The World of Geisha (Yojohan fusuma no urabari)

December 4, 2005
past event image
Film past event

Sunday, December 4 at 2 pm
Sunday, December 11 at 4 pm


Due to sexual content this film is recommended for adults only. 1973, 72 min., 35mm, color. Directed by Tasumi Kumashiro. Based on the story by Kafu Nagai. Written by Tatsumi Kumashiro. With Junko Miyashita and Hideaki Esumi. Print courtesy of The Japan Foundation with permission from Nikkatsu.

Europe first learned of Japanese art through ukioe, woodblock prints, which profoundly influenced Van Gogh and other Impressionists. They were especially amazed by the boldness and freedom of sexual expression in shunga. These erotic prints, unbound by Christian moral or ethical constraints, must have inspired the European avant garde to cast traditions aside. This film boldly attempts to transpose the eroticism and expressiveness of shunga to film. Based on an original tale by Kafu Nagai, banned for its sexual explicitness, Tatsumi Kumashiro, the leading director of the “Nikkatsu Roman-porno” genre, brilliantly succeeds in bringing shunga images to life.


Buy a Film Pass today!  Watch 5 films for the price of 4! $40; Japan Society members, seniors & students $24. (Good for both After War… and Hiroshi Sugimoto film series). The Film Pass is redeemable for 5 Fall 2005 films of your choice.  To guarantee your seat, present and exchange your Film Pass at the box office for tickets on the day of the film, at least 10 minutes before screening times.   This pass cannot be combined with any other discount offers at the Japan Society.

  • Sunday, December 4, 2005
  • 2:00 pm