An Overview of Stereotyped Portrayals of LGBT+ People in Japanese Fiction and Literature: Analysis of the historical evolution and commercialization of BL and yuri genres, and social practice of its consumer culture

This essay will explore the history of the portrayal of LGBT+ people in Japanese fiction, starting from The Tale of Genji, a novel from the early 11th century that is widely considered to be the first classic in history, and to the proper establishment of what is known as the BL (boys’ love) and yuri genres. BL, as the name suggests, is a genre that features the relationship between two male characters, usually in a romantic and/or sexual nature, while yuri is between two female characters. There will be a short examination of LGBT+ portrayal in historical literary works and art before moving onto a more detailed recounting of modern fiction and television. Some ancient literature will be reviewed, comparing real-life societal norms to their fictional counterparts. The focus will mainly be on the introduction of the BL genre, the historical evolution of it, the commercial start of it, the main components that make up the genre, and why it is as popular as it is, a well as an examination of the culture surrounding the fans of the genre. How did it become commercialized? Why has it managed to capture the hearts of many Japanese fans, as well as fans around the world? What is the mindset of the consumer and how do they practice fan culture, especially as a ‘social practice’? Lastly, this thesis will include an analysis on the evolution and diversification of the genre over the 2010s and 2020s, by reviewing a select few contemporary fictionalized works. Keywords: Japan, LGBT, manga, Japanese literature, shojo manga, BL, pop culture, fan culture

Author dc:creator

• Bára B.S. Jóhannesdóttir 1996-

Contributors dc:contributor

• Háskóli Íslands

• Japanskt mál og menning

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1946/38265

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:skemman.is:1946/38265