While most anime series conform to preset gender roles, some tend to take a more daring approach by subverting these constructs. Changing up gender roles of a few characters isn’t unheard of in anime, though it's usually tied to comedic relegation. However, some series follow a more earnest route with gender norm subversion, presenting a narrative that forces viewers to question the set boundaries of gender that society dictates.
In a time of rapid social progress on the gender front, anime is one media format that lags behind with its conventional take on societal norms. Still, a few series have taken an unorthodox approach by presenting fleshed-out characters taking on opposing gender roles. This not only serves as a breath of fresh air in an industry of stale narratives, but also opens up the anime community to a dialogue on contemporary concepts.
7 Requiem of the Rose King
Requiem of the Rose King pushes the boundaries of gender norms to their limits with an intersex character as the centerpiece to the story. Unlike the other nobles of the Kingdom that are busy fighting for the throne, Richard III has to fight the voices within, as his unique identity alienates him from the common woes of nobleship.
The story follows Richard III in his quest to find comfort and acceptance within his individuality, all while fighting for a place on the throne. The series is based on Shakepeare’s play, Richard III, which features a traditionally unattractive, hunchbacked noble’s rise to the throne.
6 Taisho Baseball Girls
Set in 1925, Taisho Baseball Girls embodies a profound message for the feminist movement, as the series’ premise denounces the patriarchy and male-centric standards. After being told by a male baseball player that women should only be housewives, two 14-year-old girls create an all-female baseball team to prove him wrong.
Being a traditionally male-dominated sport, baseball served as the perfect premise to denounce patriarchal standards and prove that women can excel in any field. The narrative’s profundity further becomes apparent when considering that Taisho Baseball Girls is set in a time when even running was considered a vulgar activity for women.
5 Snow White With The Red Hair
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Despite being a loose rendition of the fairytale Snow White, Snow White with the Red Hair is nothing like old-school fairy tales with a helpless princess and a charming savior. Instead, Shirayuki becomes her own person by not letting men dictate her life. When a prince demands her to be his concubine, Shirayuki rejects his encroachment and cuts off her long hair.
If her previous actwasn’t bold enough, Shirayuki goes on to help the prince of a neighboring nation, later becoming a professional herbalist in his palace. Instead of the prince saving Snow White from the apple, Shirayuki takes on the role of the savior by devising an antidote for the prince.
4 School Babysitters
Instead of the usual hot-headed, action-ready male protagonist, School Babysitters features a mellow and nurturing main character. After the untimely death of his parents, Ryuichi Kashima is forced to look after his younger brother and provide for him. Luckily, the chairwoman of the prestigious Morinomiya Academy offers him a lucrative deal.
In exchange for free tuition and accommodation at her academy, Ryuichi must help out at the school's daycare center. Ryuichi embodies the nurturing side of men, one that is often overlooked for the sake of writing action-filled stories catering to conventional masculine standards of power and strength.
3 My Dress-Up Darling
Wakana Gojo is forced to hide his favorite pastime from his peers, with past trauma of ridicule barring him from embracing his true passion. Because it was labeled as a feminine hobby, Wakana was forced to keep his fervent interest in creating hina dolls in the shadows.
It wasn’t until he met Marin Kitagawa that he confidently embraced his craft, transforming it into creating immaculate cosplays. My Dress-Up Darling opens up viewers to interests deemed forbidden to their genders, rejecting societal standards and propagating the message of accepting one’s true self.
2 Wandering Son
Wandering Son is laden with twists and turns, all relating to the story of Shuichi Nitori, a fifth grade student with a desire to be a boy. Shuichi befriends a classmate that is revealed to be trans as well, and the two explore their teen years with newfound identities and the pressure to conform to traditional gender norms.
Wandering Son presents a few rather controversial undertones, especially considering Japan’s attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community. However, the series valiantly discusses issues pertaining to gender dysphoria, all while exploring the glaring effects of societal pressures on young teenagers.
1 Dance Dance Danseur
Dance Dance Danseur flips societal constructs with its depiction of passion and desires triumphing over expectations. Junpei’s fervent devotion to ballet is snuffed out by his father’s untimely death. Being the only male in his household, Junpei’s uncle forces him to act more “masculine,” introducing him to Jeet Kune Do (a type of martial arts).
Junpei’s passion for ballet reignites once he crosses paths with Miyako Godai, a transfer student with familial roots in the art of ballet. The series explores themes of toxic masculinity and serves as an example of embracing self-expression and passion, despite resistance from society.