By Your Side

The Untold Story of Lesbian Love in Japanese Anime and Comics



This landmark work is an accessible, educational, and exciting collection of essays on the newest genre of Japanese anime and manga by the Western Hemisphere's foremost scholar on the subject, Erica Friedman.



"The first in-depth study of Yuri in English."

-James Welker, Professor of Cross-Cultural and Japanese Studies, Kanagawa University



"If you are a fan of yuri or simply want to understand what the deal is with any of the genre's elements or major texts, I'd highly recommend reading this book. It's both an analysis of and a love letter to the genre, both academic and accessibly readable, and worth your time."

-Anime News Network



"By Your Side is the complete Yuri resource I only ever dreamed could exist. Decades in the making, this glorious collection surveys, analyzes, and contextualizes Yuri with unparalleled detail and enthusiasm. Friedman graces readers with illuminating insights as they follow her through a century of the genre's evolution and revolution. By sharing her extraordinary knowledge, she provides inquirers, scholars, and aficionados alike with a deeper appreciation and understanding of lesbian anime and manga while galvanizing them towards the next era of Yuri."

-Nicki Bauman, Yurimother