Mistress-keeping has had a long and “illustrious” history in Japan, with fascinating traditions and customs that were unique to Japanese culture.
The practice underwent dramatic changes following the end of the Shogunate era in 1867 and again following the end of World War II in 1945—when it was revitalized by thousands of American and United Nations military and civilian personnel who were part of the Occupation of Japan.
Author Boyé Lafayette De Mente, who was part of that extraordinary phenomenon, describes in detail the nature and role of mistress-keeping during the Shogunate era, in the aftermath of WWII, and how it continues today as part of Japan’s mizu shobai [mee-zoo show-by] or “water business”, providing valuable insights into the entertainment trades that play major roles in business and politics.
The practice underwent dramatic changes following the end of the Shogunate era in 1867 and again following the end of World War II in 1945—when it was revitalized by thousands of American and United Nations military and civilian personnel who were part of the Occupation of Japan.
Author Boyé Lafayette De Mente, who was part of that extraordinary phenomenon, describes in detail the nature and role of mistress-keeping during the Shogunate era, in the aftermath of WWII, and how it continues today as part of Japan’s mizu shobai [mee-zoo show-by] or “water business”, providing valuable insights into the entertainment trades that play major roles in business and politics.
