千葉県花魁撮影スタジオ 八色-Yairo-

Detailed Explanation of Why Yoshiwara is Famous for Oiran

Yoshiwara is one of the most representative pleasure districts of the Edo period, playing a significant role in culture, arts, and society. In this section, we will explain in detail why Yoshiwara became particularly famous for its Oiran, including its historical background, the special status of Oiran, the influence on culture and arts, and what Yoshiwara meant to the people of Edo.

1. The History and Background of Yoshiwara

The Birth of Yoshiwara as a Licensed Red-Light District

The foundation for Yoshiwara’s fame as the home of Oiran lies in its special status as a licensed pleasure district approved by the Tokugawa shogunate. In the early Edo period, in 1617 (the 3rd year of the Genna era), the shogunate established the “Yoshiwara pleasure district” near Nihonbashi Ningyocho to regulate brothels. This district was created to gather the rapidly proliferating brothels into one location, to control entertainment and ensure tax revenue.

However, after the Meireki Fire of 1657, which destroyed much of Edo, Yoshiwara was relocated to its present location near Asakusa and came to be known as “Shin-Yoshiwara.” This new Yoshiwara was a kind of independent area surrounded by moats and designed as a special space where access was restricted. This “closed, glamorous world” is one of the key factors that made Yoshiwara unique.

2. The Special Status of the Oiran

What is an Oiran?

An Oiran is the highest-ranking courtesan in a pleasure district. They were not only known for their beauty but also for their education, artistic skills, and refined customer service, making them a special existence. While ordinary courtesans were entertainers, Oiran were seen as symbols of the district and were regarded as cultural figures and artists.

Requirements to Become an Oiran

To become an Oiran, one had to undergo many years of training and acquire the following skills:

• High level of education: Learn traditional Japanese poetry (waka), haiku, calligraphy, and acquire knowledge suitable for conversations with the upper class.


• Proficiency in the arts: Master skills such as shamisen playing, dancing, and tea ceremony, which represented the upper-class culture of the Edo period.


• Appearance and etiquette: Develop sophisticated manners and a sense of fashion to wear elaborate garments attractively.

The Charm of the Oiran Procession

One of the most symbolic activities of an Oiran was the “Oiran Dochu,” a ceremonial procession when an Oiran would go to meet her client. This was an event at the height of extravagance. The Oiran would wear luxurious attire and walk in a distinctive slow-paced “hachi-monji” style, which became a spectacle. This procession, a kind of “performance,” emphasized the glamour of Yoshiwara and stirred the admiration of ordinary people.

3. The Influence of Yoshiwara on Culture and Arts

The Oiran and Yoshiwara in Ukiyo-e

The Oiran of Yoshiwara had a significant influence on the art of Ukiyo-e. Famous Ukiyo-e artists such as Kitagawa Utamaro and Katsushika Hokusai created many works depicting Oiran. These woodblock prints played a crucial role in spreading the glamour of Yoshiwara and the beauty of the Oiran.

- Kitagawa Utamaro: Expressed the beauty of the Oiran to the fullest, portraying their seductive charm and elegance in his Ukiyo-e works.

- Katsushika Hokusai: Created genre scenes of Yoshiwara, documenting the lifestyle and culture of the time.

Influence on Literature

Yoshiwara was frequently featured in literature. Works such as “Koshoku Ichidai Otoko” (The Life of an Amorous Man) by Ihara Saikaku and “Tokaidochu Hizakurige” (Shank's Mare) by Jippensha Ikku portrayed Yoshiwara not merely as a place of entertainment, but as a symbol of people's dreams, hopes, and sometimes sorrows.

4. The Social Role of Yoshiwara

A Hub for Cultural Exchange Among the Wealthy

Yoshiwara was not only a place of entertainment but also a venue for cultural exchange among the wealthy and intellectuals. Merchants, samurai, and cultural figures would gather to exchange information and negotiate. As such, Yoshiwara functioned as a kind of cultural center, producing trends and influencing the cultural landscape of Edo.

Admiration from the Common People

Yoshiwara was also a special place for the common people. While it was not easily accessible to the masses, its glamour was widely known through rumors, Ukiyo-e, and guidebooks like “Yoshiwara Saiken.” Yoshiwara served as an unattainable ideal for the common folk, sparking their imaginations.

5. Differences Between Yoshiwara and Other Pleasure Districts

While there were other pleasure districts across Japan, Yoshiwara stood out for its scale, sophistication, and cultural influence. Compared to other districts, Yoshiwara had the following unique characteristics:

• Located in Edo, Japan's largest city, attracting many wealthy individuals and intellectuals.


• The existence of the special position of Oiran became an iconic aspect of Yoshiwara.


• It was widely featured in arts and literature, thus gaining high cultural recognition.

6. The Lasting Influence of Yoshiwara

Even today, Yoshiwara and the Oiran remain symbols of Japanese culture. By depicting Yoshiwara in films, dramas, and stage productions, Japan’s traditional culture and aesthetics have been rediscovered. Moreover, Ukiyo-e and the Oiran have gained global recognition as part of Japanese cultural heritage.

7. Yoshiwara After the Meiji Period and Its Influence

Changes in the Era and the Role of Yoshiwara

After the Meiji Restoration, Japan underwent westernization, and traditional Edo-period systems and culture were gradually reevaluated. During this process, the pleasure district system, including Yoshiwara, began to decline. However, Yoshiwara maintained its status as a center of entertainment for a long time.

In the Meiji period, laws and social ethics changed, and the regulatory framework surrounding the pleasure districts became stricter. Still, Yoshiwara retained its symbolic presence in Japanese culture, especially during the early Showa period. It was frequently depicted in modern literature and films and continued to be an object of fascination and nostalgia.

End of Yoshiwara in the Showa Period

After World War II, Japanese laws were significantly reformed, and the Anti-Prostitution Law of 1956 led to the dissolution of pleasure districts, including Yoshiwara. This marked the end of its historical role. However, the name Yoshiwara and its cultural image still strongly remain in the memories of the people and in artistic works.

8. The Legacy of Yoshiwara Culture and Its Influence Today

The Presence of Yoshiwara in Modern Times

Today, Yoshiwara remains as “Yoshiwara Daimon,” and it attracts attention as a historical tourist destination. Visitors can experience the atmosphere of the once-glamorous pleasure district by visiting old buildings and street names. Additionally, films, novels, and anime works based on Yoshiwara continue to be produced, leading to a reevaluation of its cultural value.

Reinterpretation as Traditional Culture

The culture of Yoshiwara and the Oiran is increasingly seen not just as a place of entertainment but as a representation of Japan's unique aesthetic values. For example, there are movements to revive traditional kimono styles, as well as modern fashion incorporating Oiran-inspired designs, showing how past cultures are being creatively adapted in contemporary times.

The background of Yoshiwara’s fame as a center for Oiran lies in its unique history as a licensed pleasure district, the presence of Oiran, who possessed education and artistic skill, and its role as a cultural hub. Even after the changes of the Meiji period, Yoshiwara remained a significant figure in Japan’s cultural and historical landscape. Even today, the name Yoshiwara and its cultural value continue to live on in the hearts of people, passed down through arts and tourism for future generations.