A multi-volume manga series that may or may not give insights into gay sensibilities among Japanese youth. Here's how an Anime News Network review explains the word "Otomen":
"... 'otomen' is a Japlish pun that combines the Japanese word 'otome' (maiden), with the English word 'men.' A more efficient translation of the title of this romantic comedy ... would be something like 'She-Man.'"The protagonist is Asuka Masamune, a teenage guy who both loves "girly" things (sewing, knitting, making stuffed animals, etc.) and is a martial arts expert. He seems to have a crush on a female student in his school, which suggests he isn't gay, but another character is a male writer of female manga who thinks Asuka is the ideal manifestation of the female spirit. All this may be inexplicable to a young American reader, which may make it a good example of the social construction of gender and homosexuality. Pete owns a copy. Also available at the SF Public Library.
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