What is eroguro?

Eroguro is a subgenre of Japanese pop culture that combines elements of eroticism (ero) and grotesque or macabre themes (guro). The term originated from the Japanese words "ero" (erotic) and "guro" (grotesque).

Eroguro is often associated with underground and alternative Japanese subcultures, and encompasses a wide range of media including literature, music, art, and film. Eroguro artworks often depict surreal and disturbing scenes that blur the lines between beauty and horror, innocence and perversion.

The eroguro genre gained popularity in Japan during the 1960s and 1970s, and has since influenced many contemporary Japanese artists. Notable examples of eroguro works include the manga series "The Drifting Classroom" by Kazuo Umezu and the films of Shinya Tsukamoto.

While eroguro has been criticized for its graphic depictions of violence and sexual content, many proponents of the genre argue that it serves as a social critique of modern society and its repressive norms.