Event Reports

AnimeJapan 2018 with a Boys Love Eye

Yuzu March 29, 2018
1 minute read

This past weekend, Manga Planet attended AnimeJapan 2018.  As one of the largest anime events in the world, AnimeJapan creates a space for anime fans of all genres, even Boys Love. 2018 is an exciting year for fujoshi and fudanshi. Many BL manga titles receiving anime adaptations (Dakaretai Otoko 1-i ni Odosarete Imasu., 10 Count, Yarichin ☆ Bitch Club) along with series inches away from entering BL territory (looking at you, Free!), and this year’s event reflected it.

We have prepared a specially tailored guide through AnimeJapan2018 for all our fujoshi and fudanshi fans!

BE BOY x animate

be boy x animate
The aura of BL hovered above at AnimeJapan 2018 thanks to BE BOY and Animate.

At this year’s AnimeJapan, Animate teamed up with BL publisher BE BOY to created a booth drenched in love and…more. Their lineup of goods were a particular hit among visitors.

The Hidoku Shinai De were particularly popular and sold out on Saturday.

The booth offered more than just goods to fans. It also had a small exhibit on omegaverse and Hashigo Sakurabi’s manga Dakaretai Otoko 1-i ni Odosarete Imasu.

omegaverse
Love it or hate it, omegaverse has reached mainstream BL.
Dakaretai Otoko 1-i ni Odosarete Imasu.
The celebrate the anime adaptation, BE BOY and Animate created a chance for fans to actually be hugged by the Junta Azumaya and Takato Saijyo.
Dakaretai Otoko 1-i ni Odosarete Imasu.
Hashigo Sakurabi signed the Dakaretai Otoko 1-i ni Odosarete Imasu. poster at the booth.
Dakaretai Otoko 1-i ni Odosarete Imasu.
The exhibit outlined important scenes from Hashigo Sakurabi’s manga.

For those unfamiliar with Dakaretai Otoko 1-i ni Odosarete Imasu., the manga follows the story of Takato Saijyo, an idol voted “Most Huggable” for five years running, and Junta Azumaya, a newbie actor charming fans, even Takato’s admirers. Annoyed by Junta’s popularity, Takato takes actions he soon regrets and finds himself blackmailed by the object of his…hate…or affection?

Dakaretai Otoko 1-i ni Odosarete Imasu.
These color illustrations are fictional magazine covers Takato and Junta appear in as actors and idols.
Takato Saijyo Junta Azumaya
These color illustrations are fictional magazine covers Takato and Junta appear in as actors and idols.
Junta Azumaya Takato Saijyo
This is also a fictional shampoo ad that features Junta and Takato.
Junta Azumaya.
This is an introduction to Junta Azumaya. The captions read, “His expressions change like a beast,” and “Junta Azumaya’s overwhelming angelic power.”
This is an introduction image to Takato Saijyo. The captions read, “He gets drunk, and its trouble!?” “Tsun tsun dere dere,” and “Takato-san is a super ikemen in job mode.”
Takato Saijyo
Takato dresses up for this perfume advertisement.
Dakaretai Otoko 1-i ni Odosarete Imasu.
Keep your eyes out for the Dakaretai Otoko 1-i ni Odosarete Imasu. anime later this year!
omegaverse
For those new or well-versed in a growing trend, the booth introduced notable omegaverse titles. While many of these manga have not (legally) reached English audiences, one can hope they will.
Omegaverse
Have you heard of omegaverse? Never fear, BE BOY and Animate provided an explanation below.
omegaverse
BE BOY and Animate provided a handy guide explaining omegaverse.

Essentially, omegaverse is a world in which along with being born male or female, people are also born either alpha, beta, and omega. Alpha and beta are by far the fewest in numbers, while betas make up the majority of the population. Manga Planet will be translating this guide in another article. Just know that omegaverse allows both men and women to become pregnant.

Omegaverse
BE BOY and Anime also created a game based on the omegaverse concept. The goal, of course, is to give birth to a child. Do you like male pregnancy in your BL?

Shogakukan’s Banana Fish

At Shogakukan’s booth, guests could see an exhibit on Akimi Yoshida’s Banana Fish. Hailed as a classic and a seminal work that influenced the BL genre, Banana Fish will premiere as an anime in July 2018.

Banana Fish
Banana Fish will be adapted into an anime by MAPPA and premiere in July 2018.
Banana Fish
The anime adaptation of Banana Fish will air during the Noitamina block and will also be available on Amazon prime both in Japan and overseas.
Banana Fish
The anime adaptation of Banana Fish will air during the Noitamina block and will also be available on Amazon prime both in Japan and overseas.
Banana Fish
Fans could see reproductions of Banana Fish prints focusing on Ash and Eiji, the main characters.
Yuuma Uchida
Yuuma Uchida will voice Ash Lynx, shown here, in the anime.
Banana Fish
Shōjo Comic originally published the series from 1985 to 1994. This manga is credited for influencing the Boys Love genre.
Eiji Okumura
Kenji Nojima will voice Eiji Okumura, shown here with Ash.

Honorable Mention: DEVILMAN crybaby 

Devilman Crybaby
Even though the latest reboot of Devilman isn’t technically BL, Akira looks like he really wants to hold Ryo’s hand.

Still wondering what AnimeJapan 2018 was like? Be sure to check out our photo report on the event!

If you are interested in other manga and anime events in Tokyo, be sure to read our articles on the Land of the Lustrous Exhibit at Yurakucho Marui, Kizu Natsuki at Manga10, Yoneda Kou’s Op: The Colourless Days of Yoake Itaru Book Fair@Shosen and Himouto Umaru-chan Exhibit.

The golden age of decadence After School!

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