見世物
Meanings
1
misemono; Edo/Meiji-period sideshow
historical term
Historical term for a type of outdoor sideshow or spectacle common in the Edo and Meiji periods, often held on temple or shrine grounds.
In the Edo period, misemono shacks were popular in Asakusa.
2
show; exhibition; spectacle; freakshow; sideshow
General term for a show, exhibition, or spectacle, often with a connotation of something unusual or freakish. Can be used figuratively.
His performance was like a spectacle.
The circus sideshow had rare animals.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉を見世物にするto turn someone into a spectacle; to put someone on display for others to gawk at
The media turned his scandal into a spectacle.
- 見世物になるto become a spectacle; to end up being gawked at by others
She felt her failure had become a public spectacle.
Expressions
- パンと見世物bread and circuses