ABSTRACT
Although Japan has a long tradition of plurality of queer categories, many speakers of Japanese are not sure about the meanings of the various terms in relation to homosexuality and transgender phenomena. This is not surprising, given the fact that the meanings vary according to the speaker, regardless whether the speaker is using terms to refer to categories of people other than him-or herself or in selfreference. Some gay activists have branded some terms politically incorrect, arguing that they must be avoided, while recommending other terms as “proper” usage. These interventions, however, have tended to increase the confusion. From time to time heated discussions about terminology take place in the media, on the internet and in gay bars. In all these contexts the term “okama,” which is the main focus of this chapter, is without doubt the most problematic.
