Yaoi and BL: The Japanese Female Obsession with Male Homosexuality and Its Effects on Pop Culture Media

Abstract

This undergraduate thesis explores why Japanese females are interested in depictions of male-male homosexuality in pop culture media, specifically Boy’s Love (BL) manga and anime. Previous research (Vincent, 2007) suggests that Japanese females are interested in this form of media as a form of self-preservation from Japanese cultural expectations. A survey was conducted using a sample of 17 Japanese people, 15 Japanese females and two Japanese males. Contrary to previous expectations, the majority expressed their interest in BL stemming from their favorite voice actors or favorite characters being a part of a homosexual coupling in popular fandom, many also mentioned how the unrealistic tropes in BL media was entertaining. The findings prompt a rethinking of why BL media is growing in popularity with Japanese females.