Fujoshi: When Boys’ Love Makes Hearts Flutter

In this article we’ll be going to the heart of this phenomenon: from the definition of the word itself to the wealth of material available in the “Boys’ Love” category, to what motivates its’ fans so intently. Be prepared to discover a universe in which romanticism is tinged with exoticism, and where this community's creativity is limitless!

The term “fujoshi” originates from Japan and its literal meaning, in its humorous sense, is “rotten women”. It is often used to talk about feminine people who are passionate about stories that depict love (or desire) between men. Understanding where the term comes from requires a look back at the end of the 20th century with the emergence of magazines dedicated to manga culture, where certain boys’ love stories began to gain popularity.

The term may seem pejorative, however nowadays it has been proudly reclaimed by lovers of the genre. It has become a sign of unity amongst a tight-knit community that’s brimming with ideas, almost like a conspiratorial nod to those who share the same passion.

Boys’ Love, better known under the abbreviation BL, encompasses manga, anime, drama and other forms of media that portray sentimental and sometimes even erotic relationships between masculine characters.

What makes it so successful? Its success could be due to the fact that it portrays a less traditional type of love, where sensitivities are intensified and passion is highly-strung. Gender codes showcase romantic tension, self discovery and the delicate nature of emotions. Fujoshi’s often find space to dream, well away from usual stereotypes.

If this many people identify with fujoshi culture, it’s often due to the fact that they perceive within it idealised romanticism, highly charged emotions and thwarted passions. Lots of people also see a way to explore relational models that differ from those shown in everyday fiction. Finally, the erotic and aesthetic dimension is also very important: the sensuality and staging of characters' feelings arouse real visual and narrative pleasure.

The fujoshi phenomenon began as a mostly underground movement, however nowadays it has grown to become a key player in Japanese pop culture. Manga and anime conventions (in Japan but also worldwide) offer dedicated spaces for Boys’ Love and its fanbase.

The exchanges that take place online are just as dynamic: forums, social media, specialised blogs… Fujoshi’s share their current favourites, analyses of works and theories surrounding the evolution of certain characters. This enthusiasm has greatly contributed to the democratisation of BL stories.

The fans don’t content themselves with reading or watching alone: they reinvent BL works in thousands of different ways. Some create drawings (fan art), illustrating certain scenes or imagining new romantic or humorous moments. Others launch themselves into writing fanfiction, prolonging the original intrigue or revisiting relationships between protagonists.

Finally, a number of fujoshi’s take it one step further by inventing their own characters and stories that are sometimes collated into fanzines (amateur magazines) to be sold at conventions. This creative buzz keeps interest up in the BL genre and also assures its consistent evolution.

As with every cultural movement, opinions within fujoshi culture are not unanimous and can sometimes cause debate. Some reproach Boys’ Love for showing an idealised, even caricatural outlook on homosexual relationships, pointing out the risk of fetishisation. Others are of the opposing opinion that BL is a way of giving visibility to stories and points of view that are often underrepresented in the entertainment world, therefore encouraging tolerance.

From another angle, a lack of understanding from the general public can lead to contempt or the creation of stereotypes. Critics often cite a lack of realism or the overexposure of characters’ suffering, without necessarily grasping the positive contribution of these stories to open-mindedness and diversity of sexual orientation.

If you’re looking to discover Boys’ Love, you can start with well-known classics like Given (which is both a manga and an anime) or Junjo Romantica, which have both already amassed a large fanbase. Joining online communities will allow you to share your opinions, ask questions and get recommendations that are adapted to your tastes. Also, don’t be afraid to stray a little from the beaten track, some independent or less well-known BL mangas can be real hidden gems.

Being a fujoshi means much more than enjoying BL works: it also means adhering to a romantic and aesthetic vision of fiction that invites us to rethink how love is represented. Despite criticism and judgement, this culture continues to bloom, supported by an active, united community. At the end of the day, Boys’ Love stories illustrate the plurality of human desires and emotions, offering each person the possibility to see themselves reflected in the media they consume, as well as allowing them to escape into stories where tolerance and sensitivity reign supreme.