Between anti-gambling and masculinity: mahjong playing among Japanese gay men

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this paper is to explore the construction of gender norms in gambling through qualitative research and, specifically in relation to the behavior, spatial arrangements, and relationships with objects among gay men. Based on data collected in the Kinki region of Japan from 2021 to 2023, this paper examines gambling from the perspective of gay individuals who hold an anti-gambling stance. The paper considers gambling as a performative act that constructs masculinity and uses actor-network theory to investigate how actors in the context of mahjong parlors construct masculinity. Through this approach, the paper examines this as a dynamic and constructive process in gambling. It meticulously describes the diverse ways in which research participants perceive the relationship between gambling and masculinity, shedding light on the private spaces that are often marginalized from the public norms of gambling. Unlike existing psychological and psychopathological studies on gambling, this paper focuses on the actual practice of gambling through long-term participant observation from an anthropological perspective, fostering a more dynamic and constructive discussion.

KEYWORDS:

• Anthropology
• Japan
• gambling
• gender
• empirical

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The participants of this study did not give written consent for their data to be shared publicly, so due to the sensitive nature of the research supporting data is not available.

Notes

1. Notable studies include Clifford Geertz on cockfighting in Bali (1972) and James Woodburn on the wood bark game among the Hadza (1982). These analyses portrayed the social structures of Bali and the Hadza, respectively, and subsequent anthropological studies of gambling often explore the social structures involved with gambling behavior (e.g. Goodale, 1987; Riches, 1979; Rubenstein, 1987; Sexton, 1987; Zimmer, 1987). Research also focuses on concepts with social significance in gambling, such as luck, fate, wealth, and chance (e.g. Bosco et al., 2009; Morota, 2021; Papineau, 2005; Parish, 2005; Steinmüller, 2011; van Wyk, 2012).

2. 2. In Japan, formal human research ethics was not sought as this is not typical for anthropological research. Throughout my fieldwork, I followed the ethical protocols. All participants’ informed consent was obtained verbally before participation. Identifying information, such as names and places, have been anonymized to ensure participant safety and privacy.

3. About this gay mahjong professional player, I referred to the following online article.

‘“I looked for mahjong friends on gay dating apps” Gay Mahjong Professional Player, Shingo Imai Pro’s Journey. (In Japanese)’ Kinma Web, May 29, 2021.

https://kinmaweb.jp/archives/138202. accessed on February 26, 2024.

4. In Taiwan, mahjong is also considered a practice that contributes to the construction of masculinity (Festa, 2007).

5. Unlike point sticks (score counters), chips are not necessary for playing non-gambling Japanese mahjong. In gambling mahjong, chips are used for specific hands (such as riichi or red dora), which involve exchanges between players when someone wins with those specific hands. The settlement of chips takes place at the end of each gambling gathering day.

6. Nonke is a Japanese gay term that combines non and ke to refer to heterosexual individuals (especially men) from the perspective of gay people. It denotes someone who is perceived as straight or heterosexual.

7. Onee kotoba is a Japanese term used to refer to a specific type of speech pattern associated with gay men or effeminate men. The word Onee is a colloquial term for gay or effeminate men in Japan, and ‘kotoba’ means language or ‘speech.’ This speech pattern is characterized by a more feminine tone and manner of speaking, including the use of feminine pronouns, particles, and intonation. It often involves a higher-pitched voice and a softer, more expressive way of speaking. While not all gay or effeminate men use Onee kotoba, it is commonly associated with this group in Japanese society.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Zhenye Liu

Zhenye Liu is a Visiting Researcher of Anthropology at Ritsumeikan University. He has conducted extensive fieldwork in the casino industry in Macau and written several papers, such as Circulative Reproduction of Debt: The Case of “Paichais” in Macau Casinos (Hakusan Review of Anthropology, 26, 167–196, 2023) and Bodies of Seduction and Exorcism: About “Sexual” Women Inside and Outside Macau Casinos (Annual papers of the Anthropological Institute, 12, 1–29, 2021).