"Smiles of Civilization" Senryu (27) 〽 A Yokohama geisha falls and grabs a dollar
〽 Yokohama geisha falls and grabs a dollar
〽 Retirement celebration, happily even the cat cries like a mouse
* "Koronde" (falls) refers to "korobu" (to fall). Falling also seems to have had the meaning of engaging in prostitution. Reference: "Dictionary of Japanese Sexual Customs (Korobu (to fall)) (National Diet Library Digital Collection)
* "Doru" refers to the dollar currency.
* "Hiki-iwai" refers to a celebration announcing that a geisha or prostitute is retiring.
〽 A geisha's love letter, when translated, is a request for money
〽 Being idle is only natural, with a face like a mortar
* Regarding "Aijyo" (love letter), there is a Dodoitsu saying: "A geisha who sends a love letter to an annoying customer to lure them in does it for her lover (or, before the end of the season)." Reference: "Karyu Senkyo" "Iki no Ukichimaku" (National Diet Library Digital Collection)
* "Hon-yaku" means literal translation.
* "Mushin-jo" is a "mushin-jo" (begging letter). Here, it is thought to mean a document asking for money or goods.
* "Ocha-hiki" refers to a geisha or prostitute having no customers and being idle. Reference: "Dictionary of Proverbs (Ocha wo hiku (to grind tea/be idle)) (National Diet Library Digital Collection)
* "A face like a mortar" here is thought to mean that one is not good-looking. Reference: "Geisha Tamatebako" (National Diet Library Digital Collection)
〽 A promise that won't be kept, taking out a 1,000 yen watch
〽 There is a moon on the 30th, sincerity is possible for a prostitute
* "Kishyo" is thought to refer to "kisho" (a written oath). It means to make a vow to the gods and Buddhas and record that there is no falsehood. Reference: "Great Japanese Dictionary Vol. 1 (Kisho (oath)) (National Diet Library Digital Collection)
* "Tokei" is thought to refer to a watch. "Tokei" (clock/watch). Reference: "Kyuri Wakai Vol. 1" "Domo Hikkei Yosan Yakugo Ryakukai" (National Diet Library Digital Collection)
〽 A stingy customer is harder than a railway
〽 Oh, even the cat says it will pay taxes, says the young apprentice
* "Sehe-zaman-su" might be a misreading.
Author's note: ● indicates characters that could not be deciphered. I will update as appropriate when new characters are deciphered or when I notice typos or misreadings. For details, please read the "Self-introduction/Disclaimer" section. 📖