Japanese Kabuki Theatre Essay

In our modern society, there is still a prevalent view of a black-and-white set of binary gendered norms; you 're either masculine or feminine. While this notion is being challenged by many, especially the young within the LGBT+ community that are drifting away from that paradigm, causing a change in societal views, many of which would be considered progressive stances, there is still a curious fascination with the grey area between the physical traits of the two norms; Androgyny; a state of physical features and outward appearance that is neither masculine or feminine. This is often seen as 'strange ' by many with traditional views in the west, but this has not always been the case, nor has it always been with every culture. Japanese Kabuki theatre has been …show more content…
Reaching into modern times a more androgynous, or even feminine, look is desired by many Japanese entertainers. Japanese rock-or ‘J-rock’-bands like the globally popular Malice Mizer, which is comprised of cross-dressing male musicians who very easily pass as women to those that do not know the band 's male composition, are highly popular in Japan. Recently a new fashion trend called 'Genderless Kei ' has gained great popularity as well. Genderless Kei blends male and female fashion styles and an androgynous look to make a fashion that is neither male or female, yet both at the same time. Japanese “Idols” (which are similar to our actors, musicians, and artists in their fame and role in society) are embracing the image as well, with idols such as Ryucheru, Toman, Yohdi Kondo, and GENKING (who presents his name in all capitals and bold font) embodying the androgynous or Genderless Kei fashion. While not all in Japan may realize that these trends have their roots in Kabuki, the effects of the male portrayal of female roles served as the building blocks for the obsession Japan has with androgyny and feminine male