Rashomon

The Rashōmon was a real gate in the southern part of Kyoto. It was built in 789, but, as reflected in Akutagawa’s story, it fell into disrepair; today, it no longer exists, and its former location is only marked by a stone pillar.

The ruined Rashōmon gate symbolizes the decay of Japanese society. Akutagawa describes the gate’s tarnished crimson lacquer, and writes that, just like Kyoto itself, the Rashōmon gate is irreparable. What was once a magnificent structure has been overtaken by wild animals and criminals, both of whom lack civility and strong moral codes. Unclaimed corpses are abandoned at the gate, reflecting the death of Kyoto’s economic and spiritual prosperity. A city that was once wealthy and rich has fallen into such ruin that it does not even provide proper burial rituals for the dead.

The servant’s presence at the gate is also symbolic. Like the Rashōmon, the servant reflects Japanese Socioeconomics and Post-Feudal Poverty and the decay of Kyoto. Not only was he let go from his position due to Kyoto’s “decline,” but he also slides rapidly into immoral behavior; in other words, his morality decays. Akutagawa purposely positions the servant—and the old woman, who has similarly “decayed” morally—at the dilapidated Rashōmon gate, drawing parallels between them to symbolize Kyoto’s overall decline.