Subject
Tokyo (Japan) -- Social life and customs Books
Best books
J. E. (Joseph Ernest) De Becker
The nightless city; or, The "history of the Yoshiwara Yūkwaku"
"The Nightless City; or, The 'History of the Yoshiwara Yūkwaku'" by J. E. De Becker is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book explores the intricate workings and societal implications surrounding the Yoshiwara, a famous district in Japan known for its licensed prostitution. De Becker, drawing on his experiences as a long-term resident of Japan, provides an in-depth look at the regulations, customs, and subsequent cultural significance of this unique social institution. The opening of the book sets the stage for its exploration by drawing attention to the complex relationship that society has with prostitution and how the Yoshiwara was established as a solution to manage this "necessary evil." De Becker discusses the evolution of the district, touching on its origins in the Tokugawa period and the various regulations imposed to control and contain the profession. He highlights the reasons for bringing brothels into a designated area, the social structure within Yoshiwara, and the integration of courtesans into the broader fabric of societal norms, indicating that an understanding of such customs can serve to offer valuable insights into the interplay between morality, legality, and human desire.
Jukichi Inouye
Home Life in Tokyo
"Home Life in Tokyo" by Jukichi Inouye is a cultural account written in the early 20th century. This work offers a unique perspective on Japanese domestic life from the viewpoint of a native, contrasting with many contemporary writings that typically reflect Western views of Japan. The author explores various aspects of life in Tokyo, covering topics such as family structure, food customs, housing, and social etiquette. The opening of the book presents the author's intention to provide a detailed description of daily life in Tokyo, highlighting the previous absence of native accounts on such homely matters. He emphasizes the importance of localization—focusing solely on Tokyo in order to capture the intricacies and peculiarities of urban life there. Inouye discusses Tokyo's emergence as the capital after the fall of the Shogunate, while addressing the city’s growth during the Edo period and the socio-political backdrop leading to its modern characteristics. The preface sets the tone for an enlightening exploration of how traditional Japanese customs interact with the inroads of modernization, a theme central to the book.
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