Japanese condoms are famous for two things: being among the best and thinnest in the world; and for being rarely used by men in Japan, who prefer to finish inside (and then have shotgun weddings), or to emulate porn by pulling out and finishing on the body/face of their partner.
But they were recently in the news for another reason: a curious historical discovery.
Indeed, this condom may well be the oldest one we’ve seen. Thankfully, it’s not still in use.
The Osaka-based Morishita Jintan has been around for 130 years. The pharmaceutical and medical device maker was one of Japan’s first condom sellers in modern times, and there was a reminder of this when someone found one of its past products.
A 120-year-old condom was found in the storehouse (kura) of an inn in a town in Ishikawa Prefecture. A storehouse? So, was that building once doubling as a place for illicit rendezvous between couples on the road?
The Yamato Kinu-type condom, which probably dates from the late 19th century, is in good condition, though we would not recommend relying on the prophylactic for your next session in bed. The actual sheath part seems to have completely deteriorated, leaving behind just the attractive box and the ring.
The condom is set to go on display at the Morishita Jintan headquarters. We doubt if this is the oldest existing condom or male contraceptive in Japan, but it’s nonetheless a fascinating glimpse into sexual history in the country.
The Yamato Kinu condom was imported from France and sold locally by Morishita Jintan, who advertised the brand specifically as effective against syphilis, which was then prevalent in Japan (and on the rise again).
