Japanese shunga -- erotic paintings and prints, some of the world's most beautiful -- remain indigenously unknown. Though there has recently been some reproductions in Japan allowed, the original works are almost never displayed. That such censorship should be thought necessary in 2004 is a curious anomaly.
A century ago law enforcers in Japan were confiscating erotic art because "it might cause the foreigners to laugh at us." Now, more liberated countries are truly laughing at the spectacle of a Japan continuing to blot its imported Playboys and still hampering public showings of some of the finest works in its artistic heritage.
There are some exceptions, however. The recent "Happiness" exhibition at the Mori Art Museum had a small room off to the side, where those aged 18 or over could appreciate shunga by Hokusai, Utamaro, Kuniyoshi and other great artists. And abroad there has never been the same censorship as exhibited in Japan.