trans man studying/living in Japan?

[u/remotely_in_queery]

I (ftm 23) will be studying for a full academic year in Japan near Tokyo. While my gender is legally male, I’m noticeably pre-op, though pass as a cis man maybe 3/4 of the time depending on where in the USA I am. I have no intention of living as a woman while abroad, even at the cost of navigating some mutual discomfort.

Any tips on either what to expect while navigating male gender norms, or other things to be on the lookout for?

(I already intend to avoid the Onsen’s)

[u/shellinjapan]

Moving to Japan as a trans person has been covered a few times on this sub - search past posts.

[u/remotely_in_queery → u/shellinjapan]

I have gone through past posts! The political climate and general temperature towards trans people is always changing across each country, however, so it seems best practice to ask anew, particularly towards male social norms that may have changed more recently.

[u/shiretokolovesong]

Any tips on either what to expect while navigating male gender norms, or other things to be on the lookout for?

I'm not trans so take that into consideration when evaluating my response, but imho I can't forsee you having any major issues. Gender norms around masculinity are not nearly as rigid here as in the States, and most people's awareness of transgender people (especially ftm) is quite low. The vast majority of people would sooner assume you're a "feminine" man or chalk any difference up to you being a foreigner before questioning anything else.

[u/remotely_in_queery → u/shiretokolovesong]

I appreciate it, thanks! I don’t mind being perceived as a feminine man lol, but it’s still good to know the general social expectations for men as they differ from country to country

[u/Xsythe]

r/LGBTJapan

[u/WhyDidYouTurnItOff]

I see dudes wearing high school skirt outfits all the time.

No one cares.