Ihara Saikaku
Men take their misfortunes to heart, and keep them there. A gambler does not talk about his losses; the frequenter of brothels, who finds his favourite engaged by another, pretends to be just as well off without her; the professional street brawler is quiet about the fights he lost; and a merchant who speculates on good will conceal the losses he suffer. All act as one who steps on dog dung in the dark.
- “What the Seasons Brought to the Almanac Maker” (1686), via Dogs and Demons – Tales from the Dark Side of Japan.










