Kagema
Encyclopedia
Kagema is a historical Japanese term for young male prostitutes
. Kagema were often passed off as apprentice kabuki
actors (who were themselves often prostitutes on the side) and catered to a mixed male and female clientele. For male clients, the preferred service was anal sex; homosexual fellatio is almost unmentioned in Tokugawa-era
documents. Kagema who were not affiliated with an actual kabuki theatre could be hired through male brothel
s or those teahouses specializing in kagema. Kagema typically charged more than female prostitutes of equivalent status, and did a healthy trade into the mid-19th century despite increasing legal restrictions. Many such prostitutes, as well as many young kabuki actors, were indentured servant
s sold as children to the brothel or theatre, typically on a ten-year contract. Kagema could be presented as young men (yarō), wakashū
(adolescent boys, about 10–18 years old) or as onnagata
(female impersonators).
This term also appears in modern Japanese homosexual slang.
Prostitution
Prostitution is the act or practice of providing sexual services to another person in return for payment. The person who receives payment for sexual services is called a prostitute and the person who receives such services is known by a multitude of terms, including a "john". Prostitution is one of...
. Kagema were often passed off as apprentice kabuki
Kabuki
is classical Japanese dance-drama. Kabuki theatre is known for the stylization of its drama and for the elaborate make-up worn by some of its performers.The individual kanji characters, from left to right, mean sing , dance , and skill...
actors (who were themselves often prostitutes on the side) and catered to a mixed male and female clientele. For male clients, the preferred service was anal sex; homosexual fellatio is almost unmentioned in Tokugawa-era
Edo period
The , or , is a division of Japanese history which was ruled by the shoguns of the Tokugawa family, running from 1603 to 1868. The political entity of this period was the Tokugawa shogunate....
documents. Kagema who were not affiliated with an actual kabuki theatre could be hired through male brothel
Brothel
Brothels are business establishments where patrons can engage in sexual activities with prostitutes. Brothels are known under a variety of names, including bordello, cathouse, knocking shop, whorehouse, strumpet house, sporting house, house of ill repute, house of prostitution, and bawdy house...
s or those teahouses specializing in kagema. Kagema typically charged more than female prostitutes of equivalent status, and did a healthy trade into the mid-19th century despite increasing legal restrictions. Many such prostitutes, as well as many young kabuki actors, were indentured servant
Indentured servant
Indentured servitude refers to the historical practice of contracting to work for a fixed period of time, typically three to seven years, in exchange for transportation, food, clothing, lodging and other necessities during the term of indenture. Usually the father made the arrangements and signed...
s sold as children to the brothel or theatre, typically on a ten-year contract. Kagema could be presented as young men (yarō), wakashū
Wakashū
Wakashū , is a historical Japanese term indicating an adolescent boy; more specifically, a boy between the ages at which his head was partially shaven , at which point a boy exited early childhood and could begin formal education, apprenticeship, or employment outside the home,...
(adolescent boys, about 10–18 years old) or as onnagata
Oyama (Japanese theatre)
Onnagata or oyama , are male actors who impersonate women in Japanese kabuki theatre. The modern all-male kabuki was originally known as yarō kabuki to distinguish it from earlier forms...
(female impersonators).
This term also appears in modern Japanese homosexual slang.