Gender and Sexuality in Modern Japan

Description

Gender and Sexuality in Modern Japan describes the ever-changing manifestations of sexes, genders, and sexualities in Japanese society from the 1860s to the present day. Analysing a wide range of texts, images and data, Sabine Fruhstuck considers the experiences of females, males and the evolving spectrum of boundary-crossing individuals and identities in Japan. These include the intersexed conscript in the 1880s, the first 'out' lesbian war reporter in the 1930s, and pregnancy-vest-wearing male governors in the present day. She interweaves macro views of history with stories about individual actors, highlighting how sexual and gender expression has been negotiated in both the private and the public spheres and continues to wield the power to critique and change society. This lively and accessible survey introduces Japanese ideas about modern manhood, modern womenhood, reproduction, violence and sex during war, the sex trade, LGBTQ identities and activism, women's liberation, feminisms and visual culture.

Sabine Fruhstuck is the Koichi Takashima Chair and Professor of Modern Japanese Cultural Studies at UC Santa Barbara.

'Encompassing the full sweep of modern history, and drawing upon the tools of multiple disciplines, this broad ranging and deeply insightful book is essential reading for anyone interested in what Japan has to teach us about the ways in which questions of sex, gender and sexuality define our world and its possibilities.' Daniel Botsman, Yale University 'In seven compelling essays, the author narrates Japan's modern history through its gendered and sexualized figures: imperial soldiers and salarymen, good wives and wise mothers, New Women and Modern Girls, comfort women and prostitutes, sexologists and queers, artists and video gamers. Fruhstuck combines great erudition with effervescent storytelling.' Gail Hershatter, University of California, Santa Cruz 'Fruhstuck's keen historiographic eye along with her deep knowledge of literature and visual culture combine to make this book a must-read for anyone interested in the broader landscape of gender and sexuality in Japan. It is truly a tour de force.' Glenda Roberts, Waseda University