Why did governments regulate erotic woodblock prints in Japan during the 18th century?

During the 18th century, the Japanese government regulated erotic woodblock prints as part of broader efforts to control the distribution of unlicensed materials. In 1722, the shogunate introduced the first of several edicts targeting such works, which were categorized alongside political materials.1

These regulations were driven by a complex interplay between moral concerns and political control. While authorities sought to suppress content deemed to corrupt public morals, these same legal mechanisms were frequently utilized to restrict political dissent and criticism of the government. The rise of color woodblock printing had facilitated a sizable industry in erotic imagery, prompting the state to intervene to maintain social order and stability within the Tokugawa period's rigid hierarchy. By regulating these prints, the government aimed to exert authority over the burgeoning urban culture and the commercial enterprises that produced them.123