July 1, 2025
A Bold Shunga Exhibition Brings Edo-Era Erotic Art to Kabukicho
See Japan’s sex-positive past through 100 rare erotic woodblock prints, on view at a Tokyo Noh theater this summer.
In a dimly lit Noh theater tucked into the heart of Kabukicho, Tokyo’s red-light district and entertainment hub, 100 woodblock prints hang in quiet defiance of everything we think we know about sex and society. They’re bold, they’re funny, they’re awkward and they’re from the 1700s.
Yes—that far back.
This summer, the Shinjuku Kabukicho Shunga Exhibition invites visitors to rethink intimacy through the lens of shunga (春画), an Edo-period erotic art form that was, for centuries, part of daily life in Japan. Long before shame, censorship and the commodification of bodies, people admired these prints the way we now scroll through memes, fan art and unfiltered selfies—openly and curiously.
When Sex Was Part of the Picture
“Originally, shunga was a culture enjoyed by people of all ages and genders,” says art director Yasutaka Hayashi. “[people] gathered in circles, laughed and shared stories filled with refined humor and human drama.”
It was meant to entertain—and entertain it does. The prints show couples mid-embrace and lovers fumbling with too many layers of kimono, but it’s not about titillation—it’s about expression. These aren’t pornographic. They’re poetic. Emotional. And just a bit ridiculous. Think less Fifty Shades and more erotic ukiyo-e sitcom. The exaggerated proportions, sly puns and expressive faces capture a world where sex was messy and joyful, not sanitized or airbrushed.
For anyone tired of algorithms telling us what desire “should” look like, shunga offers a refreshing, very human reminder that attraction can be weird, wild and laughable.
Interested in Japanese Art? Read about Kiyoshi Awazu and the reinvention of contemporary Japanese aesthetics.
Why This Matters Right Now
Across the globe, we’re in the middle of a cultural shift. Younger generations are pushing back on outdated taboos. From New York’s Museum of Sex to Miami’s World Erotic Art Museum, sex-positive art is having a serious moment—and shunga, with its blend of intimacy, craftsmanship and cheeky humor, fits right in.
It’s also increasingly embraced as a learning tool in gender studies and LGBTQ+ awareness, offering a historical lens into non-binary expressions of intimacy, fluid identities and alternative ways of seeing the body. The exaggerated, playful depictions remind us that sexuality has never fit neatly into a single box.
The exhibition taps into these global conversations but grounds them in Japanese tradition. We’re used to seeing Japan as a country of either high-tech sleekness or rigid tradition. But this show messes with that binary, it proves that sex positivity isn’t some imported 21st-century idea—it’s been here all along.
From the Floating World to Kabukicho
Staging the show inside a real Noh theater in Kabukicho is a masterstroke—one that anchors the exhibition in its perfect setting. Known for its hostess bars, love hotels and late-night chaos, the district has always welcomed drifting souls without judgment.
“It’s a place where countless lives intersect day and night, overflowing with raw, authentic humanity,” explains project director Maki Tezuka. “In this way, Shunga and Kabukicho share a deep connection—they both embody the lovable aspects of being human.”
Exhibition Details
During the run, visitors can expect more than just prints. The exhibition includes guides in English and Japanese, talks from historians and even live performances. There are also local collaborations like walking tours and themed book fairs for those who want to go deeper (pun fully intended).
Dates: July 26 – September 30, 2025
Location: Shinjuku Kabukicho Noh Theater
Tickets: ¥2,200
Hours: Tue – Fri 11am – 9pm, Sat – Sun 10am – 9pm, Closed Mondays
Ages: 18+ only
Website: smappa.net/shunga
Credits:
Planning: Maki Tezuka (President, Smappa!Group)
Art Direction / Venue Design: Yasutaka Hayashi (Chim↑Pom from Smappa!Group)
