Takahashi Rumiko: The Fluctuating Gender Boundaries Reflected in the Work of a Master Manga Artist

Promotional art for the all-new Ranma 1/2 anime. The series is broadcast on the Nippon Television Network System and available for streaming on Netflix, Hulu, and other services. (© Takahashi Rumiko, Shōgakukan/Ranma 1/2 Production Committee)

Fujinami Ryūnosuke—handsome, manly, and female. (Courtesy the “Takahashi Rumiko Information” X account @rumicworld1010; © Takahashi Rumiko/Shōgakukan)

Ryūnosuke’s betrothed Shiowatari Nagisa reveals his gender in volume 32 of Urusei Yatsura. (© Takahashi Rumiko/Shōgakukan)

Saotome Ranma, hero of the all-new Ranma 1/2 anime. (© Takahashi Rumiko, Shōgakukan/Ranma 1/2 Production Committee)

Girl Ranma dresses up for a date in the hopes of becoming “all-male, all the time” in volume 15 of Ranma 1/2. (© Takahashi Rumiko/Shōgakukan)

Jakotsu falling in love at first sight with the title character in volume 24 of Inuyasha. (© Takahashi Rumiko/Shōgakukan)

Matsugo in a white tuxedo in volume 22 of Rin-ne. Rinne, being pulled along by the hand, also wears a tuxedo rather than being depicted as “playing the female role.” (© Takahashi Rumiko/Shōgakukan)