My Brother's Husband is a story of family, acceptance, and education. Gengoroh Tagame is well known for gay manga that depict men as larger, muscular, and hairy (Also known as Bara.) Tagame's work has always been subject to criticism but shows a modern take of Japan's view on people who are or present as homosexual. My Brother's Husband is an easy way to digest the reality of Japanese values and harsh attitude towards LGBT+ members. The story revolves around Yaichi who is newly introduced to his deceased twin brother's husband, Mike, who travels from Canada to Japan. Alongside his daughter Kana, he welcomes Mike into his home but not without judgement. As the story progresses steps are taken towards Yaichi becoming more openminded and accepting of Mike as both a person and family member.
I think an important scene to look at is the one where Mike is shirtless and Kana is playing with him. Yaichi, enraged by this, steps in and treats Mike's action as malicious or what may even be labeled as perverse solely on his sexuality. He reflects on this when he realizes that he himself has never minded Kana seeing himself, another man, shirtless and apologies for his judgment and outburst. Not long ago in the US homosexuality was also seen in the same light and most people would immediately associate being gay with perversion and even pedophilia. As Yaichi gets to know Mike he gets to learn more about his twin and understands why he felt like he needed to escape Japan in order to be loved and accepted.
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