Bara is a genre of manga and anime that features male characters, often with muscular physiques, and typically focuses on romantic or sexual relationships between men. It is primarily created for a gay male audience and often includes themes of masculinity, desire, and emotional connection. The term "bara" comes from the Japanese word for "rose," symbolizing beauty and complexity. Unlike yaoi, which is aimed at a female audience and often features more delicate characters, bara tends to portray more rugged and realistic representations of male bodies and relationships, emphasizing a more diverse range of body types and sexual dynamics.