In Japanese literature, the closeted homosexual life is often called yaneura —living in the attic. You are part of the house, but you are hidden away, unseen by guests.
Historically, the Japanese medical profession viewed lesbianism through a lens of pathologization, directing women toward "normal" heteronormative lives. Social Invisibility: lesbian japanese grannies
"We never said 'I love you,'" Yuriko admits. "We said 'I understand you.' In Japanese culture, that is often more powerful." In Japanese literature, the closeted homosexual life is