Abstract
Night soil collecting was practiced to different extents wherever urbanization developed. For example, Japan relied on human waste as fertilizer to the point it became a profitable business, while in most Western countries it was considered a necessary evil. What is the reason behind such different attitudes? In this paper, I apply David Inglis’ theory of a mode of excretion to premodern Japanese context in order to shed light on this phenomenon. First, informed by Mary Douglas, I propose slight alternations to the original theoretical framework of a mode of excretion so it emphasizes considerations of excreta in a culture’s cosmology. Next, I examine scatological content in the oldest chronicle of Japan: Kojiki. Based on the analysis, I conclude the Japanese traditional notion of defecation is non-binary—it includes both positive and negative understandings of excrement. Most importantly, the notion lacks moral stigmatization; excrement is not kegare. Then, I characterize how defecation was practiced. Contrary to present norms, it was conducted relatively out in the open, without strict regularization. I argue it was because the notion was not stigmatized, thus there was no need to be particularly embarrassed about the body’s excretory capacities. Finally, I conclude the holistic approach to the notion and practice of defecation in Japan’s traditional fecal habitus is the reason why human waste could be viewed as productive and not merely an object of disgust. Thus, because of this cultural encoding, traditional means of excretory disposal in Japan relied on night soil collection.
Highlights
Sewers have become one of the indicators of modernity
In the words of the theory of a mode of excretion, this night soil collection system translates to Japan’s traditional means of excretory disposal—‘the means through which [a fecal] habitus is connected to the physical world’ (Inglis 2001: 58)
I concluded that the night soil collection system was the legitimate means of excretory disposal in premodern Japan
Summary
Sewers have become one of the indicators of modernity. They, together with modern toilets, by which we usually understand Western-style thrones, enable us to enter a secluded place, do our business (forbid one say shit), and flush it down the pipes where formerly private waste becomes a public matter. In the words of the theory of a mode of excretion, this night soil collection system translates to Japan’s traditional means of excretory disposal—‘the means through which [a fecal] habitus is connected to the physical world’ (Inglis 2001: 58). If the dominant fecal habitus is positive, meaning that the notion of defecation is positive and in turn the practice of defecation is not strictly regulated, the means of excretory disposal allow to see excreta as something other than waste (for example reuse of human waste as fertilizer). I concluded that the night soil collection system was the legitimate means of excretory disposal in premodern Japan This means that at the time excrement was considered productive, we can expect Japan’s traditional fecal habitus to be on the positive side. I will characterize the notion and practice of defecation to validate this hypothesis
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