Reader’s Question:
What defines an “otaku”? I really enjoy manga and anime, often watching or reading them multiple times. However, I’m not interested in fan creations, I don’t buy merchandise, and I don’t have a favorite character in any series—if anything, I just support the whole franchise. With all that in
mind, I don’t think I can truly call myself an otaku. What do you think?
What Makes an “Otaku”? A Personal Reflection
So, I’ve been thinking about the term “otaku” a lot lately, especially after reading a question from someone who enjoys manga and anime but doesn’t feel like they fit into the otaku category. It got me reminiscing about my own experiences growing up between California and Osaka, where the otaku culture is pretty much a way of life. I remember when I first got into anime. My friends and I would gather at my house, and we’d binge-watch series, laughing and quoting our favorite lines. There was this one time we stayed up way too late watching “One Piece,” and I ended up falling asleep during the most critical battle scene! Everyone was teasing me the next day, but it was all in good fun. Those moments made me realize how deep my love for these stories ran, even if I didn’t have the latest figurines or posters plastered all over my room. Now, I totally get where the reader is coming from. They enjoy the stories and appreciate the craft but don’t dive into fan creations or merchandise. It’s like being a casual movie-goer versus a film buff. In some circles, just watching a few series might not qualify you as an “otaku,” but in others, it’s all about the passion and enjoyment you get from it. The user’s comment about today’s youth and the changing definitions of otaku is spot on. It seems like now, if you’re willing to spend money on merchandise, you’re labeled an otaku, regardless of how much you know about the series. It’s funny because back in the day, it felt more about the deep, nerdy connections we had with the stories and characters. I remember debating with friends over who the best character in “Naruto” was, and it turned into this epic showdown that lasted for weeks! With that said, I think there’s a certain charm in just enjoying something for what it is without needing to label yourself. If you’re reading or watching something multiple times, you’re definitely invested, and that’s what counts. I can’t help but think about how my love for comedy also ties into this. Like, I don’t have a favorite comedian, but I support the whole genre, whether it’s stand-up or manzai. And let’s be real, the idea that adults watching anime is weird? That’s something I’ve grappled with too. I mean, I often find myself sneaking in episodes after putting my child to bed. There’s this guilty pleasure in diving into a world where anything is possible. Plus, it gives me great material for jokes! So, to the reader, I’d say own your enjoyment! You might feel like a “light otaku” or whatever label you want to put on it, but at the end of the day, it’s all about what you love. And who knows, maybe your journey will lead you to discover new aspects of this vibrant culture. Now I’m curious—what about you? How do you define your relationship with anime and manga? Do you think you fit into the otaku category? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments! I’d love to hear from you!
