The Europeanization of the Yoshiwara and the Introduction of Loochooan Courtesans.

The origin of the addition of rō (樓 = a two-storied or “high” house) to the names of brothels is traced back to the Go-mei-rō (五明樓) which was another name for the “Ōgiya” of the Shin Yoshiwara about the era of Temmei (1781–1786). In the pre-Restoration days no houses were allowed which exceeded two stories in height, but since the beginning of the Meiji (the present) era changes have been introduced into the architecture of brothels and several magnificent and commodious houses have been built in a hybrid European style. The Tōkyō-kaikwa-hanjō-shi (東京開化繁昌誌) states:—

“At the time of the Restoration, high and commodious buildings, such as had never been seen even in the mansions of nobles, were constructed in the European fashion, etc., etc.” Illustrations of the Kimpei-rō and the Go-sei-rō in the European style are given.

In the “Shin-Yoshiwara-Zensei-kurabe-Shōgi-hyōban-ki”, (新吉原全盛競娼妓評判記) published in 1870, is a passage which reads:—“Houses were built in the Western fashion and many rare and delicate things were placed on the table” (sic.)

The adoption of foreign costume by prostitutes was first introduced by the Yamada-rō of Ageya-machi in 1886, and later on this example was followed by the Shin-Inaben-rō and several other houses, but before long the new fashion fell into disfavour and was abandoned. When the “foreign craze” was at its height, the Yamada-rō provided foreign bedsteads for the women, and served up food in foreign dishes; but they never got so far as knives and forks, and although the plates were of a Western pattern one was expected to eat the viands with the cedarwood chopsticks provided!!! The Yamada-rō seems to be great on new sensations, for in 1889 that house engaged two or three Loochooan women as courtesans. This novel departure filled the house for a time, but before long the novelty wore off and the lovely Loochooans ceased to be an attraction.