Meeting between the proprietress and the oiran - Yoshiwara's arrangement where economy and emotion intersect (Edo period)

Meeting between the proprietress and the oiran - Yoshiwara's arrangement where economy and emotion intersect (Edo period)

In Yoshiwara during the Edo period, the "okami" (proprietress) was the pillar supporting the operation of the brothels. She was not merely the manager of the establishment, but a conductor who had to unite the women and manage both business and emotions. Every night, she held a meeting with the oirishis to discuss the next day's show. "Who do you want to bring up today?" In such practical exchanges, we see a microcosm of the economic society of Yoshiwara: "This customer pays well," and "That one is difficult, so be careful.

The oiris may appear glamorous at first glance, but they were working with physical and emotional exhaustion. The proprietress sensitively senses these conditions and sometimes makes judgments such as, "Don't force them to work too hard today," or "Take their place. Her calm judgment as a manager coexisted with her motherly compassion. If one only pursued sales, the business would be viable, but if the health and reputation of the prostitutes were damaged, it would not last long. The proprietress was truly a "helmsman who maintained the balance between money and humanity.

The opinions of the courtesans were not ignored. The oiran's own judgment was respected when dealing with popular customers and regulars, and a relationship of trust was built. There were times of disagreement and tension, but this was the "reality of the workplace" in Yoshiwara.

There was a bond between the proprietress and the courtesans that transcended hierarchical relationships and was like a "community of fate. The reality and warmth of the world of Yoshiwara were condensed in the time spent at these meetings, where the sales ledger and the human-interest ledger intersected.