Herbivorous Men of Japan そうしょくけい男子

Herbivorous men are not the guys who 'eat their greens', but a generation of guys in Japan who are changing the country's perceptions of masculinity. They are the metrosexuals without the testosterone. Generally, they are less interested in sex, money and job promotion. They take a keen interest in their appearance and are usually skinny. It is said to have come from guys growing up in the troubled economy of the 1990's, and the children have become less assertive and goal orientated. Despite having little or no interest in girls, they are not considered as being homosexual.

This new trend seems opposite to what would be found in England. The guys in England are constantly fighting to be seen as masculine, and to carry an umbrella around or to wear a jumper would be seen as 'gay', and this is an image most hetrosexuals would strive to avoid. As soon as I arrived in Japan I noticed the difference in fashion with the males of Japan. Generally guys here oay more attention to their appearance, they carry 'man-bags' and use umbrellas and have more accessories. I initially thought these people were homosexual, but as each day passed living in Japan I have found that this is just Japanese style and that these guys in fact would be straight, but just take an interest in their appearance. What is perceived as fashionable in Japan just differs from what is fashionable in England.

Its interesting to see that girls in Japan are interested in more herbivorous men, and like guys who are more feminine and like fashion. Whereas girls in England would not usually go for that same type and a lot of girls like the rugby players, or fireman; guys who are masculine and take control.