Moderator: “In Ancient East Asia, concepts of modesty and nudity were shaped by Confucian ethics and Daoist naturalism. How did these opposing forces influence social norms?”

Responder: “In the civilisations of China and Japan, nudity was shaped by a complex interplay of social order, spirituality and cultural traditions. Although clothing was an important marker of status and decorum, philosophies such as Daoism in China and Shinto in Japan emphasised a more naturalistic approach, seeing nudity as an expression of purity, simplicity and harmony with nature.”

• Moderator: “How did Chinese philosophy shape attitudes toward nudity?"

Responder: “Confucianism, the dominant ethical and social philosophy in ancient China, placed strong emphasis on propriety, hierarchy and social decorum. Modesty was a key virtue, and clothing became a visible symbol of one’s role in society. Elaborate silk robes worn by imperial courtiers and scholars distinguished them from peasants and labourers, reinforcing social stratification.

However, Daoism, a parallel spiritual tradition, took a contrasting view. Daoist philosophy emphasised living in harmony with the natural world, often portraying the unclothed body as a return to an uncorrupted state. Certain Daoist sects practiced ritual nudity in ceremonies and ascetic traditions, seeing the body as a natural and divine form rather than something to be hidden or restricted. The contrast between Confucian modesty and Daoist naturalism illustrates varied perspectives on nudity within Chinese civilisation.”

• Moderator: “How did Japanese bathing culture influence perceptions of nudity?"

Responder: “In Japan, communal bathing in onsen (hot springs) and sento (public baths) has a long history, reflecting a cultural acceptance of social nudity. Unlike in China, where clothing was often tied to social rank, Japan's bathing traditions emphasised communal harmony, purification and relaxation. Shinto, Japan’s indigenous belief system, considers water purification essential to spiritual and physical well-being, and bathing in natural hot springs was seen as a way to cleanse both body and soul.

Samurai warriors also had ritual connections to nudity, particularly in acts of seppuku (ritual suicide), where stripping down was part of the purification process. Nudity was not inherently shameful but rather associated with moments of profound spiritual and existential significance.”

• Moderator: “How were garments used to define class and status?”

Responder: "Throughout both China and Japan, clothing became an instrument of social control. Strict dress codes distinguished nobility from commoners, men from women, and specific ranks within bureaucracy and military orders. Sumptuary laws in China dictated who could wear certain colours, fabrics and styles, reinforcing rigid hierarchy of imperial society. In Japan, Edo-period regulations prescribed dress styles according to class, maintaining clear distinctions between samurai, merchants and peasants. Despite these rigid norms, spiritual traditions such as Daoism and Shintoism retained a belief in the fundamental purity of the human body.”