Wakashu

Wakashu is a Japanese term that historically referred to young men, particularly those of noble or samurai families, who had not yet come of age or undergone the traditional capping ceremony (genpuku). The term encompassed a period of transition, often characterized by a distinct social role and appearance. Wakashu were frequently portrayed in art and literature, often depicted with specific hairstyles, such as the chonmage, and wearing distinctive clothing.

During the Edo period, the concept of wakashu held particular significance. They were often associated with romantic and aesthetic ideals, and their beauty and youthful innocence were celebrated. This period also saw the emergence of shudo, a homosexual relationship between an older man (often a samurai or monk) and a younger wakashu. These relationships were sometimes formalized and integrated into the social structure, though their acceptance and practice varied.

The role and perception of the wakashu evolved over time. With the Meiji Restoration and subsequent societal changes, the traditional distinctions and practices associated with the term gradually diminished. While the term itself still exists in Japanese, its historical connotations of a specific social class and transitional phase for young men are less prominent in contemporary usage. The cultural legacy of the wakashu continues to be explored in historical studies, literature, and art.