Over the past three decades, Japanese media productions, especially manga, have primarily been examined with regard to hegemonic images of ‘femininity’ and as indicators of social change. Only few studies have focused on media constructions of ‘masculinity’. In this talk, Ralf Windhab presents preliminary findings of his doctoral dissertation, which analyzes various Japanese manga that depict male characters as protagonists engaging in unpaid household chores. These portrayals contradict the prevailing image of men as the breadwinners of the family and women as the ones responsible for the household.  The research presented shows that some male characters are portrayed as weak or partially feminine in accordance with stereotypes and clichés, while others are portrayed as overly masculine. The actual household chores depicted and their frequency, as well as the different motives for the men to participate in household chores, will also be discussed. Details and registration here