When I first came across the term Yaoi I had no clue what it could mean. It was one of the terms I had stumbled upon that first inspired me to create the anime dictionary images and now years later the dictionary definitions and provide examples as well. I have been slow in making these, but with time I will have a proper dictionary put together. As the title suggests, in this entry I will explain what Yaoi means.

Definition of Yaoi

Yaoi is a sub genre within the boys love (BL) genre which depicts romantic relationships between men. The term Yaoi started in Japan in the late 1970’s and has since been used for multiple media sources like anime, manga, novels, games and so on.

So what specifically makes it Yaoi? The story and art focus on the more sexual aspects of the relationship, which often depicts sexual acts between men; this makes it different from Shounen-AI. Not only that, but it is predominantly made for women and by women. Which differentiates it from Bara. Shounen-Ai and Bara are fellow sub genre’s in BL. BL is a generic umbrella term with a multitude of sub-genres.

While BL has a multitude of sub-genre’s there are two main sub-genre’s usually used when being categorised. Those being Shounen-AI and Yaoi. To help establish whether there is a sexual or emotional focus for the story for the reader. Although that does not mean it will exclude the sexual side or the emotional side. Overall, the sub-genres fall under the umbrella term Boys Love, exactly because they intertwine and there is very little that separates them.

Examples:

For other anime terminology, check out the anime dictionary. Otherwise, here are some examples of yaoi anime, manga and webtoons.

Yaoi Anime

Yes ka No ka Hanbun ka

Hyperventilation

Manga

Pink Heart Jam

Pink Heart Jam is available on Manga Planet

Underneath the Uniform: A Twisted First Love

Underneath the Uniform: A Twisted First Love is available on Manga Planet

Webtoon

Sign

Sign is available to read on Lezhin

The Good Teacher

The Good Teacher is available to read on Lezhin

Have you watched any Yaoi anime or read any Yaoi manga? What are your thoughts on this genre? Share your experiences and favourite titles in the comments below!