Shows like Stop!! Hibari-kun! (one of the earliest examples) paved the way for more nuanced modern portrayals in series like Wandering Son (Hōurō Musuko) , which is widely praised for its sensitive and realistic depiction of two transgender pre-teens navigating puberty and social transition.

In Japan, the concept of otokonoko (male-identifying individuals who present femininely) and josonoko (female-identifying individuals who present masculinely) has a long history in manga and anime. While these do not always map perfectly onto Western definitions of "transgender," they have provided a space for exploring gender fluidity.

Characters whose gender identity was treated as a "gag" or a source of shock humor.

There is a growing movement to ensure that trans characters are voiced by trans actors.