Kasuga-no-tsubouchi (Kasuga Bureau) and Madame Pompadour.
Although the names bring to mind images of both historically powerful women, their positions and historical backgrounds are very different.
Kasuga Bureki was a woman who wielded power in the inner chambers of the Edo period, while Madame de Pompadour was a socialite who dominated society in the French dynasty and was favored by King Louis XV.
Many people will notice that both women have something in common! In fact, the “salon culture” established by these women both had a great influence on the place called Ooku.
Let us compare the “salon culture” of Kasuga Bureki and Madame Pompadour♪.
Contents
Kasuga Bureki and Madame de Pompadour: Background of the Period and Power
Kasuga-bureau was a woman who held power as the nanny of Tokugawa Iemitsu in the early Edo period.
Although she was not on the same side as Iemitsu’s mother, Oeyo, she gained Iemitsu’s immense trust and reigned at the top of the inner palace.
As Iemitsu’s close confidant, she also interfered in politics, and was the person who developed the Ooku into an organization that played a part in power, rather than just a group of women.
Because of her influence, she is also called the “founder of the Ooku.
On the other hand, Madame de Pompadour was a famous mistress of Louis XV at the French court in the 18th century.
Her position was not limited to that of a mere “favorite princess,” but also influenced politics, diplomacy, and even the fields of culture and the arts.
Madame de Pompadour hosted the “Salon” for social gatherings and supported the exchange of literary figures, artists, and politicians.
As a result, her salon became an important venue for the development of European culture.
What is important to note here is that both were “supporters of male power” but also exerted “unique influence” beyond that framework.
Kasuga Bureki supported Iemitsu while organizing the Ooku, and Madame de Pompadour supported Louis XV while contributing to the development of French culture.
Each of them created a “salon-like space” and influenced not only men but also women.
Kasuga Buren’s O-oku and Madame de Pompadour’s Salon: “Power of Women” in Common
The O-oku (the inner chambers of a ladies’ château) built by Kasuga Bureki and the salon presided over by Madame de Pompadour.
Although they were established in different times and countries, they share the same influence on the formation of power and culture, with women playing a central role in both.
Let’s take a look at what significance this “place of influence created by women” had in the society of the time.
1. a place of influence behind the scenes of male society
The Ooku, ostensibly the “residence” of women in the service of the shogun, and Madame de Pompadour’s salon were merely “social spaces” of the French court.
However, in these spaces, secret information and political games were played that were not discussed in male society.
Kasuga-no-Kakari’s inner palace functioned as an information network that influenced the politics of the surface, while presiding over hundreds of women who served the shogunate.
Having gained the trust of the shogun, she was able to influence the policies of the shogunate and used her power to establish the Ooku as a “place of power” for the women.â
Madame de Pompadour’s salon was also more than just a place for chitchat; it functioned as a “crossroads of brains” where politicians and cultural figures gathered to exchange information.
It is said that she skillfully manipulated the occasion and contributed to the development of French culture and diplomacy.
Thus, both played an important role as “backstage” where women could exert their unique influence in a male-dominated society.
2. a space that fostered culture and a sense of beauty
In Kasuga-no-Kakari’s O-oku, not only power struggles took place, but also art and culture were refined among the women.
Traditional culture such as waka poetry, calligraphy, and tea ceremony was emphasized, and it was not uncommon for women from the Ooku to contribute to the Shogunate with their talents.
These cultural activities were also linked to their status and reputation within the Ooku.
Meanwhile, Madame de Pompadour’s salon was the center of European culture at the time.
It was a gathering place for painters, writers, and philosophers, and a catalyst for the flowering of art and thought. It is said that her influence was particularly significant in the prosperity of Rococo culture under the reign of Louis XV.
The Salon was truly a “cultural center.
3. the influence of women’s networks
Both Kasuga Bureki and Madame Pompadour utilized women’s networks in their respective environments.
Kasuga-bureau, based in the inner palace, played an important role in controlling the movements of the shogunate through women inside and outside Edo Castle.
Madame de Pompadour, on the other hand, strengthened her influence on Louis XV by establishing connections with people inside and outside the court through the salons she hosted.
In this way, we can see that both the Ooku and the Salon had much in common as “places where the power of women was brought together to influence society and culture.
The Influence of O-oku and Salons on the Modern Japanese Sex Industry
It can be said that the influence of the O-oku (the inner palace) established by Kasuga Bureki and Madame Pompadour’s salons can be seen in the modern Japanese adult entertainment industry.
Both were places where women played a central role and built their own culture and networks, and there are similarities in the structure of the sex industry and the spirit of service.
1. a world where women’s “power to attract” lives on
In the inner chambers of the shogun’s palace, women improved their sense of beauty and culture in order to attract the shogun’s attention, and raised themselves to be “attractive” to him.
This “power of attractiveness” has something in common with today’s adult entertainment industry. In the adult entertainment industry, not only beauty in appearance, but also conversation, care, and customer service skills are considered important, and women are making the most of their individual charms to become ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡.
In addition, the women in the inner chambers were also glamorous in their attire, and fashion and makeup were refined as part of the culture.
Even today’s adult entertainment industry uses unique costumes and makeup to create an “extraordinary view of the world” and provide users with a special experience.
This “staging ability” is another area where the influence of Ooku can be strongly felt. 2.
2. providing a salon-like space
Just as Madame de Pompadour’s salon was a place for culture and exchange, the modern adult entertainment industry functions as a place where “communication” is emphasized.
In particular, high-class delicatessen and some other types of businesses are increasingly seeking not only mere sexual services, but also conversation, healing, and emotional connection.â
Providing a “private and comfortable space” like a salon is the key to success in the sex industry.
The concept of “extraordinary feeling” and “special space” seen in O-oku and salons has been carried over to the basis of modern sex stores and services.
3. networking among women in Ooku
In the inner chambers of the ladies’ chambers, networks among women were the key to power and information.
In today’s adult entertainment industry, networking is also important for female cast members to share information and help each other.
The exchange of information through social networking services and industry-specific communities can truly be described as a modern version of the “O-oku” or “salon” ♡.
In addition, when the store itself is run by female staff and cast members, it is easier to reflect women’s perspectives in the service and to provide more attentive attention to male patrons.
This “female-led space” can be considered an evolution of the spirit of the “ooku” or salon.
Conclusion
Just as Madame de Pompadour’s salon healed aristocratic men and at the same time transmitted European culture, the Ooku also functioned as a place to satisfy the favor and power of the shogun.
The modern Japanese sex industry also heals men who are tired in society.
From the perspective of not only “sex” but also “healing” and “customer service,” the sex industry continues to evolve as a kind of cultural industry.
It can be said that the modern Japanese sex industry inherits the spirit of “a place for women to play an active role” and “providing a special space” that Kasuga Buren’s O-oku and Madame de Pompadour’s salons had.
Knowing this historical background may give us a hint to understand the role and attraction of the sex industry in a new way.
Text by miumiureise
