottage, its wooden sign bearing the inscription, "Hut of a Sensuous Hermit." There, they encounter an elderly woman, her face etched with the lines of time, yet possessing a refined beauty. The curious travelers have journeyed to this hermit's abode seeking knowledge about the intricacies of sensual love, confessing their own lack of understanding.
With a nod, the hermit welcomes the young men into her modest dwelling, eager to impart her wisdom. As the story unfolds, it paints a vivid picture of a society where love and lust are intertwined, and the desire for personal fulfillment drives individuals to seek whatever means necessary. The hermit's life story serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating the consequences of giving in entirely to one's passions, while also offering a glimpse into the complexities of human desire.
Written by urgent.news from Japan Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
