The great mirror of love between men by Ihara Saikaku

Review of the book “The great mirror of love between men” by Ihara Saikaku

The book “The Great Mirror of Love Between Men” by Ihara Saikaku is a classic work of Japanese literature that tells forty stories of homosexual love between samurai and kabuki actors in the Edo period (1603-1868).

The author, considered one of the masters of ukiyo or “floating world”, portrays with delicacy and humor the passions, sacrifices and tragedies of these lovers who followed the path of nanshoku or “way of virile love”, a socially accepted practice and regulated by a code of honor. The book is divided into two parts: the “Samurai Stories” and the “Actors’ Stories”, each with twenty stories that show the diversity and richness of homosexual culture in ancient and pre-modern Japan.

The book has been translated into Spanish by Carlos Rubio and Akiko Imoto, and has a prologue that explains the historical and cultural context of the work, as well as more than twenty engravings from the period that illustrate the narrated scenes. The great mirror of love between men is an essential work for those interested in Japanese culture and the universal treatment of love.

“The Great Mirror of Love Between Men” (originally titled “Nanshoku Ōkagami” in Japanese) is a literary work written by Ihara Saikaku, a prominent Japanese writer of the Edo period. First published in 1687, this book is a collection of stories that address the topic of love between men in Japanese society at the time. Saikaku, known for his satirical style and his ability to portray the daily life and customs of his time, offers in this work a unique and valuable insight into homosexual relationships in 17th century Japan.

The work is made up of several short stories that explore different aspects of love between men, from platonic love to carnal desire. Through these narratives, Saikaku presents a wide range of characters, including samurai, monks, merchants, and kabuki theater actors. These characters, often caught in complex and morally ambiguous situations, struggle to find a balance between their personal desires and societal expectations.

One of the most notable features of “The Great Mirror of Love Between Men” is the way in which Saikaku approaches the topic of homosexuality without prejudice or condemnation. Instead of judging his characters, the author presents them as human beings with genuine emotions and desires, allowing the reader to empathize with them and understand their internal struggles. Furthermore, Saikaku uses poetic and evocative language to describe the relationships between his characters, which gives the work a beauty and emotional depth that transcends cultural and temporal barriers.

Despite its age, “The Great Mirror of Love Between Men” remains a relevant and fascinating read today. The work offers a historically and culturally rich view of the practices and customs of Edo period Japan, while addressing universal themes such as love, loyalty, and the pursuit of happiness. Additionally, Saikaku’s ability to portray her characters realistically and compassionately makes her stories accessible and appealing to modern readers.

In summary, “The Great Mirror of Love Between Men” is an exceptional work of literature that offers a unique and valuable perspective on homosexual relationships in 17th century Japan. With his evocative narrative style and his complex, human characters, Ihara Saikaku manages to create a series of short stories that are both historically informative and emotionally resonant. This work is essential reading for those interested in Japanese literature, cultural history, and literary representations of homosexuality over time.