Claire Maree
Japan has a rich women’s culture stretching back over time and encompassing community organisations, activism, commercial publishing, art and literature. The negotiation of terms for female-female desire is indicative of the political and creative forces shaping queer women’s history and culture in Japan. In the post-Second World War period, this has led to the creation of both physical and mediated forums for social, political and academic activities. In this chapter, I will explore queer women’s culture in Japan, with a particular focus on the development of spaces where queer women’s communities could be forged through social activities and as forums for discussion. First, however, it is necessary to survey the terminology used for female-same-sex desires and identities.