Do You Otaku?
An otaku is defined as a geek, nerd or enthusiast by Freedict.com. It is a relatively new use of the world and relates primarily to those obsessed with manga (Japanese comic books) and anime (Janapese cartoons, usually derived from manga) and is often used as an insult. The Japan Times had a great article a while ago on the topic and it got me to thinking about whether being obsessed with something is necessarily a bad thing. Obsession is defined by Merriam Webster online as a persistent disturbing preoccupation with an often unreasonable idea or feeling; broadly : compelling motivation.
I know that I am an otaku in the following areas, but I like to think that I have a compelling motivation:
Blogging…so much to learn
Crochet & Knitting..so may wonderful things to create
Japan…so many things to do and see & so much to get ready before I go
Photography…I have to figure out my awesome new camera
If I am ever called an otaku I will think long and hard about it before I assume that it is an insult. One persons passion may be considered a waste of time and energy by another but that’s what makes the world great!
So, do you Otaku?
on 9 January, 2008 on 2:53 pm
I think that there is a difference between the Japanese meaning of otaku, and the English meaning of Otaku. Over time the meaning of the word has changed in Western cultures as we’ve adopted it as our own.
In Japan, yes, I agree that it leans more on the side of being obsessed with something, so you could totally say you were a blogging-otaku (me too).
In America, however, I think that the word otaku is only associated with those who are obsessed with anime/manga, which I could see being some kind of negative thing, since it’s also associated with lack of showers, a lack of understanding of real japanese culture (besides manga/anime, of course), and other things like that.
It’s all a matter of perception though, so it’s hard to tell whether or not it’s insulting. I think in Japanese, it’s still kind of an insult, even though it doesn’t hold the same connotation as it does in Western Countries.
That’s just my opinion though, not fact by any means
on 9 January, 2008 on 3:12 pm
Good to know - if I am called an Otaku in the US I will be insulted as I shower regularly :)….
Thanks for the added perspective.
on 9 January, 2008 on 5:45 pm
I agree with Koichi, being called an “otaku” in Japan is a touch insulting. My junior high school students call me an otaku and they’re not trying to be friendly!
on 12 January, 2008 on 9:54 pm
Otaku desu ^^;
on 13 January, 2008 on 9:20 pm
Thanks Danny - you gave me a chuckle…
on 15 January, 2008 on 8:49 pm
Greetings!
Robert-Gilles who recently joined the Japan Blog List!
For all the years I spent in Shizuoka and Japan, it seems will have to join the Otaku Crowd!
LOL
Great blog! Great Fun!
Looking forward to visiying you again (very) soon!
Cheers,
Robert-Gilles
P.S.: I do have quite a few blogs. Please do try the one at shizuokagourmet.wordpress.com!
on 15 January, 2008 on 9:07 pm
Thanks for the comment! I’ll check out your blog…
Otaku away!