Harem is a genre of light novels, manga, anime and video games focusing on a main character surrounded by multiple potential romantic or sexual partners. The term derives from the historical harem, a secluded part of a household reserved for women, and refers by analogy to a man associated with multiple women. It originated in Japan in the 1970s, and its popularity increased during the late 1980s and 1990s with the advent of dating simulator games.
Facts
Place of Origin Notable Example Defining TraitA single protagonist surrounded by multiple different characters treated as options for a sexual or romantic relationship 1 Connections
In the Other Atlases
- Also in Geography Atlas: Japan, originated there.
Sources
1. Harem (genre) - Wikipedia
Lead section, sentence 2
Originating in Japan in the 1970s, its popularity increased during the late 1980s and 1990s with the advent of dating simulator games.
Same-sex relationships section
An example of a same-sex harem anime would be Kyo Kara Maoh!, which features a male protagonist with male characters comprising his harem.
Structure section
The most distinguishable trait of harem works is the presence of a single protagonist surrounded by multiple different characters who are treated as options for a sexual or romantic relationship.
View the SourceFrequently Asked Questions
Where does the harem genre come from?
It originated in Japan in the 1970s and grew in popularity with dating simulator games.
It originated in Japan in the 1970s, and its popularity increased during the late 1980s and 1990s with the advent of dating simulator games. The term derives from the historical harem, a secluded part of a household reserved for women, and refers by analogy to a man associated with multiple women.
Which media does the harem genre cover?
Light novels, manga, anime and video games.
It is a genre of light novels, manga, anime and video games focusing on a main character surrounded by multiple potential romantic or sexual partners.
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