Hihoukan

Have you ever heard of the word, Hihoukan? “秘宝館”, which literally means “Secret Treasure Palace”, is the sex museum that once caused a stir all over Japan.

In the late 1960s, Japan had opened the door to its rapid economic growth. During this period, a ton of amusement facilities such as hot spring hotels, and ski resorts were built.

The first Hihoukan was opened in Tokushima in 1969. It displayed more than 10,000 objects and paintings. People liked its humorous and stimulating concept at that time. The popularity of the Hihoukan grew gradually and more were built one after another in major tourist spots in Japan.

After the economic bubble burst in 1991, tourism was in crisis. Most of the Hihoukan had to be closed. Including privately owned ones, there were nearly 50 Hihoukan throughout Japan at its peak. The one in Atami, which was built in 1980, is the only Hihoukan left in Japan today.

Although the Hihoukan culture is disappearing, some people are still attracted to its unique concept and its artistry. Some enthusiastic fans collect objects that were displayed in Hihoukan. In 2022, journalist Kyoichi Tsuzuki opened a small showroom in Sumida-ku, Tokyo, exhibiting his collection.

Earlier in my life, I had avoided sexual content like Hihoukan. However, today I am attracted by its art and historical background. I feel a certain energy when viewing art and design from the 70s to 90s. I guess it is because that was a time when society was more open to such taboo topics compared to now. I must visit the last Hihoukan before the concept is totally erased from society.