Struggling Agents and Products of Cisheteropatriarchy
A Close Reading of Feminist Icons in Japanese Anime Nana
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 17668136 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Ching Yee Jade Hui (Film Independent, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Pages | 1-21 |
| Publication date | 2026-05-05 |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Journal of Feminist Family Therapy (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0895-2833 • E-ISSN: 1540-4099 |
| Publisher | Taylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/08952833.2026.2661402 |
| OpenAlex | W7160320179 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 8 |
This paper investigates the intricate dynamics of female friendship and homoeroticism in the Japanese anime NANA, focusing on protagonists Nana Komatsu and Nana Osaki as complex feminist figures. Through a close reading of their internal monologues and dialogues, the study examines how cisheteropatriarchal societal pressures shape their identities and relationships. Employing Adrienne Rich’s concepts of compulsory heterosexuality and the lesbian continuum, the analysis reveals the protagonists’ struggles with love, jealousy, and economic constraints. Additionally, the paper explores themes of chosen family and emotional resilience, highlighting how these elements redefine traditional concepts of kinship and belonging. Engaging with the unfinished narrative of NANA, this study encourages a nuanced understanding of queer identities and relationships, emphasizing the potential for feminist frameworks to encompass diverse expressions of love and connection.
Anime · Feminism · Reading (process) · Asian American and Pacific Histories · Asian Culture and Media Studies · Japanese History and Culture
| Highly cited | No |
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