Inu-Oh Director Masaaki Yuasa Addresses The Film’s Potential Gay Subtext – Exclusive – Looper

When asked whether Inu-Oh and Tomona’s relationship was intended as friendship or romance, Yuasa answered, “I actually avoided making it clear. I wanted it to be [a] gray area so whoever watches this movie can decide on their own.”

It’s worth noting that “Inu-Oh” was co-produced by a Chinese company, Open Culture Entertainment (Shanghai) (via Variety), so it would seem likely that explicitly queer content wouldn’t be allowed in a film that would have to pass through the Chinese censors. Yuasa neither confirms nor denies a gay reading of the film, saying “Just giving the personality to these characters — I thought that was enough.”

Given the intentional “gray area” of the film, any theories or headcanons you personally have about Inu-Oh and Tomona’s identities and their relationship are perfectly valid.

“Inu-Oh” will be available on digital platforms on December 20 and on Blu-ray and DVD on January 24.