An amazing breakdown of the history of bishounen, I actually never knew about the Chigo Just one small note: the term "trassexual" is an outdated word and is considered hurtful or misinforming by some, since trans existence is not related to sexuality. A more modern and safer term would be transgender or just trans. I absolutely don't blame you for this mistake though, since I don't sense any malice towards trans folks in your words in general and since especially historical sources tend to use the word "transsexual", it's kind of an accident waiting to happen 😅
I love the depth of research and analysis you put in every video. As someone who’s been reading Shoujo manga and playing Otome games with bishonen it’s really interesting to see the history and influences.
This must be a very weak analogy, but Genji Monogatari was written by a women (and frequently, he was desired and had his beauty compared to the women's own) while Bishounen is mainly made for a feminine audience. PS: another video about wakashus, for anyone curious: "Life of a Wakashu, Japan’s Third Gender (Male-Male Romance in Edo Japan)"
Found you video on The Color of Pomegranates and thought so well of it im checking out your other vids like what i see and you earned a sub, so keep up the good work!
Interestingly I talked to a influencer on Instagram about this not alot of people know of the origin of bishounen and the fact the boy it was inspired from went to from child actor to model and Japanese idol was frightening coz it all happened when he was 12 I think and then when he started growing up he had so much pressure to remain the look he had from 12 YEARS OLD. On top of it when he started as a actor the team and director were all gay and imagine being the only boy there... omg there is a documentary about it called " The most beautiful boy in the world "
Personally, I've always been muscular since I've worked out. I'm 29 but I cannot be a bishounen due to muscles too much. Is this true that bishounen are only skinny and pretty?