Asakusa and Shinsekai, abolition of the red line in March 1957."

Asakusa and Shinsekai, abolition of the red line in March 1957."

On March 31, 1957, the abolition of the red light rail line had a major impact on Asakusa, Tokyo and Shinsekai, Osaka. Amid the postwar trend toward democratization and emphasis on human rights, the public prostitution system was abolished, but many prostitutes lost their livelihood and were tormented by anxiety about their future. Visiting Asakusa, the kuayans (as they are commonly called) listened to the voices of these women and strongly felt that abolition of the system alone was not enough, but that concrete support was needed. In Shinsekai, Osaka, a local welfare organization attempted to find new employment for these women, but they also saw the reality of continued illegal prostitution.

Quayan (as it is commonly called) documented these conditions and made recommendations to help the prostitutes lead a new life. This event symbolized a shift in postwar values and was a historical turning point that has important implications for the present day.