Harem (genre)
Harem is an informal term used to describe a trend in Japanese anime or comics wherein a single male character is surrounded by multiple female characters: Suzuka, Love Hina, Ai Yori Aoshi and Rosario + Vampire to name a few. In most cases most of the females are romantically interested in the main character. The term "harem" is generally not used by itself, but as an adjective to the medium—such as harem anime or harem manga. The term comes from the Turkish use of the word "harem" meaning "a group of women associated with one man".
Daryl Surat, a contributor to Otaku USA, suggests that many harem anime are built around one core fetish (e.g. meido (Hanaukyo Maid Team), meganekko (G-On Riders), lolicon (Rozen Maiden), nuns (Amaenaideyo), large breasts (Eiken)), with other girls fulfilling sub-fetishes. There are also reverse harem anime in which a female protagonist is surrounded by gorgeous boys: Ouran Host Club and The Wallflower being the best known.
Some recent harem titles have experienced a backlash from some anime fans in the United States, particularly from females, due to recurring usage of female fan service in series with the genre designation, prompting calls of sexism from some viewers. However, this is in spite of portrayals of male sexuality in anime being a fast-growing trend in the US.
