Comments on: The Otaku’s Image in Japan

By: Dany B.

Dany B. — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 21:59:14 +0000

Thank you for your post! I too, can really relate to it.
I live in Mexico, and enjoy reading manga and watching anime greatly. I am not obsessed with a 2D character but I have been drawn to Japanese culture greatly by this anime influence and have truly fallen in love with some parts of it, their politness, clean streets, beliefs…but it is also a real country, not an utopy, so it has gained world status for being uptight, it is only normal that their “uptightness” shows in every level and way of the country itself.

I think precisly that the conditions of “lack of freedoom” they live, has made them express themselves though manga and anime. It is a wonderful way to get out of the real world and scream and image so many different and wonderful outcomes…

Concerning the term “otaku” I find it unnecesary. We are people, not things, we can’t be labeled into only one group, category or brand that decides our worth, it is completely stupid as we are all so different.

So are you an otaku? You are you!!! THAT IS IT! You like anime! good for you! You don’t okey! that is that related to every aspect of our lives! Sure people judge what they don’t know but the best thing you can do for them is break their stereotypes!

By: sin

sin — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 10:00:44 +0000

Nice post, I can relate a lot to your post there.

One time, I found a Japanese article that tries to explain the difference between オタク　and ヲタク
http://oshiete.homes.jp/qa2595839.html

In short:
- オタク　: low level (such as you and me perhaps)
- ヲタク　: mid level
- 大田区: high level (most of 2ch users perhaps ??)

Not sure what factors distinguish these levels though, but I guess for non-otaku people, all otaku look the same despite their having different levels.

For your example of praising your Professor’s book, I understand your point but in my own experience when I was having a situation like that, I preferred saying すばらしい　instead because saying 勉強になりました sounds so bland. I am not sure if I did the right thing, but I am sure I did expressed my interest better than if I had said 勉強になりました。

By: mura

mura — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 17:30:04 +0000

Very interesting article! and I share your thoughts.

By: Dina

Dina — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 18:36:54 +0000

Oh so that’s what an Otaku is. Hmm.. do I “look down” at them? Probably. Do I think it’s “uncool” to be an Otaku. Yeah sure. But will my thoughts and judgement stop you guys from doing what you love? Of course not because it shouldn’t matter. People have a right to their own opinions and judgements but that shouldn’t stop you. Different strokes for different folks you know. Just keep on doing the things you love, as long as you don’t hurt others. To hell what others think! What’s important is your happiness ^_^

By: Chibichibiusa

Chibichibiusa — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 09:42:19 +0000

Very interesting article. While I studied japanese culture and language, I didn’t know that there was such strong prejudice againts otaku in Japan. My teacher didn’t cover this topic in class… her son had a lot of manga all over their house when I visited. My teacher even encouraged to watch anime and read manga to help learn japanese.

This reminds me of when I asked a japanese transfer student (she was around 20 years old) if she liked anime, and she gave me a weird and embarassed look, didn’t seem to know how to answer,then said with a low voice “no, anime is for children, adults don’t watch anime”. That was kind of a weird and uncomfortable experience.

In Japan, do you have to go to Akihabara so that you don’t have to hide your love of anime and manga?

By: Benjamin E

Benjamin E — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 08:00:58 +0000

I enjoyed much of what was said here today. Thanks for posting up a very interesting article! I may have a few thoughts on blogging something about Otaku soon.

By: Adrian

Adrian — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 05:14:05 +0000

yo man,

a very interesting post. this is quite similar to the nerds back in the 70s-80s, where if you wore pocket protectors, that high up pants and the white shirts with the books all day and on computers, then you’ll get bullied by the jocks, and the girls will shun at you.

For every bad apple though, there should be a golden one. For instance, during the nerd time i was talking about had Bill Gates as the star nerd. And I’m sure there are some golden apples in the Otaku land. Not sure who because I’m a noob at this topic, but if you look at the golden ones, you can see that they’re doing pretty alright and it also helps that the pple who said all that crap had to eat their words back :P

Cheers.

By: aidi

aidi — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 05:03:20 +0000

No, Hazmer, you’re pure damn wrong. We men are never allowed to like or even watch any cutesy shows in whatever form. Any men who commits this disgusting act–and this includes you, Hazmer—must be punished by being looked down upon and be ridiculed. You should be more like me, appreciating the more sophisticated forms of arts that truly inspire one’s manhood. Don’t you understand that you are destroying the pure soul of….oh fudge, it’s 10′o clock! (rushes off to watch totally spies)

By: phucker

phucker — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 03:18:34 +0000

Staying here for 2yrs plus, I must say Japanese culture is a very superficial one.

If the superior ask for your opinion, in the actually he/she actually DOESN’T. They want you to massage their ego and say yes.

If you ask your superior for an opinion, they will construct a very vague but depressing picture of your abilities.

FUCK THEM

By: daim

daim — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 02:44:23 +0000

nice read. I can relate that with a lot of Japanese people I met. It’s just how some people think I guess. I find people’s thinking very amusing. :>

I always try to see the 2-sides of everything. I don’t judge otakus, I don’t judge furries, I don’t judge mat rempits. My principle is, as long as you don’t hurt other people, do whatever you want. Power to you!

And I guess you know this of me already. I say… “to hell with what others think of you.” :D

And if they look down on you….. f*ck them. :D