Two Couples in a Brothel, Suzuki Harunobu

Suzuki Harunobu, 1769–70, Woodblock print; ink and color on paper

This is a painting describing the sexual behaviors of two couples here seeing that the wakashu has a freedom when he chosses to have sexual relationships with a woman in Edo period. In this painting, what’s crucial is that we get to see the range of freedom still in place when wakashu can wear a kimono. The significance of how this painting plays in my argument is the type of new regulations regarding gender roles and requirements after the Western impact kicked in when Japan opened up in its commerce which caused the disappearance of this freedom in relationships. When Japan embedded the sakako policy, the relationships of Wakashu with women and adult men have also vanished.