Nureki Chimuo’s ‘Oshaberi Shibai’, translated as Chatty Play, Chatty Theater, or Talking Theater, is a collection of recollections from Nureki, written in the twilight of his life.
In it, he talks about his literary career, work on SM film productions, his early life in pre and postwar Japan, and especially his life in Theater. While he talks much about his experience in the SM entertainment industry, there are points of interest here that would be of interest to any student of Japanese history.
Translation is not immune to bias. While, I tried to translate this without editorializing anything, translators make choices when providing interpretation. Please keep that in mind as you read. If one is capable of reading the original in Japanese, the link to the original work is: http://pl-fs.kir.jp/nureki/sibai/01/index.htm
In addition, Japanese names are difficult to romanize as they can have several different readings. It’s entirely possible that I got the readings wrong on several of the historic Kabuki names and plays. I did extensive research to try and be as accurate as possible, but I’m not an expert in Japanese theater.
Nureki’s writings may inspire you, or they may offend you. Although very influential in the Japanese SM industry, he was, after all, just one man. And these recollections come at the end of his life.
As we peel back the veil of history, it’s often tempting to interpret these writings through our own experiences, and not the culture and life he lived.
In the end, if you read through to the end, you’ll find Nureki lived a life of joy and sadness. In the end, he lived the life of a pervert.
