I think shota in anime has roots going back to the very early 80s when it seems like there was a deluge of manga adaptations that had more crass comedic elements, especially full frontal boy nudity that was much more scarce in the 70s. Machiko-sensei, Doraemon (and every other Fujiko Fujio anime derivative), Ninjaman Ippei, and leading into later fare like Dragon Ball. Sometimes it feels like the animators even took more of an interest in depicting more minute details that were not included in the original manga artwork they were adapting. Of course this had the cover of being depicted humorously, depicting the boy's naive, unsophisticated charm. I doubt back then any of it was anything more than studios being let off the leash slightly, seeing a positive response, and certain animators enjoying the privilege. Have you researched further back into the proto-shotacon Japanese literature tradition? I'm sure a lot of your book sources must have referenced authors like Edogawa Ranpo and Taruho Inagaki at some point.
Interesting that you notice the difference between the 70s and 80s. And yes, there seems to be this mix of innocence and interest, I've also noticed plenty of these humorous showings. I've tried to get Inagaki's work, without luck so far. Edogawa I'm not familiar with, so thank you for that tip!
asking the real questions. i think you're absolutely spot on with hidden meanings and chiralism, it's taboo to acknowledge these sorts of things yet everyone still secretly likes them. thank you!!
Thank you so much for your researches ! I was recently very interested in Lloyd from "I was reincarnated as the 7th prince so I can take my time perfecting my magical ability" and his girly attractive design and your videos made me discover Yuuta from Brave Police J-Decker. It's very interesting how shota designs can be different to attract women and even men !
Love your videos. I'm so happy that I found such an intelligent, knowledgeable shota historian for a western audience. Out of curiosity, who is your favorite shota? 👀
Wow, now I understand why Japanese writers are so good at chiralism. Coding and expressing things with underlying intent is embedded in their culture and communication styles to begin with. That talent happens to help sell merchandise, too… somehow the capitalistic angle of that doesn’t depress me... but maybe it’s because I’m a buyer.
The best way to describe your channel, in my earnest opinion, is “Everyone get the hell out this isnt a gay bar its a shota bar wtf”. (Ripped from a really weird fanfic.) By the way, do you know any other shota historian channels? I’ve started getting into this kind of stuff, and I wanna hear more!
I found your channel while trying to research on bataille! I have to say this has been really interesting, its been wonderful to go through and learn and think as Ive watched these videos. Is there a way you could link the research in the descriptions? Anyway, thank you so much for your hard work!Its been interesting because my knew jerk reaction was about how shota is used colloquially, and I had to sit an reflect on my own reaction before moving forward. But, Ive been interested in kpop since I was maybe 8?9? And kpop heavily borrowed from 70s japan and eventually Motown, and Japan picked and chose which aspects of motwon artist development they took as well. Theres an aspect of “coupling” like you mentioned in jpop idols to kpop and even Motown artists when I think about it.More contemporary examples like 1direction as well, and even western company’s explicitly pushing the idea. I wasnt a 1d fan at all, but they “accidentally” linked an erotic fanfiction about Harry Styles and Liam?I believe, despite how the boys apparently felt uncomfortable behind the scenes/were getting harassed by fans.At the top of my head I can name shinee’s concert videos where Jonghyun and Taemin explicitly caressed each other half naked on stage. Rewatching naruto recently I really questioned some of the choices in the show because it feels crazy to me that naruto and sasuke were never going to be able to “end” together, but I imagine its that “front” part of the story for certain viewers versus the “back” part of the story for the viewers too. Anyway, a super interesting series, thank you so much!
I'm really glad to have found this channel. So much interesting stuff in short, punchy videos. My reading list is definitely going to get bigger going back through the rest of your stuff. I look forward to your next upload!
Look at the cover, then ask yourself why are magazines about fashion used as a reference for the artist and individuals that designs, inspiration is a form respect.
