'Cross-dressers are okay so long as they're pretty'
Truth be told, Japan has always had a live-and-let-live attitude towards transvestitism. Onna-gata, male actors in drag, are a beloved part of the Kabuki theater. But the recent explosion in interest among young urban men is a different trend.
Recent developments include a handful of cross-dressing maid cafes, in which men decked out in lace and frills serve customers. There is now a guidebook for men who want to transform themselves into beautiful girls. And last year, lingerie company WishRoom released a bra designed specifically for men.
It's hard to say exactly how popular the activity truly is among average Japanese males. The occasional Harajuku fashion-victim aside, men in skirts are hardly commonplace. But one thing is for sure. In Tokyo, there's never been a better time to get in touch with your feminine side.
