Gender and Sexuality in Modern Japan

All titles

Series:

New Approaches to Asian History

Author:

Sabine Frühstück, University of California, Santa Barbara

Published:

March 2022

Availability:

Available

Format:

Paperback

ISBN:

9781108430722

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Paperback

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 Frühstück 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.

Acknowledges that gender and sexuality studies are not just about women but include men, manhood and masculinity and a range of boundary-crossing, definition-defying individuals
Describes the experience of women and men, heteronormative and LGBTQ+ identities
Essential core or supplementary reading on courses in Japanese history, Asian studies, gender studies and sexuality studies

Reviews & endorsements

'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. Frühstück combines great erudition with effervescent storytelling.' Gail Hershatter, University of California, Santa Cruz

'Frühstück’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

‘an erudite but accessible overview of sex, gender, and sexuality in Japan since the formation of the modern Japanese nation-state in 1868. … Recommended.’ C. Brienza, Choice

‘Gender and Sexuality in Modern Japan paints a compelling picture of modern Japan. Through superb research, straightforward language, and compassion toward individuals’ experiences of social forces, Frühstück offers a way to explore controversial issues. Students, scholars, and general readers will enjoy learning from this book.’ Jan Bardsley, Monumenta Nipponica

‘The book consolidates Sabine Frühstück’s position as one of the leading scholars of sexuality and gender in Japan and serves as an important resource and inspiration for students and fellow scholars of not only Japanese studies but also other disciplines.’ An Huy Tran, International Quarterly for Asian Studies

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