Queer Coding in Inazuma Eleven
Character: Mizukamiya Seriyuu
Although Mizukamiya plays a rather minor role in the Areorion anime, the spin-off manga Heir to the Penguins following the deuteragonist Haizaki and Seishou academy provides us with more depth surrounding his character. With this development I’d argue that writers (whether intentional or not) made Mizukamiya one of the most definitive queer/gay characters in the series.
Regardless whether you believe Haizaki reciprocates Mizukamiya's feelings or not, it's nearly impossible to ignore the romantic subtext that is written into the spin off manga between the two characters. Sharing headphones, riding Ferris wheels alone together, and even the "pin against the wall moment", all of these romantic tropes support the idea that the relationship between Haizaki and Mizukamiya (at least through Mizukamiya's perspective) can be interpreted as romantic.
The essences of queer coding is implementing common romantic themes and elements into a character/relationship while not overtly telling the reader that it's queer. When looking at how romance is portrayed in anime/manga (particularly in romance stories following cis-het relationships), we often see protagonist continuous effort to become closer with their love interest and desire to form an interpersonal relationship; one that is unique to them and their love interest. Ex. Kimi ni Todeke, Monthly Girls Nozaki-Kun, etc.
Even though Mizukamiya's desire to become closer with Haizaki plays into the running joke that is it's his "duty as captain" it's shown throughout the story that his actions are fueled by a genuine desire to build a personal relationship with Haizaki.
For example Mizukamiya wanting a nickname from Haizaki is differentiated from the other characters. While the other characters view their nicknames are derogatory (bc frankly they are lol), Mizukamiya see it as endearing and therefore wants one. Seeing his reaction to Kidou questioning his desire for a nickname further supports reading Mizukamiya's actions as him wanting to be special to Hazaki; everyone calls him "captain" so he wants the person he considers special to call him something else.
When you combine this concept with the common romantic tropes written into their relationship, Mizukamiya's dynamic with Haizaki mirrors that of a crush typically found in romance media. His awkwardness when alone with him, always being concerned about him, and crying when finding out he transferred (with a very telling screen tone) show that seeing his feelings towards Haizaki as romantic is not farfetched; in fact it's pretty much implied.
Conclusion :D
Mizukamiya is one of my favorite examples of queer coding in ina11. His character is often seen as comedic yet his queerness isn't a bastardization or bait. His relationship with Haizaki is candid and honestly refreshing after seeing little to nothing of his character Ares. This is technically my first post so expect more of this series :))
Extras
bc they speak for themselves
41 notes
·
View notes
EMO BOY Arashi and Asuto
I LOVE CHARACTER WEARS AESTHETIC CORE STYLE FASHION OUTFIT AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA~~~!!!!!!!!!!
...Why I drew this, even I don't know.
12 notes
·
View notes
i don't care what anyone has to say and i dont care how little sense this makes, this boy looks like a 29yo male model who also had a kid at 15. you can see it in his eyes.
13 notes
·
View notes