Starting from chapter 71, Kimetsu no Yaiba took place in Yoshiwara, the famous red district during Edo to Taisho period in Japan. Many may not find any difference because most characters are wearing traditional kimono. However, question surfaces when Sumiko (Tanjiro), Inoko (Inosuke), and Zenko (Zenitsu) were sold by Uzui to different houses that we would know as Okiya (where geisha, oiran, and kamuro live together). Are they sold to houses as simply maid or apprentice to courtesan/oiran? Before we get into the overview, here is a brief explanation of Oiran. Oiran is prostitute or also known as courtesan during Edo period (1603-1868) and it would continue its business until Meiji period (1868–1912). However, in Taisho period (1926-1989) after World War II, Yoshiwara was then banned in 1958 for illegal business. Yoshiwara's culture, although similar to that of Kyoto's Shimabara red district, is different. In Yoshiwara the highest ranking was called "Oiran", a shortened version of "Oira no tokoro no nee-san" which translates to "Older sister at my place." The hierarchy system is also different with that of Kyoto's Shimabara where Tayuu would be the rank of the highest oiran. Based on Tanjiro's, Zenitsu's, and Inosuke's age (around 15), they would be sold as Shinzou, a rank for apprentice who has not taken any customer. Generally, a shinzou would be trained in music and arts while assisting a sister as they would be taken in since they were younger as kamuro (age 4-6). In the manga, none of them was assigned to a sister, which means they generally help around the house with whatever they can until they pick up skills from their surroundings. Now let's start with Sumiko. Based on Sumiko's appearance, she is not taken in as courtesan apprentice but as maid. Oiran ties obi in front while Sumiko ties it behind. The purpose of obi being tied in front is so that patrons and guests could immediately get engaged in intercourse. Another reason why Sumiko 'doesn't sell her service' is because she does not have instrumental talent like Zenko or pretty face like Inoko. Now, before anyone debates with me regarding Tanjiro's or in this case, Sumiko's visual attractiveness, I beg to pardon. Sumiko has a burn mark on her forehead and albeit she is adorable, most Hostess or Owner of the Okiya (basically oiran's care taker), would not deem her worthy to be sold. I was asked by a friend if Tanjiro is available for business during this arc, based on what I know culturally, he would be unavailable. BUT. For the Owner, as long as they can get money, they CAN sell Tanjiro to a patron. Next, Inoko! Now there is a significant difference comparing to Sumiko's get up. Inoko ties her obi in front which means she is available for service although she could be still in training! I am certain everyone is clear about this from her visual (laughs) Next Zenko! Albeit with her hideous makeup and unruly(?) hair, Zenko is actually available for service based on her obi! Those who read the manga would know that Zenko is available from her gift in playing shamisen. Her talent in listening and her effort to get sold contributed to her infiltration successfully. Continuing to Daki or Warabihime You might be wondering why Warabihime can act so haughty towards everyone even to the Hostess, the person who owns her life.
At the first image, she is shown to abuse a kamuro who she orders to clean up her room which she wrecks into a mess. The reason why no one can stop her is: 1. Kamuro who is assigned to a sister is fully sister's responsibility. All of the income has to be shared with her kamuro, including clothing, food and accessories as well as other needs. This is why no one can come in to stop her. 2. As the top of the hierarchy, Warabihime has the highest income for the Ageya (where oiran and geisha work), even the hostess or owner has to step back. It can be concluded that Warabihime has earned plenty to redeem herself out of the prostitution business. Once Warabihime leaves the house, the business would collapse. A house usually only has one Tayuu or in Yoshiwara's term, Oiran. This is all that I can conclude from the short Yoshiwara Arc! Hopefully everyone is entertained! For more information about Oiran you can check here! Get to Know Oiran Why is Oiran Special?
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