Wakashu: The gender benders of Edo era Japan & predecessors of modern LGBTQ+ identities
Edo-era Japan (1603–1867), a group that decided the societal norms were as appealing as a three-week-old sushi roll. The wakashū, which translates to “young companions,” were adolescents known for their unique gender presentation and their significant social and cultural roles.
They emerged as a distinct social category, a “third gender,” separate from men and women. Japan was seriously ahead of the contemporary dialogue on gender.
These Japanese youths transitioned smoothly into a recognized third gender, unlike their Western counterparts, who often grappled with the awkwardness of adolescence.
Wakashū held a unique role in Japanese society, balancing delicacy and strength, aesthetics and practicality. They studied arts, including music, dance, tea ceremony, and martial arts.
