Although LGBTQ+ rights — particularly transgender rights — are not as well recognized in Japan as they should be, there are many in the country who are supportive of them. This includes creatives, writers, and artists. As our readers may be aware, Japan has an extensive history when it comes to comics, known here as manga. Today, we’re going to run down some of the best representations of trans women in manga.
The Bride Was a Boy
Published in 2016, this is the short yet sweet tale of Chii, who — as the title suggests — was assigned male at birth, but transitioned into her true self as she aged. This story is autobiographical, and covers the protagonist/author’s experiences as they age into and accept their identity, and are accepted by a loving husband in return. It describes not only the feelings of Chii, but also the process (and difficulties) of transitioning in Japan.
Readers have been thrilled by how touching and inspiring the manga is, representing as it does both the possibility and reality of being accepted as who you are, not just in Japan, but anywhere. Unmissable.
I Wanna Be Your Girl
The tale of Akira, a young woman who, after only revealing to her best friend Hime that she is unhappy in the gender she was assigned at birth, comes out to her entire school. As they navigate the difficulties of highschool, Hime becomes ever more protective of Akira… and begins dressing as a boy.
An award-winning manga that has been praised for its sensitivity and delicate representation of gender transition and expression, highschool crushes, and the kindness that two people can share between one another.
Until I Become Me
More of a fantastical manga, this time our protagonist, Akira, is a bully and a sexist jerk, even at the tender age of seven. However, one day, he awakes to find that he has been reborn as a girl. Now, this is very different to a realistic transition story, of course. However, some readers have appreciated how the concept of a second puberty is expressed, and the way that the main character comes to accept and embrace their true gender identity.
The Gender of Mona Lisa
Another more fantastical tale, this time set in a world where one’s gender is not decided until the age of 12. At that time, one chooses one’s own gender. However, our star, Hinase, has yet to choose their gender at the age of 18. This is in no small part because they have received confessions from classmates both boy and girl, who want to Hinase to choose the opposite gender to make them happy.
Sometimes controversial, this manga deals with the themes of what gender is, and what it means to feel like one or the other. While the conclusion may not be satisfactory (especially to those who are non-binary), it is worth a read.
Wandering Son
One of the most well-known transgender-centered manga, this piece by Takako Shimura revolves around Shuichi Nitori, a young trans woman who, by chance, goes to school with and sits next to Yoshino Takatsuki, a young trans boy. Together, they negotiate the difficulties of growing up as they try to express their gender — to one another and to the world.
Highly thought of, and highly praised by translator and critic Rachel Thorn, this manga is a worthy addition to anyone’s bookshelf.
This is just the start. Transgender women in Japan do not yet have the legal or social security that they need and deserve. Manga alone cannot provide them, of course. But it does do us good to remember that there are friends everywhere.
