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Yoshiwara, red light district, Tokyo, Japan, circa 1880s
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Yoshiwara, red light district, Tokyo, Japan, circa 1880s
Yoshiwara, red light district, Tokyo, Japan, circa 1880s. Date: circa 1880s
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14350500
© Mary Evans Picture Library/Pump Park Photography
EDITORS COMMENTS
Yoshiwara, Tokyo's legendary red-light district, thrived during the Meiji period (1868-1912) as a place of pleasure and indulgence for the city's elite. This evocative photograph, captured around the 1880s, offers a rare glimpse into the district's vibrant and intriguing world. The image shows a bustling street scene, with lantern-lit teahouses, theatres, and brothels lining the narrow, cobblestone streets. Women in traditional Japanese kimonos, some with elaborate hairstyles and makeup, can be seen mingling with men in Western-style suits and hats. The atmosphere is lively and festive, with the sound of music and laughter drifting through the air. Despite its reputation as a place of sin and vice, Yoshiwara was also a cultural hub, with a rich tradition of Kabuki theatre, geisha performances, and traditional arts. The district's teahouses and pleasure quarters were renowned for their exquisite decor and elegant design, offering a luxurious and sensual experience for their clients. This photograph captures the unique blend of tradition and modernity that defined Yoshiwara during the Meiji period. The juxtaposition of Western influences, such as the men's clothing and the use of lanterns, with the traditional Japanese architecture and customs, creates a fascinating and captivating scene. Today, Yoshiwara is a shadow of its former self, having been largely gentrified and transformed into a tourist attraction. However, this photograph serves as a powerful reminder of the district's rich history and the complex and intriguing world it once represented.
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