If I were a creator in a conservative environment and wanted to write a story about two gays, I would also call them friends and make their friendship as weird as possible to the point where it became uncomfortable for everyone. And I'd add a girl as a distraction (though I'd give her more respect -_-). I'm NOT saying that was the author's intention, but anyway, thanks Hori, I have so many ideas lmao
Yeah lol tbh I think he took advantage of two things with both OchaHimi + IZKT
1. He knew enough to know people didnāt (and wouldnāt) take WLW seriously - so he was able to up the queer factor on Himiko because people were already writing her and her interactions with Ochako off as unserious. Just kept playing that card under everyoneās nose knowing no one was giving it any mind.
2. Fujobait is a common marketing strategy, so heād be able to get away with using it for multiple characters of he wanted to - but he didnāt and instead isolated Izuku and Katsukiās ābigā emotional scenes to unavoidable plot relevant movements.
I genuinely donāt think Ochako was a distraction though, I think she was āsupposedā to fulfill the role she was placed into as the heroine but in his olders works Hori seemed to want to knock against those notions, and give her some individuality.
⦠so its not a coincidence to me Himiko āwas created for Ochakoā.
Even early on the writing was on the wall he wasnāt committed to making Ochako just Izukuās love interestā¦unfortunately she ended up that way to the readers because he started treating her like a side character.
Also just an addendum - I do notice the strategy of most writers who are toying with queer elements is to basically make hide it from the executives/publishers and make it interwoven in the fabric of the plot to the point it cannot be removed from the foundation of the story. Not saying itās 100% the case, just that its not unheard of.
Rebecca Sugar talks candidly about their strategy with that here:

















