Shinjū is a Japanese term that translates to 'double suicide,' often referring to the tragic love stories depicted in literature and theater, particularly during the Edo period. This theme explores the intense emotional bond between lovers faced with insurmountable obstacles, leading them to choose death over separation. The concept captures not just romantic love but also the societal pressures that compel individuals to such desperate actions, making it a poignant subject in works by playwrights like Chikamatsu Monzaemon during the golden age of Japanese theater.
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