Pink Samurai: The Pursuit and Politics of Sex in Japan

by Nicholas Bornoff

Book Overview

This extraordinary book reveals the exotic realm of the Water Trade--a world of bars and brothels, love hotels, baths and massage parlors, theaters and strip shows--and takes American readers on their... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0586205764
• ISBN13: 9780586205761
• Release Date: January 2001
• Publisher: Trafalgar Square
• Length: 592 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 7.0" x 1.5" x 4.5"

Customer Reviews

Interesting but Odd

This book was informative and entertaining with one strange flaw. According to the author, it seems some Japanese base everything on sex, that everyone is having sex everywhere all of the time, and that little sex dolls can be purchased everywhere. Reminded me of a famous anthropologist's scandal where the "locals" decided to have a bit of fun with the researcher. While sex in Japan is looked at in a more realistic sense (People understand that some people have sex, and that it's not abnormal), I couldn't quite agree with the author's notions that, come o-matsuri time, couples are enjoying quick trysts under the o-mikoshi or behind the jinja.True, there are sexual references in many (unexpected to the non-Japanese) places: children's manga that make the nude body seem to be anything from nothing out of the ordinary, to embarrassments to be blushed over. Public fliers and posters do show nude bodies, as do regular prime-time TV shows (this is without HBO and Cinemax).The fact is, sexuality is seen differently in the different cultures. Using this book to study the wonderful diversity of people on this planet is great; but using this book as a travel guide when going to Japan might gain the wielder a bit of disappointment. This book covers quite a few areas of Japanese social life. Keep in mind, though, that this book is starting to get a bit out of date. However, it's still fun to read as long as you don't take everything seriously.

Entertaining read

Although it felt at times a bit facile, the book was largely interesting and certainly made me interested in so many of the cultural aspects he breezed through. I am curious to know how the things that he wrote about have changed, given that it was written during the peak of the Japanese success.

A view of hidden Japan

An interesting read about a side of Japan foreigners rarely get to see. Bornoff covers it all, from love and marriage to the huge sex and entertainment industries, both historical and modern. Fascinating stuff for those who want to learn how the Japanese play.

A fascinating view of society & women in Japanese history

readable trip to different areas of Japanese history and society.Examines impact of social upheavals on the status of women. Considers contemporary and historical issues (geisha to "compensated dating") Julie Phelps