The Cultural Tapestry of Male Prostitution and Kabuki Theater

This chapter examines the historical interplay between Kabuki theater and male prostitution in Japan, revealing how actors navigated their lower social status and societal constraints. It highlights the emergence of male kabuki actors during the Tokugawa period amid the banning of female performers, focusing on erotic performances and the cultural perceptions of male sex work. The discussion further broadens to include historical overlaps with male prostitution in Europe, exploring the roles of economic necessity and the evolution of sexual identity across different eras.