Historically, gay relationships in Japan have not always been viewed negatively. It has been documented as early as the Heian Era (794 -1185) that is has been assimilated by Samurais and priests.
However, such relationships have never gained legal status and continue to be treated as a marginalized group of society. Yet people today enjoy watching gay entertainers in the media even though they remain underrepresented legally.
Acceptance of Gay Entertainers
Both men and women, and even children, enjoy watching gay entertainers in Japan. A man who has had a sex change to become a woman is called a “New Half”. The television series called, “My Mom is a New Half” by TV Tokyo has been airing during daytime programming since January 2010. Another common term, “Onae”, is used for gay men who act effeminate. Often times, they are beauty consultants, hostesses, fashion advisors, dance instructors, artists, comedians, etc.
Many male gay entertainers, such as Ai Haruna, do quite well in show business. Haruna recently won first place in the Transvestite Miss World 2009 contest, and has been appearing in numerous popular TV shows. The entertainers are not all effeminate. One male comedian, Hard Gay (HG), is a masculine man dressed up in a tight leather suit; he gained significant popularity among Japanese viewers, however, after he clarified his heterosexuality, his popularity subsided.
Gay Culture in Temples and Among Samurais
The modern Japanese society does not seem to reject expressions of gayness and/or feminine male predisposition. In fact, gay culture has come a long way in Japan’s history.
Prior to the Meiji Era (1868- 1912) when Christian influence became open, the Japanese society did not always view gay male relationships as negative activities, but rather in some cases, valued them as a virtue among people with special status, such as priests and Samurais.
In the Heien Era, major temples, where female access was strictly forbidden, began utilizing young teenage boys, called “Chigo”, as subjects of sexual interest. Some were originally sent from imperial families to learn etiquette, and some wore make-up and appeared feminine. The practice of such priests was known as “Shudo”.
From Sengoku (Warring States) to the Edo Era (1603 – 1868), Shudo was widely accepted and even considered as sacred among Samurais. During these periods, women were often viewed as child-bearing tools, and represented impurity. Many Samurais viewed devotion in male relationships more virtuous than female relationships.
Samurais facing death at any time were very superstitious, and avoided approaching females who bled (during menstrual cycles) particularly before a battle; a betrayal was most feared and Samurais preferred to have young sons of their faithful vassals to take care of them.
Priests and Samurais were not the only ones engaged in non-heterosexual relationships. Not many people know that Matsuo Basho, one of Japan’s renowned poets from the 17th Century, has written a deeply romantic poem intended towards his male lover. He is immensely famous for his Haiku depicting an intricate sensitivity for nature.
Legal Discrimination on Sexual Minorities
As history indicates, Japan has accommodated its unique same-sex relationships, particularly among men. However, with the influence of the West and Christianity, the Japanese gay community has tried to remain politically low-key.
So far, the Japanese Constitution (Article 24, Section 3) states that a marriage is established upon opposite sex’s agreement under equal rights. If gay men wish to have legal rights with their lovers, they would have to go through adoption or change one of their sexes surgically.
The Public Housing Law bans LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, and Transgender) couples from renting public housing, and the spousal abuse law does not protect same-sex partners from domestic violence. There has been a report by the United Nations’ Human Rights Committee urging Japan to reassess policies that discriminate against LGBTs.
In February of 2010, the International Christian University in Tokyo held the second discussion since 2006 regarding how Christian population has prejudiced sexual minorities.
While there is some level of Japanese cultural acceptance towards gay culture (particularly in entertainment), there has not been open encouragement to guarantee legal status; there have been insufficient well organized protests or grassroots efforts to fight for gay rights.
Behind the public arena of superficial treatment by the Japanese society, the gay community also suffers mentally. Hirata, from the Association of Gay Professionals in Counseling and Medical Allied Fields at Kyoto Bunkyo University, points out that there is more risk of suicide among LGBT than their heterosexual counterparts. While the Japanese government had set up a suicide prevention plan, the plan has failed to include the sexual minorities. Hirata believes that the government has tried to cover the cause of non-heterosexual deaths.
Sources:
“A Study of Epidemiology for the Prevention of HIV Infection”, REACH Online 2006, Web. 16 March 2010.
“Christianity and Sexual Minority and Sexual Minority and Community”, Center for Gender Studies, International Christian University, CGS Online, 01 February 2010, Web. 16 March 2010.
Goto,Junichi. Same Sex Relationships Not Taught at School-Matsuo Basho,
All About, 09 January2005,Web. 16 March2010.
Hirata, Toshiaki. “Discussion of LGBT-Related Suicides”, NHK Online, Web. 16 March 2010.
Hongo, Jun. “Gay Scene: Tolerance, Legal Limbo”, Japan Times Online, 23 December 2008, Web. 16 March 2010.
Shyudo Monogatari (A Story of Shudo), Edogawa Ranpo Collection, Rikkyo University, Web. 16 March 2010.
Ujiie, Mikito. Bushido and Eroticism, Tokyo; Kodan-sha, 1995.
Naoko Charity - I was born in Japan, and currently living in the U.S. I attended Japanese Art school for four years and studied English Literature for two ...
Join the Conversation