Wakashu.
It translates roughly to “beautiful youths” — the young men who played a central role in the social and sexual hierarchy of Japan during the Edo period (1603-1868.)
Apparently anyone familiar with the era will look at the below artworks and immediately recognize many of the figures aren’t the maidens they appear to be.
They are, in fact, “wakashu.”
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
Featuring over 70 artworks, A Third Gender: Beautiful Youths in Japanese Prints is the first-ever exhibition in North America to examine the complicated gender and sexual constructs during Japan’s Edo period.
Running through June 11, the exhibition collects woodblock prints, paintings, luxury objects and personal adornments, all centering around the Edo period’s “third gender.”
Given the current political climate and dialogue around gender and the arts, it’s undoubtedly a timely exhibition.
For more information, visit The Japan Society.
Here are some examples:
Images courtesy of the Royal Ontario Museum, ©ROM
natekerchel
Historically Japan never had an issue with homosexuality. It was not uncommon for Samurai or monks engage in same sex sex. It was not until the beginning of the Meiji period, and the growing Western and Christian influences, that the prohibitions began. Even today there are no laws against homosexuality in Japan, though areas outside of Tokyo do not always have active protections for gay/lesbian people. Official Japan is more akin to Europe in how it views homosexuality rather than the USA. It would be unthinkable that trump like attitudes and policies could happen in Japan on this issue. No potential Japanese Prime Minister would even think of adopting that kind of unfair and confrontational attitude.
Chris
Uh…what North American city is the exhibit in?
MichaelP
The exhibit is at The Japan Society, in New York City.
But a slight clarification to Queerty’s description of the show: It proudly debuted at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, last summer!