Specimen No. 3.
Notice.
At the time of the establishment of the Sangy�-kwaisha (office of the “three professions�) I was obliged, by reason of unavoidable circumstances, to transact the business of the office, and in consequence trouble arose between the brothel-keepers and owners of tea-houses. For a time it appeared as if the trouble had blown over, but apparently such is not the case, as I now learn that the tea-houses have combined and agreed not to send a single guest to my house. Far from being affected by their compact, my business is as brisk as ever, because, I depend on my patrons themselves and not on the tea-houses. Nor is this all, for when the three and twenty fair ladies (oiran) who belong to my house heard about the selfish decision of the tea-house keepers, they justly gave vent to their indignation at this attempt to interfere with their profession. They proposed that in future they and I should combine to increase the popularity of our house, and with this end in view I have been urged by the oiran to do all in my power to ensure the satisfaction of guests, while they on their part have promised to cooperate with me in order to convince the tea-house folk of the fact that the Yoshiwara would prosper without any hikite-jaya at all. What is meant by the resolution of the fair damsels it is for visitors to my house to explain. Accordingly I have decided on the following plan of action:—Firstly, to endeavour to curtail the expenses of guests to the lowest possible figure, and secondly, to see that every care is taken to ensure their pleasant entertainment. As to the females in waiting, their number will be further increased, and they will appear clad like the graceful nakai (waitresses) of Ky�to and Ōsaka. Care will also be exercised in the cuisine of my house, and certain dishes will be served without extra charge. These alterations will take effect on and after September 1st next, and it will then remain with you to test the truth of this announcement. I trust that these facts will become known far and wide, and hope to be favoured with your continued visits and patronage.
September, 1875.
Kimpei Daikoku.
(Kashi-zashiki keeper)
Yedo-ch� It-ch�-me,
Shin-Yoshiwara.
Ageya no sashi-gami.
(Summons to the “Ageya.�)
In ancient times a guest was unable to visit a brothel direct, but had to negotiate for the services of courtesans through the “Age-ya.� The “Age-ya� then issued a written request or “summons� (sashi-gami) to the brothel, nominating the woman desired. The bearer of these sashi-gami accompanied the courtesans both going and coming between brothels and “Age-ya,� and as soon as guests had finished their “spree� and left, the yūjo were sent back to their respective houses. In the “Kwagai Manroku� (花街漫錄) a specimen copy of the summons is given: the size is about 11″ x 5″ (actually 9 sun 6 bu x 4 sun 3 bu) and wording as follows:—