160308-0049 - Curing Hysteria

Illustration of a woman with a slipper on her head carried by a man, in order to cure her hysteria. Postcard published by the Kokkei Shimbun in 1908 (Meiji 40). The satirical publication was founded in 1901 (Meiji 34) by Osaka-based journalist Miyatake Gaikotsu (1867-1955) whose real name was Kameshiro Miyatake (Miyatake Kameshiro). Between May 1907 (Meiji 40) and June 1909 (Meiji 42), Kokkei Shimbun featured a supplement named Ehagaki Sekai (The World of Illustrated Postcards). Each issue contained 30 postcards, many giving salty social commentary. In total 26 issues were published, this card was published in Volume 12. Under pressure from the authorities, Miyatake shut down the Kokkei Shimbun in 1909, ending it with a "Suicide Issue. Title: Kanshaku o naosu hoho - How to fix hysteria. Photo by MeijiShowa/AFLO