Yuri, also known as “百合” or “girls’ love (GL),” is a genre of manga, anime, novels, and video games that feature romantic and sexual relationships between female characters. Unlike “yaoi”, which focuses on homosexual relationships between male characters, yuri is intended for a female audience and features female characters.
The history of yuri dates back to the 1970s, when it emerged as a subgenre of shōjo manga (manga for teenage girls). However, it was in the 1990s that yuri became a genre in its own right with the publication of iconic series such as “Shōjo Kakumei Utena” (Revolutionary Girl Utena) by Chiho Saito and Kunihiko Ikuhara and “Oniisama e…” (Dear Brother) by Riyoko Ikeda. Since then, yuri has become a popular genre in otaku culture, with many yuri series, movies and video games being created.
Yuri mainly focuses on romantic relationships between female characters. Yuri stories can range from a sweet and innocent romance to a passionate and sexual romance. Common themes in yuri include the discovery of sexuality, the exploration of romantic feelings and the development of romantic relationships. Female characters in yuri are often portrayed as more emotional and sensitive than male characters, allowing for a focus on relationships and emotions rather than action or conflict.
Yuri characters can be divided into two main categories: “seme” and “uke”. The “seme” are dominant female characters who often take the initiative in the romantic relationship, while the “uke” are more submissive female characters who are often initiated into the relationship. Yuri characters can also be categorized by personality, physical appearance, and behavior, but these categories are often less rigid than the “seme” and “uke” categories.
Yuri can be considered a subgenre of shōjo manga, but it is also popular with readers and viewers of all ages and genders. Yuri is often valued for its positive portrayal of same-sex relationships between women, as well as its exploration of universal themes of love and relationships. Yuri can also offer an escape for readers and viewers who seek to explore their own sexuality or connect with characters who represent aspects of their own lives.
However, yuri is not without its critics. Some people feel that yuri can reinforce gender stereotypes by portraying female characters as weak and submissive. Other critics point out that yuri is often created for a male audience, which can lead to a hypersexualized and objectified portrayal of female characters.
The following is a non-exhaustive list of major yuri works:
- “Sakura Trick” by Tachi
- “Girl Friends” by Milk Morinaga
- “Aoi Hana” by Takako Shimura
- “Strawberry Panic!” by Sakurako Kimino
- “Kase-san and Morning Glories” by Hiromi Takashima
- “Citrus” by Saburouta
- “Whispered Words” by Takashi Ikeda
- “Revolutionary Girl Utena” by Kunihiko Ikuhara
- “Maria Watches Over Us” by Oyuki Konno
