Greek pederasty and Japanese Wakashudō

Abstract

Although the common assumption is that the practice of male homosexuality is either hardly mentioned or was disapproved in history, male homosexuality is widespread in both Western and Eastern history, and manifests repeatedly in human societies. Ancient Greek pederasty is a prototype of male homosexuality in a military based culture. Likewise, male homosexuality based on monastic relations was prevalent in Japan from the Heian period onwards and was later incorporated into the military traditions of the Japanese Samurai as wakashudō. Based on the practice of male homosexuality in the form of pederasty and wakashudō in ancient Greece and Japan respectively, the objective of this study is to examine the origin of male homosexual practices, the manner in which they were practiced, and the social reception of such practices in the ancient world. The main focus of the research is to analyze the similarities and dissimilarities between Greek pederasty and Japanese wakashudō in the context of the relevant culture, society, and historical period. The methodology used in this study is to review and analyze evidence related to male homosexual practices from literary sources and depictions in art.