JAPAN: Through With Love

Traditionalists in lovemaking, as in most other aspects of social intercourse, die-hard Japanese cling stubbornly to a stylized amorous technique. Last week, to protect the customs of the country, the Tokyo Home Office announced a sweeping ban on all foreign love stories, particularly the French. The younger generation, newspapers explained, are apt on reading such literature to become deplorably excited, indulge in unJapanese kissing and carresses.*

Specifically censored were the elegant, terse, cynical works of Guy de Maupassant, which are quite popular in Japan. De Maupassant has been banned before, even in...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!