Have you ever wondered where all the LGBTQ+ women are in Japanese media while Boys’ Love (BL) takes center stage? Well, fear not! There is a genre called “yuri” (百合, meaning “lily”) that focuses on romantic and pseudo-romantic relationships between female characters.

In this article, we will delve into the history of yuri, explore some yuri classics, and recommend some great anime/manga to get you started on your yuri journey. Join me as we discover the world of yuri and give it the love and support it deserves!

What is Yuri?

Yuri typically refers to manga, anime, and stories that showcase relationships between women. The term originated in the 1970s, coined by the first commercial Japanese gay men’s magazine, Barazoku, to represent the lesbian community. However, the exact definition of yuri can vary depending on who you ask. Some consider any story that focuses on female characters as yuri, even if it doesn’t have queer content. Others believe that true yuri should have explicit queer themes. Ultimately, you can define yuri based on your own preferences and interpretations.

History of Yuri

Yuri as a genre has a relatively short history but has its roots in various movements and works throughout the 1900s.

Takarazuka: All-Women Theater Troupe (1910s)

The Takarazuka Revue, founded in 1913, is an all-women theater troupe in Japan. While not explicitly gay, Takarazuka has been influential in the yuri genre. Women play all the roles, including male characters, and the troupe tackles gender roles and societal barriers with their performances. The fans’ devotion to the actors and the actors’ romantic partnerships with other women create a queer undertone in the Takarazuka community.

Class S: Literature Movement Featuring Sisterhood at All-Girls Schools (1910s -)

Class S literature emerged in the early 1900s, influenced by the close relationships formed among girls in all-girls schools. These stories explored romantic friendships, mentor-like relationships, and sisterly connections. While these relationships often blurred the line between friendship and romance, they laid the foundation for the yuri genre that we know today. Unfortunately, many stories treated same-sex relationships as a “phase” that ended after graduation.

Year 24 Mangaka: Group of Female Manga Artists Born in the 24th Year of Shōwa (1970s)

Female manga artists born around the 24th year of the Shōwa era brought diverse themes, including gender and sexuality, to shōjo manga. They introduced same-sex romance, genderqueer and androgynous characters, and themes of love and friendship. Works like “Rose of Versailles” and “Oniisama e” by Riyoko Ikeda, and “Shiroi Heya no Futari” by Ryōko Yamagishi, influenced yuri and BL genres.

Classic Yuri Heroine Recommendations (1990s – 2000s)

In the 1990s and 2000s, some iconic yuri heroines emerged. “Revolutionary Girl Utena” features a female student, Utena, who dreams of being a prince. Her relationship with Anthy is considered one of the most influential yuri stories. “Sailor Moon” also includes a wlw couple with Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune. “Maria-sama ga Miteru” explores intense mentor relationships in an all-girls school, with an underlying “lesbian tone.”

Modern Yuri Recommendations for Beginners

Today, YuriHime, an imprint of Ichijinsha, is a great place to find yuri manga. “Yagate Kimi ni Naru” (Bloom Into You) by Nio Nakatani is a must-read. It follows high school students Touko Nanami and Yuu Koito as they explore their feelings for each other. Touching on aromanticism and asexuality, this manga offers a dramatic and psychological journey of self-discovery.

For those seeking lighter reads, “Asagao to Kase-san” and “Sakura Trick” deliver pure happiness and gay fun. “Ano Ko ni Kisu to Shirayuri wo” and “Sasayaku You ni Koi wo Utau” feature multiple wlw couples, adding diversity to the yuri genre.

Congratulations, You’re Gay

If you’ve made it this far, congratulations on embarking on your yuri journey! Whether you’re in the LGBTQIA+ community or not, the yuri genre offers genuine, fascinating, and important stories that deserve your appreciation and support. Consider buying e-books to access yuri manga outside of Japan and help celebrate the diversity within the LGBTQIA+ community. So, grab a cup of tea and dive into the world of yuri!

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Note: This article is a brief exploration of the yuri genre in Japanese media. It does not cover every aspect or work within the genre.