Skip to content
1981
  1. Home
  2. A-Z Publications
  3. East Asian Journal of Popular Culture
  4. Online First Articles
  5. Online First Article
image of Canine courtship: Zoomorphism in Japanese Boys Love Omegaverse manga

Abstract

In 2010, in the English-language kink fanfiction community of the American television show (2005–20), the Omegaverse genre emerged. In this universe, humans have canine-like sexual characteristics and society is structured around a sexual hierarchy stratified by whether one is an alpha, a beta or an omega. In the years since, the genre has spread globally, finding particular popularity in Japanese Boys Love (BL) media. The Omegaverse represents one part of a global boom in zoomorphism, the depiction of humans with animal-like characteristics, for representing and understanding human societal norms. Through a textual and discourse analysis of three Japanese Omegaverse BL manga series and associated reviews from BL fan site Chill Chill, this article discusses the appeal of zoomorphism, its boom in popularity and the reasons for its global spread. Drawing on animal studies, I highlight how the Omegaverse provides a space to critique and explore issues surrounding relationships in the real world, arguing that this suggests that the global appeal of zoomorphism is in how the animal can reflect what it means to be human.

Funding
This study was supported by the:
  • The Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation
© 2024 Intellect Ltd
Loading

Article metrics loading...

/content/journals/10.1386/eapc_00135_1
2024-10-22
2025-01-18
Loading full text...

Full text loading...

References

  1. Badmington, Neil (2004), ‘Mapping posthumanism’, Environment and Planning A: Economy and Space, 36:8, pp. 1344–51, https://doi.org/10.1068/a37127.
     [Google Scholar]
  2. Baele, Stephane J., Brace, Lewys and Coan, Travis G. (2021), ‘From “incel” to “saint”: Analyzing the violent worldview behind the 2018 Toronto attack’, Terrorism and Political Violence, 33:8, pp. 1667–91, https://doi.org/10.1080/09546553.2019.1638256.
     [Google Scholar]
  3. Bailie, Helen T. (2011), ‘Blood ties: The vampire lover in the popular romance’, The Journal of American Culture, 34:2, pp. 141–48, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1542-734X.2011.00770.x.
     [Google Scholar]
  4. Bauwens-Sugimoto, Jessica (2011), ‘Subverting masculinity, misogyny, and reproductive technology in Sex Pistols’, Image & Narrative, 12:1, pp. 1–18.
     [Google Scholar]
  5. Biermann, Christine, Kelley, Lisa C. and Lave, Rebecca (2021), ‘Putting the Anthropocene into practice: Methodological implications’, Annals of the American Association of Geographers, 111:3, pp. 808–18, https://doi.org/10.1080/24694452.2020.1835456.
     [Google Scholar]
  6. Busse, Kristina (2013), ‘Pon Farr, Mpreg, Bonds and the rise of the Omegaverse’, in A. Jamison (ed.), Fic: Why Fanfiction Is Taking over the World, Dallas, TX: Smart Pop, pp. 316–22.
     [Google Scholar]
  7. Chill Chill (2016a), ‘Kashikomarimashita desutinī (ue)’ (‘Yes, my destiny [part one]’), Chill Chill, 24 May, https://www.chil-chil.net/goodsDetail/goods_id/56918/. Accessed 4 November 2021.
     [Google Scholar]
  8. Chill Chill (2016b), ‘Kashikomarimashita desutinī (shita)’ (‘Yes, my destiny [part two]’), Chill Chill, 24 May, https://www.chil-chil.net/goodsDetail/goods_id/57444/. Accessed 4 November 2021.
     [Google Scholar]
  9. Chill Chill (2016c), ‘Tadaima, okaeri’ (Welcome Home), Chill Chill, 26 June, https://www.chil-chil.net/goodsDetail/goods_id/57373/. Accessed 4 November 2021.
     [Google Scholar]
  10. Chill Chill (2017a), ‘Kashikomarimashita desutinī: Answer (ue)’ (‘Yes, my destiny: Answer [part one]’), Chill Chill, 24 May, https://www.chil-chil.net/goodsDetail/goods_id/62846/. Accessed 4 November 2021.
     [Google Scholar]
  11. Chill Chill (2017b), ‘Kashikomarimashita desutinī: Answer (shita)’ (‘Yes, my destiny: Answer [part two]’), Chill Chill, 24 June, https://www.chil-chil.net/goodsDetail/goods_id/63667/. Accessed 4 November 2021.
     [Google Scholar]
  12. Chill Chill (2017c), ‘Tadaima, okaeri: Kagayaku hi’ (‘Welcome back, I’m home: Shining days’), Chill Chill, 24 June, https://www.chil-chil.net/goodsDetail/goods_id/63464/. Accessed 4 November 2021.
     [Google Scholar]
  13. Chill Chill (2018a), ‘Tadaima, okaeri: Mata ashita’ (‘Welcome back: See you tomorrow’), Chill Chill, 26 April, https://www.chil-chil.net/goodsDetail/goods_id/93427/. Accessed 4 November 2021.
     [Google Scholar]
  14. Chill Chill (2018b), ‘Megumi to Tsugumi’ (Megumi & Tsugumi), Chill Chill, 17 October, https://www.chil-chil.net/goodsDetail/goods_id/96608/. Accessed 4 November 2021.
     [Google Scholar]
  15. Chill Chill (2019), ‘Megumi to Tsugumi 2’ (Megumi & Tsugumi 2), Chill Chill, 17 December, https://www.chil-chil.net/goodsDetail/goods_id/106325/. Accessed 4 November 2021.
     [Google Scholar]
  16. Chill Chill (n.d.), ‘Omegabāsu BL sakuhin’ (‘Omegaverse BL works’), Chill Chill, https://www.chil-chil.net/goodsList/settei[]/A44/. Accessed 4 November 2021.
     [Google Scholar]
  17. Dakara, Kirishima (だから霧島) (2014), Do S kaichō ni go kaichō!? Arufa wa omega o shihai suru (‘Unveiled by the sadistic student council president!? The Omega is dominated by the alpha’), Tokyo: Kadokawa.
     [Google Scholar]
  18. Dawkins, Richard (1976), The Selfish Gene, New York: Oxford University Press.
     [Google Scholar]
  19. Fujimoto, Yukari (藤本由香里) (2020), ‘Shōnen ai, June/yaoi, BL: Sorezore no koshō no seiritsu to tenkai’ (‘Shōnen-ai, June/Yaoi, BL: The naming and development of each term’), in A. Hori and N. Mori (eds), BL no kyōkasho (BL Studies: An Introduction), Tokyo: Yūhikaku, pp. 2–17.
     [Google Scholar]
  20. Ge, Liang (2021), ‘Problematizing heteronormativity: Performativity, resignification and A/B/O fiction in Chinese danmei literature’, East Asian Journal of Popular Culture, 7:2, pp. 241–54, https://www.doi.org/10.1386/eapc_00051_1.
     [Google Scholar]
  21. Go, Mōriki (GO毛力), Sakana, Tomomi (魚ともみ), Ichinashi, Kimi (市梨きみ), Beni (紅) and akabeko (2016), b-boy Omegabāsu (b-boy Omegaverse), vol. 1, Tokyo: Libre.
     [Google Scholar]
  22. Gunderson, Marianne (2017), ‘What is an Omega? Rewriting sex and gender in the Omegaverse’, MA dissertation, Oslo: University of Oslo.
     [Google Scholar]
  23. Healy, Michael J. and Beverland, Michael B. (2013), ‘Unleashing the animal within: Exploring consumers’ zoomorphic identity motives’, Journal of Marketing Management, 29:1–2, pp. 225–48, https://www.doi.org/10.1080/0267257X.2013.766233.
     [Google Scholar]
  24. Hijiki (ひじき) (2019–present), Kiraide isasete (Hate Me, but Let Me Stay), vols 1–5, Tokyo: Libre.
     [Google Scholar]
  25. Hogberg, Jamie, Treves, Adrian, Shaw, Bret and Naughton-Treves, Lisa (2016), ‘Changes in attitudes toward wolves before and after an inaugural public hunting and trapping season: Early evidence from Wisconsin’s wolf range’, Environmental Conservation, 43:1, pp. 45–55, https://www.doi.org/10.1017/S037689291500017X.
     [Google Scholar]
  26. Honto Plus (2021), ‘BL dokusha 1,800 mei ni kiita! “BL (Bōizu rabu)” ni kansuru ishiki chōsa’ (‘We asked 1,800 BL readers! An awareness survey about “BL (Boys Love)”’), Honto Plus, 24 March, https://honto.jp/article/bl-attitude-survey.html. Accessed 15 July 2023.
     [Google Scholar]
  27. Hrdy, Sarah B. (1986), ‘Empathy, polyandry, and the myth of the coy female’, in R. Bleier (ed.), Feminist Approaches to Science, New York: Pergamon, pp. 119–46.
     [Google Scholar]
  28. Ichikawa, Ichi (いちかわ壱) (2016–present), Tadaima, okaeri (Welcome Home), vols 1–5, Tokyo: Fusion Product.
     [Google Scholar]
  29. Irwin, Darren E. and Price, Trevor (1999), ‘Sexual imprinting, learning and speciation’, Heredity, 82:4, pp. 347–54, https://www.doi.org/10.1038/sj.hdy.6885270.
     [Google Scholar]
  30. Itō, Shiori (伊藤詩織) (2018), interviewed by R. Kowaka, M. Tsukue and H. Mokuta, Asahi Shimbun, 18 September, https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASL9F5J76L9FPTFC01C.html. Accessed 6 July 2023.
  31. Jamison, Anne (ed.) (2013), ‘Why fic?’, in A. Jamison (ed.), Fic: Why Fanfiction Is Taking over the World, Dallas, TX: Smart Pop, pp. 17–24.
     [Google Scholar]
  32. Katashina (かたしな), Tobidase, Kebin (鳶田瀬ケビン), Sunako (すなこ), Pii (ぴい), Moriyo (森世), Kabano, Sakadachi (河馬乃さかだち) and Yoha (2015), Omegabāsu purojekuto (The Omegaverse Project), vol. 1, Tokyo: Fusion Product.
     [Google Scholar]
  33. koto@surīpu chū (koto@スリープ中) (2013), ‘(Fu R18) MP19 shinkan sanpuru (chaeri)’ (‘[Restricted 18, for fujoshi] sample of new release for MP19 [Charles x Erik]’), Pixiv, 8 June, https://www.pixiv.net/en/artworks/36231338. Accessed 19 June 2023.
     [Google Scholar]
  34. Kotobuki, Tarako (寿たらこ) (2003–present), Sex Pistols, vols 1–11, Tokyo: Libre.
     [Google Scholar]
  35. Kruse, Corwin (2002), ‘Social animals: Animal studies and sociology’, Society & Animals, 10:4, pp. 375–79, https://www.doi.org/10.1163/156853002320936836.
     [Google Scholar]
  36. Mason, Jim (2017), ‘Misothery: Contempt for animals and nature, its origins, purposes, and repercussions’, in L. Kalof (ed.), The Oxford Handbook of Animal Studies, New York: Oxford University Press, pp. 134–51.
     [Google Scholar]
  37. McNeil, David (2018), ‘Justice postponed: Ito Shiori and rape in Japan’, The Asia-Pacific Journal: Japan Focus, 16:15, https://apjjf.org/2018/15/McNeill.html. Accessed 6 July 2023.
     [Google Scholar]
  38. Mech, Lucyan D. (1970), The Wolf: The Ecology and Behavior of an Endangered Species, New York: Doubleday.
     [Google Scholar]
  39. Mech, Lucyan D. (1999), ‘Alpha status, dominance, and division of labor in wolf packs’, Canadian Journal of Zoology, 77:8, pp. 1196–203, https://www.doi.org/10.1139/Z99-099.
     [Google Scholar]
  40. Milam, Erika L. (2010), Looking for a Few Good Males: Female Choice in Evolutionary Biology, Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press.
     [Google Scholar]
  41. Mizoguchi, Akiko (溝口明子) (2015), BL shinkaron: Bōizu rabu ga shakai o ugokasu (Theorising BL as a Transformative Genre: Boys’ Love Moves the World Forward), Tokyo: Ōta shuppan.
     [Google Scholar]
  42. Naughton-Treves, Lisa, Grossberg, Rebecca and Treves, Adrian (2003), ‘Paying for tolerance: Rural citizens’ attitudes toward wolf depredation and compensation’, Conservation Biology, 17:6, pp. 1500–11, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1523-1739.2003.00060.x.
     [Google Scholar]
  43. netweight (2013), ‘The nonnies made them do it!’, Archive of Our Own, 28 November, https://archiveofourown.org/works/1022303/chapters/2033841. Accessed 4 November 2021.
     [Google Scholar]
  44. Popova, Milena (2018), ‘“Dogfuck rapeworld”: Omegaverse fanfiction as a critical tool in analyzing the impact of social power structures on intimate relationships and sexual consent’, Porn Studies, 5:2, pp. 175–91, https://doi.org/10.1080/23268743.2017.1394215.
     [Google Scholar]
  45. Rantala, Markus J. and Marcinkowska, Urszula M. (2011), ‘The role of sexual imprinting and the Westermarck effect in mate choice in humans’, Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, 65:5, pp. 859–73, https://www.doi.org/10.1007/s00265-011-1145-y.
     [Google Scholar]
  46. Sachimo (さちも) (2016), Kashikomarimashita desutinī (Yes, My Destiny), vols 1 and 2, Tokyo: Fusion Product.
     [Google Scholar]
  47. Sachimo (さちも) (2017), Kashikomarikashita desutinī: Answer (Yes, My Destiny: Answer), vols 1 and 2, Tokyo: Fusion Product.
     [Google Scholar]
  48. Sandberg, Shara F. (2019), ‘Resisting intervention, (en)trusting my partner: Unmarried women’s narratives about contraceptive use in Tokyo’, in A. Alexy and E. E. Cook (eds), Intimate Japan: Ethnographies of Closeness and Conflict, Honolulu: University of Hawaiʻi Press, pp. 73–90.
     [Google Scholar]
  49. Santos, Kristine M. L. (2020), ‘The bitches of Boys Love comics: The pornographic response of Japan’s rotten women’, Porn Studies, 7:3, pp. 279–90, https://www.doi.org/10.1080/23268743.2020.1726204.
     [Google Scholar]
  50. Schell, Heather (2007), ‘The big bad wolf: Masculinity and genetics in popular culture’, Literature and Medicine, 26:1, pp. 109–25.
     [Google Scholar]
  51. Schenkel, Rudolph (1947), ‘Expression studies on wolves’, Behaviour, 1, pp. 81–129.
     [Google Scholar]
  52. Shiota, Aya (塩田彩) (2020), ‘Many sexual violence victims in Japan do not report assaults to police, support groups: Survey’, The Mainichi, 24 November, https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20201123/p2a/00m/0na/024000c. Accessed 6 July 2023.
     [Google Scholar]
  53. Si, Mitsuru (Siミツル) (2018–present), Megumi to Tsugumi (Megumi & Tsugumi), vols 1–6, Tokyo: Takeshobō.
     [Google Scholar]
  54. spnkink_mod_v2 (2010a), ‘!!! – CLOSED TO NEW PROMPTS – !!! J2 prompting post// May 15 to May 31’, Supernatural Kink Community, 15 May, https://spnkink-meme.livejournal.com/21800.html?thread=4996904. Accessed 4 November 2021.
     [Google Scholar]
  55. spnkink_mod_v2 (2010b), ‘!!! – CLOSED TO NEW PROMPTS – !!! J2 prompting post// Nov 8th – Nov 22nd’, Supernatural Kink Community, 8 November, https://spnkink-meme.livejournal.com/32449.html?thread=7639233#t7639233. Accessed 4 November 2021.
     [Google Scholar]
  56. Supernatural (2005–20, USA: Warner Bros. Television).
     [Google Scholar]
  57. Takashima, Rin (高島鈴) (2020), ‘Omegabāsu o yomu: Ranhansha suru yokubō to genjitsu’ (‘Reading the Omegaverse: Diffused desires and reality’), Yurīka (Eureka), Special Issue: ‘Onna otaku no genzai’ (‘Female Otaku Today’), 52:11, pp. 142–48.
     [Google Scholar]
  58. tehdirtiestsock (thatotherperv) (2010), ‘I ain’t no lady, but you’d be the tramp’, Archive of Our Own, 24 July, https://archiveofourown.org/works/719878?view_full_work=true. Accessed 4 November 2021.
     [Google Scholar]
  59. Tosenberger, Catherine (2008), ‘Homosexuality at the online hogwarts: Harry Potter slash fanfiction’, Children’s Literature, 36, pp. 185–207, https://www.doi.org/10.1353/chl.0.0017.
     [Google Scholar]
  60. Vaughn, Matthew (2011), X-Men: First Class, USA: 20th Century Fox.
     [Google Scholar]
  61. Walker, Brett L. (2005), The Lost Wolves of Japan, Seattle, WA: University of Washington Press.
     [Google Scholar]
  62. Welker, James (2006), ‘Beautiful, borrowed, and bent: “Boys’ Love” as girls’ love in Shôjo manga’, Signs: Journal of Women in Culture and Society, 31:3, pp. 841–70, https://doi.org/10.1086/498987.
     [Google Scholar]
  63. Welker, James (2015), ‘A brief history of Shōnen’ai, Yaoi, and Boys Love’, in M. McLelland, K. Nagaike, K. Suganuma and J. Welker (eds), Boys Love Manga and Beyond: History, Culture and Community in Japan, Jackson, MS: University Press of Mississippi, pp. 42–75.
     [Google Scholar]
/content/journals/10.1386/eapc_00135_1
Loading
  • Article Type: Article
Keywords: BL ; sexuality ; animal studies ; fandom ; A/B/O ; fanfiction ; Japan

Most Cited Most Cited RSS feed

This is a required field
Please enter a valid email address
Approval was a success
Invalid data
An error occurred
Approval was partially successful, following selected items could not be processed due to error
Please enter a valid_number test