Shinjuku Boys (1995), directed by Kim Longinotto and Jano Williams, is a documentary that focuses on women in the famous Shinjuku district of Tokyo. The film tells the stories of these women, known as “otoko no onna” (men’s women), who break away from traditional female roles by living as men, sometimes marrying men or dressing like men. The documentary explores how these women express their gender identities and their efforts to live out their chosen lifestyle. It also highlights the challenges they face in discovering their sexual identity, the process of challenging societal norms, and their interactions with other people in society.
