BL University | Beyond Fiction

non-fiction
bl university
boys' love
bl
upper intermediate
intermediate
14 items
10
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Non-fiction about the BL genre or related books of interest.

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A guidebook for those new to BL, including: the history of the genre, a chronological list of notable manga beginning in the 70s, interviews with mangaka, "top 5 BL" lists by theme, and more. Although primarily focused on manga, information about light novels, anime, dramas, BLCDs, and magazines are also included. This was published in 2015, so of course it doesn't include more recent works.

Similar guides: ライトBLへようこそ, BL LOVERS

A guidebook for those new to BL, including: the history of the genre, a chronological list of notable manga beginning in the 70s, interviews with mangaka, "top 5 BL" lists by theme, and more. Although primarily focused on manga, information about light novels, anime, dramas, BLCDs, and magazines are also included. This was published in 2015, so of course it doesn't include more recent works.

Similar guides: ライトBLへようこそ, BL LOVERS

A collection of interviews with various BL authors:

  • よしなが・ふみ
  • こだか和麻
  • 松岡なつき
  • 霜月りつ
  • 太田歳子
  • 高狩高志

A collection of interviews with various BL authors:

  • よしなが・ふみ
  • こだか和麻
  • 松岡なつき
  • 霜月りつ
  • 太田歳子
  • 高狩高志
僕が夫に出会うまで
Nonfiction
Level 30

Official description from Seven Seas (who also localized the manga version): Ryousuke Nanasaki married his husband in 2016 in the first religiously recognized same-sex wedding in Japanese history. This collection of essays follows Ryousuke’s search for love on the journey to his extraordinary marriage. From unrequited junior high crushes to awkward dating sites to finally finding a community, Ryousuke’s heartfelt reflections on his coming-of-age as a young gay man in Hokkaido will touch readers all over the world.

Official description from Seven Seas (who also localized the manga version): Ryousuke Nanasaki married his husband in 2016 in the first religiously recognized same-sex wedding in Japanese history. This collection of essays follows Ryousuke’s search for love on the journey to his extraordinary marriage. From unrequited junior high crushes to awkward dating sites to finally finding a community, Ryousuke’s heartfelt reflections on his coming-of-age as a young gay man in Hokkaido will touch readers all over the world.

Explains techniques used to critique media through the lens of gender and sexuality, including detailed reviews of movies, dramas, manga, and anime.

Released in 2023 by the same author as BL進化論 ボーイズラブが社会を動かす.

Explains techniques used to critique media through the lens of gender and sexuality, including detailed reviews of movies, dramas, manga, and anime.

Released in 2023 by the same author as BL進化論 ボーイズラブが社会を動かす.

少年の名はジルベール
Nonfiction
Level 30??
The story behind the creation of 風と木の詩, one of the earliest and most influential BL manga.
The story behind the creation of 風と木の詩, one of the earliest and most influential BL manga.
Released in 2015, this book analyzes the history of BL and how it’s evolved over time and its place in society within the larger context of public opinion regarding gender and sexuality.
Released in 2015, this book analyzes the history of BL and how it’s evolved over time and its place in society within the larger context of public opinion regarding gender and sexuality.
An autobiographical manga detailing why the author formally adopted the man he wanted to marry.
An autobiographical manga detailing why the author formally adopted the man he wanted to marry.
A beginner's guide to BL media, including the history of the genre and recommendations.
A beginner's guide to BL media, including the history of the genre and recommendations.
BLの教科書
Nonfiction
Level 30??
An introduction to BL research, including the history of Boys' Love, research methodology, and its relationship with society, with an emphasis on gender perspectives.
An introduction to BL research, including the history of Boys' Love, research methodology, and its relationship with society, with an emphasis on gender perspectives.
黒薔薇ミズナのBL講座
Nonfiction
Level 30??
A compilation of articles on various topics related to BL which appeared in the magazine b-BOY Phoenix, written by 桑原水菜, author of the light novel series 炎の蜃気楼.
A compilation of articles on various topics related to BL which appeared in the magazine b-BOY Phoenix, written by 桑原水菜, author of the light novel series 炎の蜃気楼.
Interviews with BL authors, discussing the appeal of BL and how their works relate to real issues in society.
Interviews with BL authors, discussing the appeal of BL and how their works relate to real issues in society.
A collection of essays discussing BL media in relation to issues in wider society, primarily focusing on East Asian countries.
A collection of essays discussing BL media in relation to issues in wider society, primarily focusing on East Asian countries.
A study of fujoshi by a (heterosexual male) clinical psychologist.
俺たちのBL論
Nonfiction
Level 30??
"An introduction to BL by men, for men."