What is “Otaku?”
This word has been used by many western anime fans to identify themselves as Japanese anime subculture loving individuals. It’s meaning according to Japanese author Hiroki Azuma is “…a general term referring to those who indulge in forms of subculture, strongly linked to anime, video games, computers, science fiction, special-effects films, anime figurines, and so on.” For anime fans, especially those outside of Japan, it is debatable whether or not to use this term to define their interest.
In places other than Japan, “anime-otaku” are accepted, and even praised. I have come to find that many people in the Philippines are proud to call themselves as such a name and have well assimilated to the subculture. But what makes someone call themselves an “otaku”? For many in the Philippines, America, and other places, it’s just because they like Japanese animated cartoons, enjoy reading manga, or maybe even buy some of the merchandise. But that’s not it’s true meaning isn’t it? Maybe these people are obsessed, maybe not, but it doesn’t seem to be on the level that the original meaning itself implies.
In Japan, otaku are seen in a negative light. Stereotypically, they are looked down upon as individuals who obsessively pursue their interests in manga and especially anime. The word otaku is used most similarly to the words “nerd” and “geek” in English. Just as there are many kinds of otaku, there are many kinds of nerds and geeks. Some may play Dungeons and Dragons, competitive or online video gaming, collect actions figures and comic books, collect and play trading card games, or engage in many other hobbies. The one difference between nerds and the Japanese otaku is that otaku comes with the negative connotation of “obsessive person.” Nerds however, don’t necessarily have to be obsessed with their hobby. Otaku in Japan can become so engulfed into their hobbies that it affects many aspects of their social lives.
Sports fans especially in the west aren’t categorized as nerds even tough their dedication to their hobby is more or less on the same level as what you would traditionally call a nerd. It is seen as less creepy and a more accepted common fandom. However in Japan, there is such a thing as sports otaku, who are just as obsessed over their sports stars, games and merchandise as much as anime otaku obsess over anime.
The word otaku is an example of a term that has a different definition depending if you use the incomplete western definition associated with anime fandom, or the more frowned upon Japanese meaning. Fortunately anime and otaku in both the west and in Japan are becoming more accepted as it is becoming more mainstream in the recent years (mainly since 2006). In America, anime has become much more easily accessible and popular with services like Crunchyroll’s anime simulcasting, and Netflix. More westerners are becoming fans of anime, and more of them are identifying themselves as the American definition of otaku. Japanese otaku are slowly becoming part of the norm, and aren’t seen as strange through a number of reasons. There are some famous Japanese self-identitying otaku such as GACKT and Hyadain who spreads otaku subculture not only in a positive light, but also in a humble manner. The otaku subculture also assimilated Japanese fashion culture, combining anime merchandise with stylish clothing.