"What they do, however, is enjoy a lot of sex."

[ramchop]

Mills and Boon is synonymous with fluffy love stories populated by dashing heroes and swooning heroines. Japanese manga comics, on the other hand, conjure up very different images - of violence, simpering schoolgirls and explicit sexual content.

But Mills and Boon runs a thriving business in Japan, publishing its books in manga format, the novel-length comic books read by children and adults alike. And where this cultural cross-over is concerned, stereotypes are best left behind.

I think the BBC is developing a Japan fetish.

[Taro Toporific]

I think the BBC is developing a Japan fetish.

...when it comes to manga, the romantic tastes of Japanese women cannot be satisfied by Mills and Boon alone. Offerings from other publishers include explicit sex scenes and love stories between men.
These are not produced for gay men, but are aimed specifically at women. While Western romance has made its mark in Japan, it could be that this sub-section of the genre may not be making the return journey quite yet.
BBC caption: "Psychedelia"

The author is Charles Bodsworth....29 -- Male -- Single Journalist, London
I'm a journalist working in the BBC's internet division. I speak fluent Japanese and have previously lived in Japan.
Interests:
I'm returning to Japan for four months from January to continue studying Japanese. I'm interested in swapping....