What is fudanshi?

"Fudanshi" is a Japanese term that refers to male fans of yaoi, also known as Boys' Love (BL) media, which focuses on romantic or sexual relationships between male characters. The word "fudanshi" is derived from "fu," meaning "rotten," and "danshi," meaning "boy" or "man," paralleling the term "fujoshi," which describes female fans of the same genre. The term "rotten" here is used humorously and self-deprecatingly, indicating an overwhelming enthusiasm for the genre.

Fudanshi are part of a broader community of fans who appreciate yaoi for its exploration of male-male relationships, which can range from innocent romance to explicit content. This fanbase can vary widely in age and background, but they share an interest in the narratives and character development typical of yaoi works.

In recent years, the visibility of fudanshi has increased, partly due to a broader discussion around gender and sexuality and the availability of yaoi content online. This has led to a growing acceptance and understanding of diverse fan interests within the broader anime and manga communities.

Media that center around fudanshi characters, such as the manga and anime "Fudanshi Koukou Seikatsu" ("The High School Life of a Fudanshi"), illustrate the everyday experiences and social interactions of male BL fans, often highlighting the humorous and awkward situations they find themselves in because of their hobby.