Graduation Term

Summer 2026

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Department of English

Committee Chair

Derek Sparby

Committee Member

Jeremy Johnston

Abstract

This thesis explores transgender and gender non-conforming characters within Japanese media and their corresponding American fandoms. In this thesis, I use a methodology named trans negotiated readings, stemming from Stuart Hall’s theory of dominant codes and negotiated readings. Through focusing on two characters from two different Japanese media—Arashi Narukami from Ensemble Stars!! and Mizuki Akiyama from Project Sekai: Colorful Stage Feat. Hatsune Miku, I uncover some of the dominant codes encoded the original source material. After, I also examine their corresponding American fandoms, uncovering the negotiated readings from the fanbase. This thesis attempts to show different cultures’ interpretation of transgender and gender non-conforming individuals. Through this dual analysis, I show some of the core codes imbedded in each society, often transphobic in origin. Due to the attacks on transgender individuals in recent times, recognition of transgender characters within texts is more important than ever. This thesis gives an analysis of these recognitions in the aforementioned games, and whether the audience acknowledges these characters as transgender or not.

Access Type

Thesis-Open Access

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