Social Class and Servitude

The stories highlight rigid class hierarchies, as Shinsuké laments his menial position and the impossibility of marrying his master's daughter, and the tattooer's clients range from merchants to samurai, reflecting social stratification.

Tsuya's rise from geisha to independent mistress reflects class mobility, while Seiji's wealth commands servility.

Notes detail honorifics used among servant classes, social hierarchies like hatamoto, and customs reflecting class distinctions such as geisha not wearing foot-cover in company.