Japan is no stranger to queer representation. The various types of BL, GL, and Yaoi anime are proof of that. Now that Pride Month is here, it’s time to celebrate decades of LGBTQ+ culture and history while watching some chosen yaoi anime.
Firstly, a warning, yaoi is different from BL (Boys’ Love). While some people use the terms interchangeably, BL is a broader genre under which yaoi is a category. Yaoi explores se*ual connection between characters. And now, without further ado, let’s go through some must-watch yaoi anime.
5. DAIKAICHI
Dakaichi: I’m Being Harassed By the Sexiest Man of the Year is a Yaoi manga and anime series. Its anime adaptation came out in 2018, with a sequel film in 2021. Funnily enough, the title speaks for itself.
The story begins with Takato Saijo, who has been an actor since childhood, and holds the position of “sexiest man of the year” for five years straight. However, Junta, a newcomer to the industry, suddenly usurps Takato’s fame and position. While the rivalry is tense in the beginning, it soon turns into a juicy enemies-to-lovers plot.
4. Twittering Birds Never Fly
Now, this one is for the more mature audience who loves a bit of moral ambiguity in their characters. Twittering Birds Never Fly isn’t the usual fluffy queer romance. Instead, it has mafias, gore, dark psychology, trauma, and more. Its manga was adapted into an anime movie trilogy. The third movie of the trilogy is yet to be released.
Yashiro is a young yakuza boss with a complicated history. Due to his past trauma, he has developed some extreme se*ual habits. His newly assigned bodyguard is Chikara Domeki, and the two slowly find they are attracted to each other. However, the world of mafias is not so kind to romance, and Domeki’s well-guarded secret is doing no one any favors.
3. Doukyusei
Doukyusei or Classmates is a 2016 anime movie by Studio A-1 Pictures. The first striking feature of this movie is its stunning watercolor-style animation. The scenes are fluid, and the visuals blend into one another. It has a unique aesthetic, and it does not include any over-the-top or unrealistic romantic scenarios.
The story follows Rihito Sajo and Hikaru Kusakabe, two classmates who begin dating after an impulsive kiss. The plot follows the ups and downs of high school love as the two figure out how to remain together while wrestling with their respective future choices.
2. Mignon
Mignon is a Korean ONA that was released in 2023 and immediately became a hit. It has quickly become a top-recommended yaoi series due to the beautiful plot and visuals. The story focuses on Mignon, who is an underground fighter with a particularly harsh manager. The only person who cares for him is his doctor, whom he has fallen in love with. But little does he know that his coveted doctor is actually a vampire.
The ONA is filled with se*ual tension, romance, action scenes, gore, and of course, vampires! In 12 short episodes, it can take its audience through the journey of a lifetime. The series’ soundtrack also makes it an excellent watch.
1. Banana Fish
Banana Fish is the kind of anime that can take its audience through a whole rollercoaster ride of emotions. Set in mid-1980s New York City, it has a rich story with compelling and complex characters. It is animated by MAPPA and is visually stunning, to say the least.
Ash Lynx is a street gang leader, and his life is mired in danger, abuse, and trauma. He is a genius when it comes to fights and strategies. He finds an unexpected ally in Eiji Okamura, a budding journalist. Together, the two strive to solve a mystery while dabbling in the criminal underworld and the corrupt ultra elites.
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