ABSTRACT

This chapter investigates textual representations of Japaneseness in the popular anime, Bleach. It explores how Bleach can offer alternative possibilities and re-imaginings for Japanese authenticity and identity: to what extent, and for whom. Queer of color theory uses historical materialism combined with intersectionality to contextualize the ways in which sexualities and gender performances of people of color are marginalized. The chapter utilizes queer of color's combination of queer theory, historical materialism, and intersectionality in order to explore gender performance in the historical and social context of Japan. While examining Japanese gender identity and performance, these material, historical, social, and global contexts must be taken into account. In examination of Bleach, disidentification becomes a primary strategy for characters to negotiate queer relational and gender identities in two distinct ways. First, the show demonstrates queer relational ambiguity as a way of challenging preconceptions about sexual and romantic relationships. Second, characters' gender performances counter assumptions regarding the gender binary.