A Journey Through the Erotic World of “Shunga”: Director Hirata Junko Discusses Her New Film

Uta makura (Song of the Pillow), a masterpiece of the genre by Kitagawa Utamaro (1753–1806), was a highlight of the exhibition at the British Museum. In the top of the photograph, an art expert points to the man’s narrow eyes, drawn in a line with his lover’s hair. (© 2023 Shunga Production Committee)

Director Hirata Junko. (© Hanai Tomoko)

A contemporary craftsman on a shunga reproduction project works replicate the original techniques of the original printmakers. (© 2023 Shunga Production Committee)

Ehon mime-kurabe (Competition of Beautiful Women) by Keisai Eisen (1791–1848). All the prints are shown uncensored in the film. (© 2023 Shunga Production Committee)

A scene from one of the “shunga nights” sessions, where art historians, artists, editors, and collectors came together to admire and discuss various prints. (© 2023 Shunga Production Committee)

Shungāru, or “Shun Girl,” one of the participants in the “shunga nights” meetings, describes herself as a “shunga watcher” with an interest in how the prints have been used and enjoyed by ordinary people over the years. (© 2023 Shunga Production Committee)

This print from Kōshoku zue jūnikō (Erotic Pictures of the Twelve Months) by Katsukawa Shunchō (dates unknown), in the collection of Uragami Sōkyudō, shows two lovers in a moment of languid ecstasy. (© 2023 Shunga Production Committee)

Aida Makoto (left) and Yokoo Tadanori are among the contemporary artists who appear to talk about the influence shunga has had on their work. (© 2023 Shunga Production Committee)

Tsukioka Settei (1726–87), Shiki gakan (Handscroll for the Four Seasons), in the Michael Fornitz Collection. (© 2023 Shunga Production Committee)

(© 2023 Shunga Production Committee)