Meshimori onna

Mesimori01

Meshimori onna (Japanese: 飯盛女) were women who worked at Japanese inns (ryokan) during the Edo period (1603–1868) in Japan. Their primary role was to serve food to the travelers and take care of the inn's operations. However, their duties often extended beyond these tasks, and they were sometimes expected to provide sexual services to the guests. This practice was part of the wider yūjo system, where women were employed in entertainment and hospitality industries, including the licensed red-light districts of Edo (now Tokyo) and other cities.

History

The Edo period was a time of relative peace and stability in Japan, which led to an increase in domestic travel and the development of a sophisticated network of roads. Along these roads, numerous inns and teahouses were established to cater to the needs of travelers. Meshimori onna became an integral part of this hospitality culture. Initially, their role was limited to serving food and taking care of the inn's operations, but over time, the competitive nature of the business and the demands of the travelers led to the expansion of their services.

Social Status and Conditions

Meshimori onna occupied a complex position within the social hierarchy of the time. On one hand, they were essential to the economy of travel and hospitality, providing services that were in high demand. On the other hand, their involvement in the provision of sexual services often led to social stigma and marginalization. The conditions under which they worked varied greatly; some were treated well and had a degree of autonomy, while others lived under harsh conditions, with little control over their lives and bodies.

Regulation and Abolition

The Tokugawa shogunate, which ruled Japan during the Edo period, implemented various laws and regulations to control the entertainment and hospitality industries, including the activities of meshimori onna. These regulations were part of a broader effort to maintain social order and morality. However, the effectiveness of these regulations was limited, and the practice of employing meshimori onna continued throughout the Edo period.

The Meiji Restoration in 1868 brought about significant changes to Japanese society, including the abolition of the feudal system and the modernization of the economy. These changes led to the decline of the traditional inn industry and the eventual disappearance of the meshimori onna as a distinct category of workers.

Legacy

Today, the story of meshimori onna is a reminder of the complexities of social and economic life in Edo-period Japan. It highlights the ways in which women navigated the opportunities and challenges of their time, often in conditions of limited agency. The history of meshimori onna also provides insight into the broader history of labor and gender in Japan.