Mirror of Narcissus

This project is the beginning of my research, sparked by my personal interests. I am part of a subculture that enjoys reading and fantasizing about love stories, particularly male-male romance novels known as "slash" or "yaoi." This subculture is primarily composed of female creators and consumers, and the male characters they depict often exhibit strong femininity and surreal qualities. My project, titled "Mirror of ??," aims to analyze the meaning behind the sensual and intimate interactions between male characters in slash/yaoi literature, and to explore the desires and projections of both the creators and the readers. Although slash/yaoi literature may seem to challenge traditional gender and class hierarchies, it ultimately falls back on the contradictions of traditional heterosexual structures and phallic-centric perspectives.

This has led me to question the revolutionary and rebellious aspects of slash/yaoi literature, and whether it overlooks the complexities of societal and biological gender issues.

One of the most prominent and important aspects of slash/yaoi literature is the emphasis on "aesthetic beauty," which sets it apart from realistic accounts and gay male literature. The descriptions of the male body in these novels are a reflection of the subculture's attempt to break free from societal constraints while still being unable to fully do so. These depictions also reflect the creators' self-love and self-loathing.

This has piqued my interest in exploring the body, touch, and the complexities of love.