Manga Girl Seeks Herbivore Boy

Japan's gender roles are in turmoil. Traditional life courses for men and women are still presented as role models, but there is an increasing range of gender choices for those uncomfortable with convention. This collection of studies from the University of Cambridge provides fascinating insights into the diversity of gendered images, identities and life-styles in contemporary Japan - from manga girls to herbivore boys, from absent fathers to transgender people.

Brigitte Steger is a University Lecturer in Modern Japanese Studies (Society) at the University of Cambridge researching daily life.

Angelika Koch, also at Cambridge, is a PhD student researching sexuality and health discourses in premodern Japan.