One significant reason why some anime boys may appear feminine is due to the incorporation of specific character design tropes within certain genres.
The "Feminine Man Trope" Explained
According to narrative trends, a primary factor is the use of the feminine man trope. This trope specifically refers to a male character who is depicted with a touch of feminine traits. These traits can manifest in various ways, including physical appearance, mannerisms, or personality aspects.
Genre Origins and Influence
The feminine man trope is noted to have originated primarily from the shoujo and boys love (yaoi) genres in anime and manga. These genres often cater to specific demographics and storytelling conventions that utilize distinct character archetypes.
Appeal Within Specific Audiences
Characters embodying the feminine man trope are often found in these originating genres because they are intended to be charming men for people who like them. This character type serves to appeal to the target audience of shoujo and boys love stories, offering male leads or supporting characters with qualities that resonate with readers or viewers of those genres. However, as the reference notes, such characters would often be a total flop for those who are unfamiliar with these specific genre conventions or character preferences.
Therefore, the feminine appearance in some anime boys is often a deliberate design choice linked to this established character trope, originating from and popular within particular anime and manga genres.
