Difference between revisions of "Seiu Ito"

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==Activities==
 
==Activities==
[[Kinbakushi]]
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[[Kinbakushi]], painter, writer.
  
== Headline text ==
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== Summary ==
  
Seiu Ito was an important and highly influential figure in the SM world in Japan during the Showa era (1925-1989). Born in 1882, he was strongly attracted from an early age to scenes of torture in stories and theater plays and he produced a large body of art (paintings and drawings) as well as photographs depicting scenes of torture and kinbaku, often using his wife or his mistress as his model.
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[[Seiu Ito]] was a major figure in the SM world in Japan during the Showa era (1926-1989) and his influence continues to the present day.  
  
He started as an illustrator working for newspapers at the end of the Meiji era but later became a theater critic. He then became the head of the Performing Arts section as well as the main illustrator for the <i>Yomiuri</i> newspaper. At the beginning of the Taisho period (1912), he met Sasaki Kaneko (Oha) and Sahara Kise, two women who had an appreciation of kinbaku, and he deepened his study of torture art and photography. In the closing years of the Taisho era (around 1926), he rode the wave of the <i>eroguro</i> movement and attracted attention as a “painter of perversion”. In 1928, he published the first photo book of kinbaku (<i>Seme no Kenkyu – Research on Torture</i>), which was soon after banned by the authorities.
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Born in 1882, he was strongly attracted to scenes of torture in stories and theater plays from an early age, and he produced a large body of art (paintings and drawings) and photographs depicting scenes of torture and kinbaku, often using his wife or mistress as his model.
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He began as a newspaper illustrator at the end of the Meiji era and later became a theater critic. He then became the head of the Performing Arts section as well as the main illustrator for the <i>Yomiuri News</i>. At the beginning of the Taisho period (1912-1926), he met [[Kaneyo Sasaki]] (Oyou) and [[Kise Sahara]], two women who would eventually become his models. He deepened his study of torture art and photography, and in the closing years of Taisho, he rode the wave of the <i>eroguro</i> movement and attracted attention as a “painter of perversion”. In 1928, he published the first photo book of kinbaku (<i>Seme no Kenkyu – Research on Torture</i>), which was soon after banned by the authorities.
 
   
 
   
Before World War II, through editor Suikodo Shoten, he published a large number of collections of graphic works. But this period, with Ito at the height of his career, was interrupted by the war. With the cessation of hostilities, he became active as a writer in the <i>castori</i> magazines such as <i>Ningen Tankyu</i>, <i>Kitan Club</i> and <i>Fuzoku Zoshi</i>. In addition, he organized frequent photo sessions and the resulting photos can be seen as “photos in the Seiyu way” in magazines such as <i>Fuzoku Zoshi</i>, <i>Fuzoku Kitan</i> and <i>Uramado</i>. During the Taisho period (1912-1926) he established theater groups whose plays centered on torture scenes and, in 1953, he started the <i>Seme no Gekidan</i> (Torture Theater Group) which performed at Ichikawa Suzumoto theater in Tokyo and others.
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Before World War II, he published a large number of collections of graphic works through editor Suikodo Shoten. But this period, with Ito at the height of his career, was interrupted by the war. After the war, he became active as a writer in magazines such as [[Ningen Tankyu]], [[Kitan Club]] and [[Fuzoku Soushi]]. In addition, he organized frequent photo sessions and the resulting photos can be seen as “photos in the Seiyu way” in magazines such as [[Fuzoku Soushi]], [[Fuzoku Kitan]] and [[Uramado]]. During the Taisho period he established theater groups whose plays centered on torture scenes and, in 1953, he started the Seme no Gekidan (Torture Theater Group) which performed at Ichikawa Suzumoto theater in Tokyo and others.
 
   
 
   
He was also an historian and his lifelong research culminated in the book <i>Iroha Hiki -- Edo to Tokyo Fuzoku Noshi</i> which details the tools and crafts of old Tokyo.
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He was also an historian and his lifelong research culminated in the book <i>Iroha Biki -- Edo to Tokyo Fuzoku Yashi</i> which details the tools and crafts of old Tokyo.
  
 
==Alternate Name(s)==
 
==Alternate Name(s)==
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==Biography==
 
==Biography==
Born March 3rd 1882, in Tokyo, Asakusa district, Kinryusan Kudarikawara 5 as the eldest son of Ito Kintaro a metal engraver.
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1882: Born March 3rd in Tokyo, Asakusa district, Kinryusan Kudarikawara 5, the eldest son of Kintaro Ito, a metal engraver.
  
1890: is accepted as an apprentice by Nozawa Teiu, a member of the Edo based Korinha school of drawing. When roughly 9 years old discovers his obsession with the perfume of women’ hair and punishment scenes in theater plays.
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1890: Accepted as an apprentice by Teiu Nozawa, a member of the Edo-based ''Korin'' school of drawing; at about nine years of age, discovers his obsession with the perfume of women’s hair as well as punishment scenes in theater plays.
  
1891 Receives from his mother a copy of the story of Chujou Hime (Princess Chujou). The scene of torture in the snow leaves a strong impression
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1891: Receives a copy of the story of <i>Chujou Hime</i> (''Princess Chujou'') from his mother; the scene of torture in the snow leaves a strong impression.
  
1892 Goes with his parents to the theater Honsho Kotobukiza and watches a performance of Yoshida Otono’s “Maneku Furusode” (an inviting kimono sleeve); the scene of torture leaves a profound mark on his mind.
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1892: Goes with his parents to the theater Honjo Kotobukiza and watches a performance of Otono Yoshida’s <i>Maneku Furisode</i> (''An Inviting Kimono Sleeve''); the scene of torture leaves a profound mark.
  
1894 Starts as apprentice with the elephant tusk ivory carver Naito Yasukazu in the district of Honzo Ku Aioi Machi, Tokyo.
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1894: Becomes the apprentice of ivory carver Seisyu Naito in the district of Honjo Aioi-cho, Tokyo.
  
1895 Starts to collect pictures related to torture.
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1895: Starts to collect pictures related to torture.
  
1896 Starts to draw advertisement for theater plays.
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1896: Starts to draw advertisements for theater plays.
  
1896 June Goes to the Aoki theater in the district of Hoingo, Tokyo to watch “Nisshin Senso Youchi no Kyutan” (raid nocturne during the Nishiin war) a play in the Zoushishibai ( Outlaw Theater) where a scene of torture of a nurse leaves a deep impression.
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1896 (June): Goes to the Haruki Theater in the district of Hongo, Tokyo to watch <i>Nisshin Senso Youchi no Ada Tan</i> (''Raid Nocturne During the Nishiin War''), a play in the Soushi Shibai (Outlaw Theater) where a scene of a nurse being tortured leaves a deep impression.
  
1898 While still an apprentice with the ivory carver, uses its moments of leisure to draw ropes of illustrations of women published in the Tokyo Asahi newspaper.
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1898: While still an apprentice ivory carver, uses his free time to draw ropes of illustrations of women published in the <i>Tokyo Asahi</i> newspaper.
  
1899 In the Tokiwaza Theater in Asakusa, is strongly impressed by the torture chamber in the play Akumabarai (sweep away the demons) of Misuno Koubi.
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1899: In the Tokiwa Theater in Asakusa, is strongly impressed by the torture chamber in the play <i>Akumabarai</i> (''Sweep Away the Demons'') of Yoshimi Mizuno.
  
1905 with the intention of becoming a painter, terminates his apprenticeship with the ivory carver and moves to Kyoto. Tries different occupation in succession but finally returns to Tokyo.
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1905: With the intention of becoming a painter, terminates his apprenticeship with the ivory carver and moves to Kyoto; tries different occupations in succession but eventually returns to Tokyo.
  
1907 Joins the Maiseki Shinbun published in the Nihonbashi, Tokyo district as drawing journalist. He is put in charge of illustrating “Yomashima” the Ghost Island by writer Arigawa Akikusa
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1907: Joins the <i>Mai-Chou Shinbun</i> published in the Nihonbashi, Tokyo district as an artist/journalist. He is put in charge of illustrating <i>Yomashima</i> (''Ghost Island'') by writer Syuhei Arigawa.
  
1909 Joins the Yamato Shinbun Sha located in Kyobashi, Tokyo in charge of illustrations, while still remaining in charge of the theater critic at the Maiseki Shinbun, he then joined the Yomiuri Shinbum where he was promoted to head of illustrations.
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1909: Joins the <i>Yamato Shinbun Sha</i> located in Kyobashi, Tokyo in charge of illustrations, while continuing as theater critic at the <i>Maiseki Shinbun</i>; he then joined the <i>Yomiuri Shinbun</i> where he was promoted to head illustrator.
  
1909 Through an arranged introduction he married Takeo, the younger sister of the wife of Tamaki Terunobu (1879-1953) a scenery painter of the Shinpa (new school) movement. Around that time, having stabilized his source of income and although he received numerous commissions for illustration, most of his revenue was spent in entertainment.
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1909: Through an arranged introduction, he marries Takeo, the younger sister of the wife of Terunobu Tamaki (1879-1953), a scenery painter of the ''Shinpa'' (new school) movement. Around that time, having gained a steady income and numerous commissions for illustrations, most of his money was spent on entertainment.
  
1916 Starts a relationship with his model Sasaki Kaneyo (“Oha”) and starts drawing his first torture illustrations.
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1916: Starts a relationship with his model [[Kaneyo Sasaki]] (Oyou) and starts drawing his first torture illustrations.
  
1918 Sasaki Kaneyo starts living with Takehisa Yumeji (1884-1934) painter and poet.
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1918: [[Kaneyo Sasaki]] starts living with Yumeji Takehisa (1884-1934), painter and poet.
  
1919 Starts the “Kaidan Kai” Ghost Stories Society in the park Hyakkaen in Mukojima, Tokyo with Hirayama Rokko (1881-1953) writer, Miyake Kogen (1886-1951) writer, (Izumi Kyoka (1873-1939) writer, Kubota Mantaro (1889-1963) writer, Kinjo Saitenzan (the 3rd)(1863-1935) kaidanka, Ii Yoho (1871-1932) Hanayagi Shotaro (1894-1965) actor and gives a single representation
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1919: Starts the Kaidan Kai (Ghost Stories Society) in Hyakkaen park in Mukojima, Tokyo along with Rokko Hirayama (1881-1953) writer, Kogen Miyake (1886-1951) writer, (Kyoka Izumi (1873-1939) writer, Mantaro Kubota (1889-1963) writer, Saitenzan III Kinjo (1863-1935), Yoho Ii (1871-1932), Shotaro Hanayagi (1894-1965) actor.
  
1919 Divorce from Takeo and marries as his second wife Sahara Kisei
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1919: Divorces Takeo and marries [[Kise Sahara]].
  
1919 With his second wife takes in his garden photos of snow torture. The photographer is YuuKa.
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1919: With [[Kise Sahara]], takes photos of snow torture in his garden; the photographer is YuuKa.
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[[image:ringetsu.jpg|150px|thumbnail|[[Seiu Ito]]'s 1919 suspension photo published in ''Hentai Shiriou'' on 1926.12.25]]
  
1920 In autumn makes his fist attempt at suspension with his wife Kisei. Also suspends his wife’s younger daughter in his workshop and takes some photos.
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1920 (autumn): Makes his fist attempt at suspension with his wife [[Kise Sahara]]; also suspends his wife’s younger daughter in his workshop and takes photos.
 
   
 
   
1921 (June) With his pregnant wife Kisei makes the “Rinketsu Bijin Sakasa Tsuri no Shashin” i.e the “Photo in inverted suspension of a beautiful woman in her last month of pregnancy”
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1921 (June): With [[Kise Sahara]] now pregnant, makes the ''Rinketsu Bijin Sakasa Tsuri no Shashin'' (''Photo in Inverted Suspension of a Beautiful Woman in Her Last Month of Pregnancy'').
  
1921 Suzuki Senzaburo (1893-1924) theater writer publishes “Hi Aburi” “Burnt by Fire” a play based on the life of Ito Seiu.
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1921: Senzaburo Suzuki (1893-1924), a theater writer, publishes <i>Hi Aburi</i> (''Burnt by Fire''), a play based on the life of Seiu Ito.
  
1923 Borrowing a farmers house in Shimotakaido from his deshi Sakamoto Gajou takes with photographer Suzuki Kaminarisui photos of snow torture. The house was noted for his plum tree in the garden, a feature Seiu appreciated.
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1923: Borrowing a farmer's house in Shimotakaido from his student Gajou Sakamoto, takes, with photographer Raisui Suzuki, photos of snow torture. The location was noted for the plum tree in the garden, a feature important to Ito.
  
1923 Big Kanto Earthquake. The Itou residence avoids fire damage.At this time he had lent the “Rinketsu Bijin Sakasa Tsuri no Shashin” to his friend Tomitsuka Kenzo. It will eventually be published in the December 1936 issue of Hentai Shiryou. The same year publishes “Iroha Hiki – Edo to Tokyo Fuzoku Noshi”  “Private History of Edo and Tokyo Customs, taken from the Iroha
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1923: Great Kanto Earthquake occurs; Ito's residence escapes fire damage; at this time he had lent the <i>Rinketsu Bijin Sakasa Tsuri no Shashin</i> to his friend, Tomitsuka Kenzo, which is eventually published in the December 1936 issue of <i>Hentai Shiryou</i>; the same year he publishes <i>Iroha Hiki – Edo to Tokyo Fuzoku Noshi</i> (''Private History of Edo and Tokyo Customs, Taken From the Iroha'').
  
1924 Publishes in the Sunday mainichi photos of torture of Kisei. Acquires a reputation for perversion.
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1924: Publishes in the <i>Sunday Mainichi</i> photos of torture of [[Kise Sahara]]; acquires a reputation for perversion.
  
1925 (summer) starts a theater group concentrating on torture scenes.
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1925 (summer): Starts a theater group which concentrates on torture scenes.
  
1926 (December) Publication of Rinketsu Bijin Sakasa Tsuri no Shashin in the magazine Hentai Shiriou (Pervert Documents) without his authorization. Accompanied by “Rinketsu no josei no tsukasazuri” inverse suspension of a woman in her last month of pregnancy “ by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892) Ukiyoe artitst.
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1926 (December): Publication of <i>Rinketsu Bijin Sakasa Tsuri no Shashin</i> in the magazine <i>Hentai Shiriou</i> (''Pervert Documents'') without his authorization. Accompanied by <i>Rinketsu no Josei no Tsukasazuri</i> (''Inverse Suspension of a Woman in Her Last Month of Pregnancy'') by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892), ukiyoe artitst.
  
1927 publication of the first volume of “Iroha Hiki, Edo to Tokyo Fuzoku Noshi” by the publisher Hirobunkan.
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1927: Publication of the first volume of <i>Iroha Hiki, Edo to Tokyo Fuzoku Noshi</i> by publisher Hirobunkan.
  
1928 publishes the first ever photo book of Kinbaku “Seme no Kenkyuu” Research on torture” immediately forbidden.
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1928: Publishes the first known photo book of kinbaku, <i>Seme no Kenkyuu</i> (''Research on Torture'') which is quickly banned by the authorities.
  
1930 works as contributors and editors for the Kodanzasshi.
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1930: Works as contributor and editor for the <i>Kodanzasshi</i>.
  
1931 His third wife is fighting a psychological illnees and he is forced to go inot debt
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1931: Now married for a third time, Ito's wife suffers from mental illness and he goes into debt.
  
1932 Publishes “Bijin Ranpu” (the ecstatic dance of the beautiful women)
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1932: Publishes <i>Bijin Ranpu</i> (''Ecstatic Dance of Beautiful Women'').
  
1932 Publishes the 6th volume of his Iroha Hiki – Edo to Tokyo Fuzoku Noshi
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1932: Publishes the sixth volume of his <i>Iroha Hiki – Edo to Tokyo Fuzoku Noshi</i>.
  
1933 Starts his second theater group
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1933: Starts his second theater group.
  
1945 Loses his entire house during the Great Tokyo Air Raid
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1945: His home is destroyed during the Great Tokyo Air Raid.
  
1947 In the fourth issue of the magazine Rioki publishes “Shitagerataru Nijon Fujin” “The Japanese married woman who wanted to be oppressed”
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1947: In the fourth issue of the magazine <i>Rioki</i>, publishes ''Shitagerataru Nijon Fujin'' (''The Japanese Married Woman Who Wanted to Be Oppressed'').
  
1950 In Asakusa (Tokyo) Hyakumandoru Gekijo (million dollars theater) gives representations of torture theater
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1950: In Asakusa, Tokyo, Hyakumandoru Gekijo (Million Dollar Theater) presents torture theater.
  
1951(April) Until at least January 1954 exchange letters with Suma Toshiyuki (aka Kita Reiko)
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1951 (April): Until at least January 1954, exchanges letters with [[Toshiyuki Suma]] (aka [[Reiko Kita]])
  
1951 Publishes a series of essays in the magazine Ningen Tankyuu
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1951: Publishes a series of essays in the magazine <i>Ningen Tankyuu</i>.
  
1951 To celebrate the launch of the magazine Amatoria takes part in a group travel (80 person) to the onsen resort of Rendaiji Onsen in Izu. Among the participants Nakada Masahisa (1922-) editor of noir literature, Miyake Ichirou expert on Japanese politics, Kawakami Santaro (1891-1968) writer of comic haikus, Okada Hiroshi, Ikeda Bunchian (1902-1972) one of the first specialist of popular culture in Japan, Hayashiya Shouraku (the 6th) (1896-1966) rakugoka, Kitasato Toshio (1913-1980), Nanbu Kyoichiro (1904-1975) Movie critic, Takeno Tosuke (1889-1966) writer、Ono Joutoku.
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1951: To celebrate the launch of the magazine <i>Amatoria</i>, takes part in a group travel (80 persons) to the resort of Rendaiji Onsen in Izu. Among the participants were: Nakada Masahisa (1922-), editor of noir literature; Miyake Ichirou, expert on Japanese politics; Kawakami Santaro (1891-1968), writer of comic haikus; Okada Hiroshi; Ikeda Bunchian (1902-1972), one of the first specialists in popular culture in Japan; Hayashiya Shouraku VI (1896-1966), rakugoka; Kitasato Toshio (1913-1980); Nanbu Kyoichiro (1904-1975), movie critic; Takeno Tosuke (1889-1966), writer; Ono Joutoku.
  
1951 “Mezoku Uramono Jo” (Book on secret things in women jail) edited by Ito Seiu and intended as a supplement to be published inside Amatoria becomes a problem and is finally detached from the magazine.
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[[Image:Ito Seiu Mesoku Uramono Jo Amatoria Dec 1951.jpg|150px|thumbnail|Mesoku Uramono Jo 1951]]
  
1953 Edits a photo supplement to the January issue of the magazine Yomikiri Romance titled Etsugyaku Koukotsu To (graphic depiction of ecstasy in pleasure and pain) with mainly kinbaku photos. It is the second such supplement by the magazine, the first one being published in August 1952, titled "Nudo Fuzoku Arubamu " (various nude album) and edited by Ueda Seijiro who is generally considered as having been strongly influenced by Seiu. These 2 supplements represent the first 2 publications entirely devoted to kinbaku in the period following the second world war. The photos included in "Nudo Fuzoku Arubamu"are seen as pre-dating the first SM works published in Kitan Club.
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1951: ''Mezoku Uramono Jo'' (''Book on Secret Things in a Women's Jail''), edited by Seiu Ito and intended as a supplement to be published inside <i>Amatoria</i> becomes a problem and is detached from the magazine.
  
1953 In the January issue of Kitan Club publishes a short piece describing his thoughts about Kita Reiko
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1953: Edits a photo supplement to the January issue of the magazine <i>Yomikiri Romance</i> titled ''Etsugyaku Koukotsu To'' (''Graphic Depiction of Ecstasy in Pleasure and Pain'') with mainly kinbaku photos; it is the second such supplement by the magazine, the first one being published in August 1952, titled ''Nudo Fuzoku Arubamu'' (''Various Nude Album'') and edited by Ueda Seijiro who is generally considered to have been strongly influenced by Ito. These two supplements represent the first two publications entirely devoted to kinbaku in the period following the Second World War. The photos included in ''Nudo Fuzoku Arubamu'' are seen as pre-dating the first SM works published in <i>Kitan Club</i>.
  
1953 Starts his fourth “Seme No Gekidan” Torture Theater Group with its activity centered around the Nakamura Za (theatre Nakamura).
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1953: In the January issue of [[Kitan Club]], publishes a short piece describing his thoughts on [[Reiko Kita]].
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1953: Starts his fourth Seme No Gekidan (Torture Theater Group) with its activity centered around the Nakamura Za (Theatre Nakamura).
 
   
 
   
1953 (June 4th) the group gives its first representation in the theater Ishikawa Suzumoto
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1953 (June 4): The group gives its first presentation in the theater Ishikawa Suzumoto.
  
1953 (July) second group of representations at the theater Nakamura Za
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1953 (July): Second group of representations at the theater Nakamura Za.
  
1954 Meets for the first time in person with Suma Toshiyuki
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1954: Meets for the first time in person with [[Toshiyuki Suma]].
  
1954 (28 January) The NHK makes an interview about “Seme no Kenkyuu" (research on torture) which is broadcasted on radio on the 29 January on the NHK first channel.
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1954 (January 29): NHK (Japan public broadcaster) has an interview about ''Seme no Kenkyuu'' (''Research on Torture'') which is broadcast on radio on NHK channel one.
  
1955 Photographer Kawaguchi Hiroshi pays a visit to Itou Seiu which is the start of amicable relationship.
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1955: Photographer Kawaguchi Hiroshi pays a visit to Seiu Ito which begins their friendship.
  
1956 Enters in relation with Tsujimura Takashi
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1956: Enters into a relationship with [[Takashi Tsujimura]].
  
1960 Receives as illustrator a price from the Federation of Fine Art Publishers.
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1960: Receives a prize from the Federation of Fine Art Publishers.
  
1961 Passes away. At his funeral Takahashi Tetsuo, Suma Toshiyuki, Ueda Seijiro, Tanaka Masahisa are present
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1961: Death of Seiu Ito; Takahashi Tetsuo, [[Toshiyuki Suma]], Ueda Seijiro and Tanaka Masahisa attend the funeral.
  
1966 Dan Oniroku novel “Ryoki no Hate” (At the extreme of hunting for the bizarre) takes Itou Seiu as model.
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1966: [[Oniroku Dan]]'s novel <i>Ryoki no Hate</i> (<i>At the Extreme of Hunting for the Bizarre</i>) uses Seiu Ito as its model.
  
1968 In the December issue of Kitan Club, Dan Oniroku publishes “Shihon Itou Seiu Monogatri” (Personal writing on the story of Itou Seiu).
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1968: In the December issue of [[Kitan Club]], [[Oniroku Dan]] publishes <i>Shihon Itou Seiu Monogatri</i> (<i>Personal Writing on the Story of Seiu Ito</i>).
  
1969: Some discussions are held with the Toei film Company by Dan Oniroku to make a movie on the life of Ito Seiu. An agreement is not reached.
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1969: Some discussions are held with the Toei film company by [[Oniroku Dan]] to make a movie on the life of Seiu Ito; an agreement is not reached.
  
1977 Movie company Nikkatsu produces the movie “Hakkinhon Bijinranpu Yori Semeru” (from the forbidden book “ecstatic dance of the beautiful women” Torture!)
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1977: Movie company Nikkatsu produces the movie ''Hakkinhon Bijinranpu Yori Semeru'' (''From the Forbidden Book -- Ecstatic Dance of the Beautiful Women -- Torture!'').
  
1978 In the theater Jiyu Gekijo (Free theater), Tamai Keiyu puts out the play “Kiden Itou Seiu” (Bizarre stories Itou Seiu)
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1978: At Jiyu Gekijo (Free Theater), [[Keiyu Tamai]] puts on the play ''Kiden Itou Seiu'' (''Bizarre Stories of Seiu Ito'').
  
1996 Dan Oniroku publishes a chronic of Itou Seiu “Sotomichi no Mure” (the heretical crowd)
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1996: [[Oniroku Dan]] publishes a chronicle of Seiu Ito, ''Gedou no Mure'' (''The Heretical Crowd'').
  
2002 "Sotomichi no Mure"is adapted to the movies under the title “Oyou”
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2002: ''Gedou no Mure'' is made into a movie under the title ''Oyou''.
  
 
==Selected Works==
 
==Selected Works==
  
- Irohahiki Edo to Tokyo Fuzoku Noshi 6vols 1922-1932
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- Irohahiki Edo to Tokyo Fuzoku Noshi, six volumes, 1922-1932
 
   
 
   
- Seme No Kenkyu (Research on Torture) 1928
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- Seme No Kenkyu (Research on Torture), 1928
 
   
 
   
- Seme no Hanashi (Histories of Torture) 1929-9
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- Seme no Hanashi (Histories of Torture), 1929-9
 
   
 
   
- Rongo Tsukai (Explanation of Text)) 1930
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- Rongo Tsukai (Explanation of Text)), 1930
 
   
 
   
- Onna Sanjuroku Kioku  (36 remembrances of women)1930
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- Onna Sanjuroku Kioku  (36 Remembrances of Women), 1930
 
   
 
   
- Bijin Ranmai (Ecstatitc Dance of Beautiful Women)1932
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- Bijin Ranmai (Ecstatic Dance of Beautiful Women), 1932
 
   
 
   
- Nihon Hentai Keibatsu Gabu (Perverse images of punishment in Japan) 1930
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- Nihon Hentai Keibatsu Gabu (Perverse Images of Punishment in Japan), 1930
 
   
 
   
- Hitoniku Shijo (Human flesh market) 1947
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- Hitoniku Shijo (Human Flesh Market), 1947
 
   
 
   
- Nihon Taibatsu Fuzoku Toshi (上、下) (Graphic History of Punishment in Japan (in 2 volumes) in collaboration with Fujisawa Ehiko) 1948
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- Nihon Taibatsu Fuzoku Toshi (上、下) (Graphic History of Punishment in Japan, (two volumes), in collaboration with Fujisawa Ehiko), 1948
 
   
 
   
- Seme no Kenkyu 1950 ( a reprint of the 1928 book)
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- Seme no Kenkyu (a reprint of the 1928 book), 1950
 
   
 
   
- Seizetsu Jotai Komon Shikei Higashu” (Image Collection of Extreme Torture and Private Punishment of Women Bodies)
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- Seizetsu Jotai Komon Shikei Higashu (Image Collection of Extreme Torture and Private Punishment of Women's Bodies)
 
   
 
   
 
- Seme No Korekushon
 
- Seme No Korekushon
 
   
 
   
- Bijin Juniji Sene Emaki (Scroll of Twelve Beauties in Torture)  
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- Bijin Juniji Sene Emaki (Scroll of 12 Beauties in Torture)  
  
  
 
==Bibliography==
 
==Bibliography==
 
   
 
   
There is a full bibliography in Japanese in the related article on Ito Seiu in SMpedia. We have listed here books on Ito Seiu, which are likely to be of value for the reader who does not read Japanese text.
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There is a full bibliography in Japanese in the related article on Seiu Ito at [http://smpedia.com/index.php?title=%E4%BC%8A%E8%97%A4%E6%99%B4%E9%9B%A8  SMpedia]. We have listed here books on Seiu Ito which are likely to be of value to those who cannot read Japanese.
  
伊藤晴雨集 (Ito Seiu Collected Images) March 1997 ISBN: 978-4107200433
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伊藤晴雨集 (Ito Seiu Collected Images), March 1997 ISBN: 978-4107200433
 
   
 
   
 
伊藤晴雨・晴雨秘帖 The Secret Noteboks of Seiu ed: 二見書房 May 2002 ISBN: 978-4576020891
 
伊藤晴雨・晴雨秘帖 The Secret Noteboks of Seiu ed: 二見書房 May 2002 ISBN: 978-4576020891
 
   
 
   
江戸と東京風俗野史 (Private History of Manners in Edo and Tokyo) A re-edition of Seiu’s work on Tokyo craftsmen and daily life, not SM related  ed: 有光書房 1997 ASIN: B000JA9AFW
+
江戸と東京風俗野史 (Private History of Manners in Edo and Tokyo), a re-edition of Ito's work on Tokyo craftsmen and daily life, not SM related  ed: 有光書房 1997 ASIN: B000JA9AFW
 
   
 
   
日本刑罰風俗図史 (上、中、下) Graphic History of Customs relative to Punishment in Japan in 3 volumes ed: 粋古堂1948 ASIN: B000JB9BSC  
+
日本刑罰風俗図史 (上、中、下) Graphic History of Customs Relative to Punishment in Japan in three volumes ed: 粋古堂1948 ASIN: B000JB9BSC  
 
The same book in modern re-edition in one volume ed: 国書刊行会 April 2010 ISBN: 978-4336052179
 
The same book in modern re-edition in one volume ed: 国書刊行会 April 2010 ISBN: 978-4336052179
 
   
 
   
安田コレクション5 地獄の女 論語通解 The Yasuda Collection Vol 5 A reproduction of “Woman From Hell” and “Rongo tsukai” The 5th tome of a series of 9 books dedicated to the collection of erotic books amassed by Yoshida Ashiaki (1918-2008) one of the foremost expert on Japanese erotica in the 20th century (only the 5th volume contains works by Itou Seiu). Private printing, no ISBN.
+
安田コレクション5 地獄の女 論語通解 The Yasuda Collection Vol. 5, a reproduction of “Woman From Hell” and “Rongo Tsukai” the 5th tome of a series of nine books dedicated to the collection of erotic books amassed by Yoshida Ashiaki (1918-2008) one of the foremost experts on Japanese erotica in the 20th century (only the 5th volume contains works by Seiu Ito). Private printing, no ISBN.
  
 
==Related Persons==
 
==Related Persons==
  
Sawada Joujirou (1892-1929) Actor and theater administrator, founder of the Shinkokugeki a theater group
+
Joujirou Sawada (1892-1929): Actor and theater administrator, founder of the Shinkokugeki theater group.
 +
 
 +
Goro Zoganoya (1877-1948): Actor and dramaturge.
 +
 
 +
Uzaemon XV Ichimura (1874-1945): One of the representative kabuki actors of the Taisho and early Showa period.
 +
 
 +
Keigo VI Onoe (1870-1934): Famous kabuki onnagata actor.
 
    
 
    
Zoganoya Goro (1877-1948) Actor and dramaturge.
+
Ryutarou Natsumi (1905-1989): Actor, belonged to the Shinkokugeki movement.
 +
 
 +
Rokurou Kitamura (1871-1961): Kabuki onnagata actor and member of the Shinpageki, a theater genre established in 1888.
 +
 
 +
Yaeko Mizutani (1905-1979): Actress, representative of the Shinpageki which she headed after the death in 1965 of Hanayagi Shoutarou.
 +
 
 +
Shin Hasegawa (1884-1963): Novelist and theater writer.
 +
 
 +
Ranpo Edogawa (1894-1965): Novelist, first and foremost Japanese crime novel writer.
 +
 
 +
Sentaro Iwata(1901-1974): Painter, illustrator, adviser for period movies.
 +
 
 +
Ryusaburo Shikiba(1898-1965): Psychiatrist, art critic and close friend of Yukio Mishima's.
 
   
 
   
Ichimura Uzaemon (the 15th) 1874-1945 One of the representative Kabuki actor of the Taisho and early Showa period.
+
Shigeo Miyao (1902-1982): Illustrator and specialist in Edo culture.
 
   
 
   
Onoe Keigo (1870-1934) (the 6th) Famous Kabuki Onnagata actor.
+
[[Toshiyuki Suma]], aka Reiko Kita, (1920-1992): SM illustrator.
+
 
Natsumi Ryutarou (1905-1989) Actor, belonged to the Shinkokugeki movement.
+
Imasuke V Konkontei (1998-1976): Rakugoka.
 
Kitamura Rokurou (1871-1961) Kabuki onnagata actor and member of the Shinpageki, a theater genre established in 1888.
 
 
Mizutani Yaeko (1905-1979) Actress, representative of the Shinpageki, which she headed after the death in 1965 of Hanayagi Shoutarou.
 
 
Hasegawa Shin (1884-1963) Novelist and theater writer.
 
 
Edogawa Ranpo (1894-1965) Novelist, first and foremost Japanese crime novel writer.
 
 
Iwata Sentaro (1901-1974) Painter, illustrator, Adviser for period movies.
 
 
Shikiba Ryusaburo (1898-1965) Psychiatrist, art critic and close friend of Mishima Yukio.
 
 
Miyao Shigeo (1902-1982) Illustrator and Specialist of Edo culture.
 
 
Suma Toshiyoki (aka Kita Reiko) (1920-1992) SM Illustrator.
 
 
Konkontei Imasuke the 5th (1998-1976) Rakugoka.
 
  
 
==References==
 
==References==

Revision as of 07:41, 7 July 2013

Seiu Ito

Ito (伊藤) family name, Seiu (晴雨) first name, (male, 1882-1961)

Activities

Kinbakushi, painter, writer.

Summary

Seiu Ito was a major figure in the SM world in Japan during the Showa era (1926-1989) and his influence continues to the present day.

Born in 1882, he was strongly attracted to scenes of torture in stories and theater plays from an early age, and he produced a large body of art (paintings and drawings) and photographs depicting scenes of torture and kinbaku, often using his wife or mistress as his model.

He began as a newspaper illustrator at the end of the Meiji era and later became a theater critic. He then became the head of the Performing Arts section as well as the main illustrator for the Yomiuri News. At the beginning of the Taisho period (1912-1926), he met Kaneyo Sasaki (Oyou) and Kise Sahara, two women who would eventually become his models. He deepened his study of torture art and photography, and in the closing years of Taisho, he rode the wave of the eroguro movement and attracted attention as a “painter of perversion”. In 1928, he published the first photo book of kinbaku (Seme no Kenkyu – Research on Torture), which was soon after banned by the authorities.

Before World War II, he published a large number of collections of graphic works through editor Suikodo Shoten. But this period, with Ito at the height of his career, was interrupted by the war. After the war, he became active as a writer in magazines such as Ningen Tankyu, Kitan Club and Fuzoku Soushi. In addition, he organized frequent photo sessions and the resulting photos can be seen as “photos in the Seiyu way” in magazines such as Fuzoku Soushi, Fuzoku Kitan and Uramado. During the Taisho period he established theater groups whose plays centered on torture scenes and, in 1953, he started the Seme no Gekidan (Torture Theater Group) which performed at Ichikawa Suzumoto theater in Tokyo and others.

He was also an historian and his lifelong research culminated in the book Iroha Biki -- Edo to Tokyo Fuzoku Yashi which details the tools and crafts of old Tokyo.

Alternate Name(s)

伊藤晴雨(Japanese), Hajime Ito (伊藤一, real name)

Biography

1882: Born March 3rd in Tokyo, Asakusa district, Kinryusan Kudarikawara 5, the eldest son of Kintaro Ito, a metal engraver.

1890: Accepted as an apprentice by Teiu Nozawa, a member of the Edo-based Korin school of drawing; at about nine years of age, discovers his obsession with the perfume of women’s hair as well as punishment scenes in theater plays.

1891: Receives a copy of the story of Chujou Hime (Princess Chujou) from his mother; the scene of torture in the snow leaves a strong impression.

1892: Goes with his parents to the theater Honjo Kotobukiza and watches a performance of Otono Yoshida’s Maneku Furisode (An Inviting Kimono Sleeve); the scene of torture leaves a profound mark.

1894: Becomes the apprentice of ivory carver Seisyu Naito in the district of Honjo Aioi-cho, Tokyo.

1895: Starts to collect pictures related to torture.

1896: Starts to draw advertisements for theater plays.

1896 (June): Goes to the Haruki Theater in the district of Hongo, Tokyo to watch Nisshin Senso Youchi no Ada Tan (Raid Nocturne During the Nishiin War), a play in the Soushi Shibai (Outlaw Theater) where a scene of a nurse being tortured leaves a deep impression.

1898: While still an apprentice ivory carver, uses his free time to draw ropes of illustrations of women published in the Tokyo Asahi newspaper.

1899: In the Tokiwa Theater in Asakusa, is strongly impressed by the torture chamber in the play Akumabarai (Sweep Away the Demons) of Yoshimi Mizuno.

1905: With the intention of becoming a painter, terminates his apprenticeship with the ivory carver and moves to Kyoto; tries different occupations in succession but eventually returns to Tokyo.

1907: Joins the Mai-Chou Shinbun published in the Nihonbashi, Tokyo district as an artist/journalist. He is put in charge of illustrating Yomashima (Ghost Island) by writer Syuhei Arigawa.

1909: Joins the Yamato Shinbun Sha located in Kyobashi, Tokyo in charge of illustrations, while continuing as theater critic at the Maiseki Shinbun; he then joined the Yomiuri Shinbun where he was promoted to head illustrator.

1909: Through an arranged introduction, he marries Takeo, the younger sister of the wife of Terunobu Tamaki (1879-1953), a scenery painter of the Shinpa (new school) movement. Around that time, having gained a steady income and numerous commissions for illustrations, most of his money was spent on entertainment.

1916: Starts a relationship with his model Kaneyo Sasaki (Oyou) and starts drawing his first torture illustrations.

1918: Kaneyo Sasaki starts living with Yumeji Takehisa (1884-1934), painter and poet.

1919: Starts the Kaidan Kai (Ghost Stories Society) in Hyakkaen park in Mukojima, Tokyo along with Rokko Hirayama (1881-1953) writer, Kogen Miyake (1886-1951) writer, (Kyoka Izumi (1873-1939) writer, Mantaro Kubota (1889-1963) writer, Saitenzan III Kinjo (1863-1935), Yoho Ii (1871-1932), Shotaro Hanayagi (1894-1965) actor.

1919: Divorces Takeo and marries Kise Sahara.

1919: With Kise Sahara, takes photos of snow torture in his garden; the photographer is YuuKa.

Seiu Ito's 1919 suspension photo published in Hentai Shiriou on 1926.12.25

1920 (autumn): Makes his fist attempt at suspension with his wife Kise Sahara; also suspends his wife’s younger daughter in his workshop and takes photos.

1921 (June): With Kise Sahara now pregnant, makes the Rinketsu Bijin Sakasa Tsuri no Shashin (Photo in Inverted Suspension of a Beautiful Woman in Her Last Month of Pregnancy).

1921: Senzaburo Suzuki (1893-1924), a theater writer, publishes Hi Aburi (Burnt by Fire), a play based on the life of Seiu Ito.

1923: Borrowing a farmer's house in Shimotakaido from his student Gajou Sakamoto, takes, with photographer Raisui Suzuki, photos of snow torture. The location was noted for the plum tree in the garden, a feature important to Ito.

1923: Great Kanto Earthquake occurs; Ito's residence escapes fire damage; at this time he had lent the Rinketsu Bijin Sakasa Tsuri no Shashin to his friend, Tomitsuka Kenzo, which is eventually published in the December 1936 issue of Hentai Shiryou; the same year he publishes Iroha Hiki – Edo to Tokyo Fuzoku Noshi (Private History of Edo and Tokyo Customs, Taken From the Iroha).

1924: Publishes in the Sunday Mainichi photos of torture of Kise Sahara; acquires a reputation for perversion.

1925 (summer): Starts a theater group which concentrates on torture scenes.

1926 (December): Publication of Rinketsu Bijin Sakasa Tsuri no Shashin in the magazine Hentai Shiriou (Pervert Documents) without his authorization. Accompanied by Rinketsu no Josei no Tsukasazuri (Inverse Suspension of a Woman in Her Last Month of Pregnancy) by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892), ukiyoe artitst.

1927: Publication of the first volume of Iroha Hiki, Edo to Tokyo Fuzoku Noshi by publisher Hirobunkan.

1928: Publishes the first known photo book of kinbaku, Seme no Kenkyuu (Research on Torture) which is quickly banned by the authorities.

1930: Works as contributor and editor for the Kodanzasshi.

1931: Now married for a third time, Ito's wife suffers from mental illness and he goes into debt.

1932: Publishes Bijin Ranpu (Ecstatic Dance of Beautiful Women).

1932: Publishes the sixth volume of his Iroha Hiki – Edo to Tokyo Fuzoku Noshi.

1933: Starts his second theater group.

1945: His home is destroyed during the Great Tokyo Air Raid.

1947: In the fourth issue of the magazine Rioki, publishes Shitagerataru Nijon Fujin (The Japanese Married Woman Who Wanted to Be Oppressed).

1950: In Asakusa, Tokyo, Hyakumandoru Gekijo (Million Dollar Theater) presents torture theater.

1951 (April): Until at least January 1954, exchanges letters with Toshiyuki Suma (aka Reiko Kita)

1951: Publishes a series of essays in the magazine Ningen Tankyuu.

1951: To celebrate the launch of the magazine Amatoria, takes part in a group travel (80 persons) to the resort of Rendaiji Onsen in Izu. Among the participants were: Nakada Masahisa (1922-), editor of noir literature; Miyake Ichirou, expert on Japanese politics; Kawakami Santaro (1891-1968), writer of comic haikus; Okada Hiroshi; Ikeda Bunchian (1902-1972), one of the first specialists in popular culture in Japan; Hayashiya Shouraku VI (1896-1966), rakugoka; Kitasato Toshio (1913-1980); Nanbu Kyoichiro (1904-1975), movie critic; Takeno Tosuke (1889-1966), writer; Ono Joutoku.

Mesoku Uramono Jo 1951

1951: Mezoku Uramono Jo (Book on Secret Things in a Women's Jail), edited by Seiu Ito and intended as a supplement to be published inside Amatoria becomes a problem and is detached from the magazine.

1953: Edits a photo supplement to the January issue of the magazine Yomikiri Romance titled Etsugyaku Koukotsu To (Graphic Depiction of Ecstasy in Pleasure and Pain) with mainly kinbaku photos; it is the second such supplement by the magazine, the first one being published in August 1952, titled Nudo Fuzoku Arubamu (Various Nude Album) and edited by Ueda Seijiro who is generally considered to have been strongly influenced by Ito. These two supplements represent the first two publications entirely devoted to kinbaku in the period following the Second World War. The photos included in Nudo Fuzoku Arubamu are seen as pre-dating the first SM works published in Kitan Club.

1953: In the January issue of Kitan Club, publishes a short piece describing his thoughts on Reiko Kita.

1953: Starts his fourth Seme No Gekidan (Torture Theater Group) with its activity centered around the Nakamura Za (Theatre Nakamura).

1953 (June 4): The group gives its first presentation in the theater Ishikawa Suzumoto.

1953 (July): Second group of representations at the theater Nakamura Za.

1954: Meets for the first time in person with Toshiyuki Suma.

1954 (January 29): NHK (Japan public broadcaster) has an interview about Seme no Kenkyuu (Research on Torture) which is broadcast on radio on NHK channel one.

1955: Photographer Kawaguchi Hiroshi pays a visit to Seiu Ito which begins their friendship.

1956: Enters into a relationship with Takashi Tsujimura.

1960: Receives a prize from the Federation of Fine Art Publishers.

1961: Death of Seiu Ito; Takahashi Tetsuo, Toshiyuki Suma, Ueda Seijiro and Tanaka Masahisa attend the funeral.

1966: Oniroku Dan's novel Ryoki no Hate (At the Extreme of Hunting for the Bizarre) uses Seiu Ito as its model.

1968: In the December issue of Kitan Club, Oniroku Dan publishes Shihon Itou Seiu Monogatri (Personal Writing on the Story of Seiu Ito).

1969: Some discussions are held with the Toei film company by Oniroku Dan to make a movie on the life of Seiu Ito; an agreement is not reached.

1977: Movie company Nikkatsu produces the movie Hakkinhon Bijinranpu Yori Semeru (From the Forbidden Book -- Ecstatic Dance of the Beautiful Women -- Torture!).

1978: At Jiyu Gekijo (Free Theater), Keiyu Tamai puts on the play Kiden Itou Seiu (Bizarre Stories of Seiu Ito).

1996: Oniroku Dan publishes a chronicle of Seiu Ito, Gedou no Mure (The Heretical Crowd).

2002: Gedou no Mure is made into a movie under the title Oyou.

Selected Works

- Irohahiki Edo to Tokyo Fuzoku Noshi, six volumes, 1922-1932

- Seme No Kenkyu (Research on Torture), 1928

- Seme no Hanashi (Histories of Torture), 1929-9

- Rongo Tsukai (Explanation of Text)), 1930

- Onna Sanjuroku Kioku (36 Remembrances of Women), 1930

- Bijin Ranmai (Ecstatic Dance of Beautiful Women), 1932

- Nihon Hentai Keibatsu Gabu (Perverse Images of Punishment in Japan), 1930

- Hitoniku Shijo (Human Flesh Market), 1947

- Nihon Taibatsu Fuzoku Toshi (上、下) (Graphic History of Punishment in Japan, (two volumes), in collaboration with Fujisawa Ehiko), 1948

- Seme no Kenkyu (a reprint of the 1928 book), 1950

- Seizetsu Jotai Komon Shikei Higashu (Image Collection of Extreme Torture and Private Punishment of Women's Bodies)

- Seme No Korekushon

- Bijin Juniji Sene Emaki (Scroll of 12 Beauties in Torture)


Bibliography

There is a full bibliography in Japanese in the related article on Seiu Ito at SMpedia. We have listed here books on Seiu Ito which are likely to be of value to those who cannot read Japanese.

伊藤晴雨集 (Ito Seiu Collected Images), March 1997 ISBN: 978-4107200433

伊藤晴雨・晴雨秘帖 The Secret Noteboks of Seiu ed: 二見書房 May 2002 ISBN: 978-4576020891

江戸と東京風俗野史 (Private History of Manners in Edo and Tokyo), a re-edition of Ito's work on Tokyo craftsmen and daily life, not SM related ed: 有光書房 1997 ASIN: B000JA9AFW

日本刑罰風俗図史 (上、中、下) Graphic History of Customs Relative to Punishment in Japan in three volumes ed: 粋古堂1948 ASIN: B000JB9BSC The same book in modern re-edition in one volume ed: 国書刊行会 April 2010 ISBN: 978-4336052179

安田コレクション5 地獄の女 論語通解 The Yasuda Collection Vol. 5, a reproduction of “Woman From Hell” and “Rongo Tsukai” the 5th tome of a series of nine books dedicated to the collection of erotic books amassed by Yoshida Ashiaki (1918-2008) one of the foremost experts on Japanese erotica in the 20th century (only the 5th volume contains works by Seiu Ito). Private printing, no ISBN.

Related Persons

Joujirou Sawada (1892-1929): Actor and theater administrator, founder of the Shinkokugeki theater group.

Goro Zoganoya (1877-1948): Actor and dramaturge.

Uzaemon XV Ichimura (1874-1945): One of the representative kabuki actors of the Taisho and early Showa period.

Keigo VI Onoe (1870-1934): Famous kabuki onnagata actor.

Ryutarou Natsumi (1905-1989): Actor, belonged to the Shinkokugeki movement.

Rokurou Kitamura (1871-1961): Kabuki onnagata actor and member of the Shinpageki, a theater genre established in 1888.

Yaeko Mizutani (1905-1979): Actress, representative of the Shinpageki which she headed after the death in 1965 of Hanayagi Shoutarou.

Shin Hasegawa (1884-1963): Novelist and theater writer.

Ranpo Edogawa (1894-1965): Novelist, first and foremost Japanese crime novel writer.

Sentaro Iwata(1901-1974): Painter, illustrator, adviser for period movies.

Ryusaburo Shikiba(1898-1965): Psychiatrist, art critic and close friend of Yukio Mishima's.

Shigeo Miyao (1902-1982): Illustrator and specialist in Edo culture.

Toshiyuki Suma, aka Reiko Kita, (1920-1992): SM illustrator.

Imasuke V Konkontei (1998-1976): Rakugoka.

References

Notes

External Links