Shijūhatte, “The 48 Positions,” Moe Style

The collection of 48 sexual positions known as the Shijūhatte (四十八手), loosely “the 48 hands,” and sometimes rather bombastically called the “the Japanese Kama Sutra,” originates in the erotic shunga prints popular during the Tokugawa period, and is seen above brought up-to-date in modern “super-deformed” moe style.

The original erotic print is done in classical shunga style, along these lines:

The actual name refers not to the 48 positions presented, but is instead a parody of the even more ancient “48 positions” granting victory in Sumo wrestling – this in turn just means “lots” rather than “48.”

It is far from the first time it has proven the inspiration for an adaptation in more modern style:

In any case, the positions are sure to provide some stimulating sexual gymnastics for anyone with a mind to try them (and a partner)…