<![CDATA[Abstract. This study investigates the representation of fragile masculinity and the social anxieties of single men in the Japanese television series Turn to Me, Mukai-kun. Employing a qualitative method grounded in Stuart Hall’s theory of representation, the research analyzes how the protagonist, Mukai, reflects the ongoing crisis of masculinity in contemporary Japan. The findings reveal that Mukai embodies an alternative masculinity characterized by emotional openness, uncertainty, and a departure from traditional male dominance. Through this portrayal, the series exposes the tension between hegemonic masculine ideals and the realities of modern single men. The study demonstrates that Turn to Me, Mukai-kun both critiques and redefines conventional gender expectations, suggesting that Japanese popular media serves as a site for negotiating new and diverse masculine identities. These insights contribute to broader discussions on shifting gender roles and the cultural reimagining of masculinity in Japan.]]>
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