What is "The Floating World"?

Ukiyo (浮世, "floating/fleeting/transient world") – describes the urban lifestyle, especially the pleasure-seeking aspects, of the Edo-period Japan (1600-1867). The phrase “the floating world” (ukiyo) evoked an imagined universe of wit, stylishness, and extravagance – with overtones of naughtiness, hedonism, and transgression. Implicit was a contrast to the humdrum of everyday obligation. Referring to a state of being: living in the moment, being detached from the bothers of life.