In-between Yaoi and Bara

[TonyAndonuts]

So I'm pretty new to BL, but after seeing a few BL Japanese movies out of curiosity, I wanted to see some more because I'm really interested in what kind of stories come out of Japan that involve gay relationships.

 

But I recently learned that when it comes to gay stories in Japan, they often fall under the category of yaoi or bara. If I'm to understand correctly, yaoi is directed more toward women with slender bishounen leads and often portray a seme and uke relationship. Bara on the other hand is kind of the opposite as it's directed toward gay men with manly, muscular male leads.

 

I've heard some criticism about yaoi in that the stories are very melodramatic and fantasy-esque and tries to enforce the seme-uke relationship, which is seen as very unrealistic. In regards to seme-uke, people also criticize how a lot of seme force themselves onto the uke, but ultimately get rewarded as the uke inevitable falls for the seme, which is kinda messed up if you ask me. People also say that many yaoi don't even talk about characters being gay or bi. They just fall for each other and sexuality isn't addressed. I've watched the Takumi-Kun Series and I did kind of see all this in each film.

 

However, people say that bara is the opposite in that the storylines and relationships presented there are much more realistic. I did a quick search for some one-shots, but what I ended up with was nothing but ultra graphic BDSM. To me, that's even worse. I'm sure I missed some better examples, but I got scared away too fast lol.

 

So basically, I'm looking for a specific type of BL story (anime, manga, live action drama, doesn't matter) that's somewhere in the middle of yaoi and bara. I'm looking for:

 

- The two male leads don't have an overwhelming seme-uke relationship. I'd prefer if they were on more of an equal level.

- I'm okay with bishounen and I'm also okay if one of the characters had slightly feminine traits, but I'd be really interested if one or both male leads were more masculine. And not ultra masculine with gigantic, rippling muscles or anything like that, just a nice middle ground.

- Sex is great, but I'd like to see a relationship that doesn't revolve around it or bloom because of it. I want to see a real, genuine relationship with romance.

- Rape fantasies are a complete turn off to me, so none of that.

- I don't want sexuality to be ignored. I'd like to see the characters actually identify as gay or bi. Also, it'd be really great if the story actually dealt with real issues of being gay instead of pretending like they live in a fantasy world where it's never questioned or brought up.

 

I'd really appreciate some recommendations. I haven't read too much manga or seen anime, but I have seen a few live action BL stories like Takumi-Kun, Doushitemo Furetakunai, and Hatsu-koi (2007). Hatsu-koi was probably my favorite. It had a lot of what I was looking for. It dealt with issues of being gay in Japan, it had a very real and loving relationship where both partners played equal roles, the actors looked like real everyday people instead of boy band idols (although I'm cool with that), and it even had a glimpse of the more promiscuous side of gay life too. That's the kind of stuff I'd like to see.

[morning_flower94]

my suggestions are :

Rec (korean drama, quite graphic if you ask me) is a good example of some gay relationships' problem. The ending is quite sad but for me it is quite realistic.

 

Boy meet boy and just friends? (both are korean drama too, just friends? is the sequel of boy meet boy) they're cute, with a happier ending than rec.

 

kigurumi planet (manga) the main characters are bishonen, but I think it's quite cute :3 especially the costumes.rabbit4

 

I don't know if my suggestions are correct, but they're worth to try in my opinion :3

I think there are a lot more that match your criteria but I forgot the title, sorry >_

[Virdian*]

I think you are looking for Shounen-Ai anime. They don't include any sex scenes and focus primarily on the emotional love relationship between the characters. Frankly, it doesn't really relate to me (because I am all Yaoi Fudanshi ^^)

 

Well, as far as Shonen-ai anime are concerned, I would recommend you:

 

● Junjou Romantica (nice mix of Yaoi / Shonen-ai)

● Kono Danshi (Ningyo Hiroimashita)

● Sukisho

● Hybrid Child

● Seikimatsu Darling

● Gakuen Heaven

● Dramatical Murder

● Kizuna

 

^ Those are all either softcore Yaoi or Shonen-Ai Anime.

[TonyAndonuts]

Is Shounen-Ai the same as Boys Love/BL?

[1330tango]

Dog Style is 3 volumes and the leads are delinquents. There is rape (not between the leads), but it is handled as rape and it is a backstory of one of the characters.

 

Seven Days - Not sexual, both characters are very good looking but misunderstood.

 

Real gay life in Japan - I recommend "We are Out" on Youtube. One of the segments features the late gay porn actor Masaki Koh. He has very philosophical things to say about gay men and spoke of his responsibility toward his partner. This came out shortly before his death.

[andshewasadanger]

I can relate to some of your confusion. A lot of the terms used to describe the relationships between the characters are confusing. But if you are not afraid to use this site, then maybe consider checking out their meanings on urban dictionary. At least this will help you in your search to know what it is you are looking for. For example, when searching for yaoi if you see the term 'shota,' this will mean that one of the main characters is going to be a young boy, and the other maybe young too or a much older male.

shounen-ai refers to relationships between two males. Usually focuses on the romantic/ loving/ emotional side of the relationship, unlike yaoi which focuses on the passionate/ lustful/ physical side. Usually no more than PG-13 rated (straight from Urban Dictionary)

If you aren't into that sort of stuff then you'll know right away to steer clear of it. hope it helps

[Cohran]

Hello I usually have the same problems when choosing BL because i do not care much for stories with overly feminine ukes or stories that reflect a typical hetero relationship due to the personalities of the characters. My recommendation would be Hana no Mizu Shiro (manga) it has a good story build up and explores the emotions of the leads, there is a bit of sex at the end though.