Preface

“Living only for the moment, giving all our time to the pleasures of the moon, the snow, cherry blossoms, and maple leaves. Singing songs, drinking

sake, caressing each other, just drifting, drifting. Never giving a care

if we had no money, never sad in our hearts. Only like a plant moving

on the river’s current; this is what is called

The Floating World.”


Tales of the Floating World

Asai Ryoi, 1661