In 1621, a brothel owner wrote a petition to the Japanese shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. He made an argument that if a “red light district” was established in Edo (the city that later became Tokyo), it would be beneficial to everyone. The shogunate agreed, and not surprisingly, the owner of the brothel was appointed as the owner of the new recreation area.
Yoshiwara means “reed field” because it was basically built on a drained swamp and was completed in 1626. From the opening of the gate until the area was closed by the government in 1959, Yoshiwara was still the legendary pornographic version of Disney World (Disney World) suitable for rich and energetic adult gentlemen, not itchy. But for women working there, this is a prison they cannot escape.
Time was important in Yoshiwara. A courtesan had only so long each day to devote to her clients. Her schedule had to be managed carefully, which is where joss sticks or incense sticks came in. Lacking mechanical clocks, the next best thing was a stick or coil of incense that burned for a specific number of minutes. When the incense burned down to the last little bit, the gentleman had to go.
Note: expensive perfume incense, used more to scent the clothing and hair than a room, was considered a very generous gift to give a courtesan. Most of the ladies sold such presents since the price they received was far more useful.
