Reader’s Question:
I’m not in a rush for a response, but I would appreciate an answer soon. I’m looking for general opinions on this matter. I’m not particularly into the “fujoshi” or “yumeko” culture, but I can engage with it if I want to. Recently, I watched a Conan movie and
developed a liking for Takahiro Morofushi, which led me to watch the entire Conan anime series. When I told my friend (who is a fujoshi) about this, she started asking me which pairings I liked and which official couple I disliked. I genuinely like characters like Morofushi and the police academy group without thinking much about pairings, although I do like Sonoko and Kyogoku as an official couple. However, whenever I research Conan online, I keep coming across fujoshi content. If I were to mention to someone in high school that I find Conan interesting or that I like Morofushi, would they assume I’m a fujoshi? This is something I’m seriously worried about. My fujoshi friend isn’t a bad person, but her comments have been on my mind. Sorry for the long message, and I’m looking forward to hearing from many people.
Finding Your Own Way in the World of Conan
Hey there! I totally get where you’re coming from. Man, it can be tough when you find something you love, like the Detective Conan series, but then feel like you have to navigate through all these labels and assumptions. I mean, I remember when I first got into anime; I was super excited about certain shows, but then I started worrying about how I’d be perceived by others. It’s such a weird space to be in! I have this vivid memory of discovering my own love for a certain character. I was at a friend’s place, and we were binge-watching a series. I suddenly blurted out how much I loved this quirky side character who barely had any screen time. My friend looked at me like I’d just spoken a foreign language. “But he’s not a main character!” she said, half-laughing. It made me realize that sometimes, the joy we find in characters doesn’t always align with what’s popular or mainstream.
Embracing Your Interests
Now, back to your situation. You adore Takahiro Morofushi and the police academy crew—awesome choice! Just because your friend is into the whole fujoshi culture doesn’t mean you have to be or that you should feel pressured to engage in those conversations about pairings. It’s perfectly okay to enjoy the series for its plot and characters. Like you mentioned, it’s refreshing that you also appreciate official couples, like Sonoko and Kyogoku. That’s valid and totally part of your own experience! There’s something really beautiful about how diverse fandoms can be. I once found myself in a discussion about a series, and while most were debating ships, I was there, passionately talking about the character development of a minor villain. It turned into a funny moment when everyone realized how differently we were all experiencing the same narrative. That’s what makes fandoms so vibrant and interesting—everyone has their own unique take!
Facing Assumptions
As for your worries about being labeled as a fujoshi just because you mention liking Conan, try not to stress about it too much. High school can be a whirlwind of assumptions and labels, but at the end of the day, it’s about what makes you happy. If someone were to assume you’re a fujoshi just based on your interest in a character, that’s more about their perspective than your reality. I’ve had my fair share of awkward moments too. Like the time I was super excited about a new series and ended up rambling about it to a group that was all about action sequences. They looked at me like I had three heads! But it didn’t stop me from loving what I loved. So, go ahead and share your passion for Detective Conan and Morofushi with your peers! You might be surprised at how refreshing it is to just be yourself. And who knows, you might even find others who share your interest in the characters without the extra labels.
Let’s Chat!
I’d love to hear more about your experiences! Have you ever felt pressured by friends to fit into a certain label in fandoms? Or maybe you’ve had a moment that made you realize how unique your interests are? Share your stories or tips in the comments! Let’s keep this conversation going and support each other in enjoying what we love, just the way we want to!
