Female Masculinity and the Business of Emotions in Tokyo

Female Masculinity and the Business of Emotions in Tokyo explores the "emotion business" of dansō escorting, which is a phenomenon that combines gender performativity, pop culture, modified relationships, and the desire for self-expression. It documents the dreams, ambitions, and fears of young crossdresser escorts and their clients, women looking for the perfect man and the opportunity to experience emotions. Combining anthropological, sociological, and gender studies theories with an ethnographic approach, the book argues that dansō crossdressing is a tool used by Japanese women to resist heteronormative and patriarchal society and reinvent themselves and their identities. It will interest scholars and students of Japanese studies, gender studies, and anthropology.

Format: Hardback
Length: 204 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Female Masculinity and the Business of Emotions in Tokyo delves into the captivating realm of "emotion business" as a novel phenomenon that emerges between gender performativity, pop culture, commodified relationships, and the yearning for self-expression. Through the lens of Fanasca, the author meticulously captures the dreams, aspirations, and fears of young crossdresser escorts as they navigate their identity within the complex tapestry of Japanese society, as well as the desires of their clients: women seeking the perfect man and the chance to embrace and experience emotions. By seamlessly blending anthropological, sociological, and gender studies theories with an ethnographic approach, Fanasca compellingly argues that dansō crossdressing serves as a powerful tool employed by a segment of Japanese women to challenge the heteronormative and patriarchal societal norms and expectations, while simultaneously reinventing themselves and their identities in pursuit of self-actualization. This interdisciplinary work holds immense appeal to scholars and students alike, with its rich insights into Japanese studies, gender studies, and anthropology.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032552453