Abstract

Yuri Otaku × Feminist × Queer Individuals
Delve Deep into Yuri Criticism: An Introductory Guide.

The yuri genre depicts intimate relationships between women.
This book covers everything from its origins, diverse reception domestically and internationally, to recent trends in works.
Incorporating perspectives from those directly involved, it's the definitive volume for understanding “yuri today.”

＜Table of Contents＞
Part One: Contemporary Yuri and Us
Part Two: Anime and Yuri
Essay I ── American Yuri Culture Erika Friedman
Part Three: The Difference Between BL and Yuri
Part Four: Lesbian Salvation Wishes and Marriage
Part Five: Challenges Facing the Yuri Genre
Essay II ── The History of Yuri Reika Shinada

＜Examples of Themes Covered in This Book＞
Yuri Without “Lesbian” / Current Trends in Yuri Anime / Differences Between Yuri Anime and Drama / Equality vs. Power Dynamics in BL and Yuri / Women Gazing at Women / Yuri's Affinity as a Counter to Heteronormativity / Masculinity and Identity / Transgender Representation and Yuri / “Yuri” Beyond Yuri Magazines / The Future of the Yuri Genre...etc

Yuri is a genre encompassing all forms of intimacy between women, including friendship and romance.
Its definition, as well as its writers and readers, are diverse.
While works like anime, manga, and dramas that can be called “yuri” are readily accessible, yuri has often been separated from the lived experiences of those involved and from feminist and queer discussions. This book explores the history and evolution of yuri both domestically and internationally, reexamining the genre of yuri—open to everyone—from the perspective of those directly involved.

Cover Illustration: Akiko Morishima

Author’s Information

Born in 1992. Artist, art historian, feminist, ME/CFS patient, wheelchair user, pansexual. Researches representations of female homosexuality in Western art while also critiquing various forms of expression. Author of “Feminist, Playing Games” (Shobunsha, 2024). /Born in 1992, writer. In addition to book reviews and literary criticism, has authored numerous essays and commentaries on feminism and queer issues. Author of “Queer Canada Travelogue” (Kashiwa Shobo); planned and edited “We Are Already Together: An Anti-Trans Discrimination Booklet” (Gendai Shokan)./Born in 1991. Part-time lecturer at Keio University Graduate School of Sociology, among others. Ph.D. (Sociology). Researches Japanese popular culture from gender and sexuality perspectives, while also engaging in advocacy as a lesbian and queer romantic. Co-edited works include “Thoughts on Idols Amidst Conflict: Gender/Personality/〈Oshi〉” (Seikyusha).