What is kabedon?

Kabedon (壁ドン) is a Japanese term and a trope frequently used in manga, anime, and other forms of Japanese media, especially romantic stories. It translates roughly to "wall slam" or "wall pound."

It describes the situation where someone traps another person against a wall, typically by slamming a hand (or sometimes both hands) against the wall beside their head, creating a physical barrier that restricts their movement. The person doing the kabedon usually leans in close, creating a feeling of intimidation, tension, and often, romantic anticipation.

The effect of the Kabedon is to create a moment of heightened emotion and vulnerability for the person being "walled." It is often portrayed as a precursor to a confession, a kiss, or other romantic development. While often depicted as romantic, it can also be portrayed as threatening or aggressive depending on the context and characters involved. The trope relies heavily on the power dynamics and implied emotions of the situation.

While the literal action is physically simple, the cultural weight of the Wall%20Slam is significant, often acting as a visual shorthand for a character asserting dominance or expressing strong feelings.