Author: Michael Hoffman

Sex and love are powerful forces in society, often leading to unconventional and sometimes tragic consequences when they intersect. Autocrats have historically viewed love with suspicion, fearing its ability to disrupt order. In Japan, laws during the Edo Period (1603-1867) criminalized acts of love that strayed outside the confines of societal norms. For example, engaging in illicit relationships with a master’s daughter or committing adultery with a teacher’s wife were both punishable by death under these laws. This harsh punishment reflects the belief that love, when left unchecked, can have dangerous repercussions on social structure and stability. Despite the attempts…