are anime fans part of a subculture

by Dr. Isabel Kris 5 min read
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Among the subcultures that attract the most attention, both among the public and in academic circles is the otaku, the notoriously obsessive fans of anime, manga, video games and other forms of Japanese popular culture.

Full Answer

Why are there so many anime fans in Japan?

Japanese culture encourages the formation of subcultures, and Japanese people are passionate about their hobbies. Anime is one such example. So the anime fans you're encountering are just emulating part of a foreign culture that they admire. Added to that many anime, maybe even most anime is aimed at kinda weird guys.

What is an anime fan called in Japan?

So here's the anime fandom lingo: Otaku: Anime fan, Japanese for nerd/loser. Western anime fans and some Japanese people self-identify as Otaku despite this negative connotation, or as an attempt to re-define it as something positive. Anime: A Japanese cartoon.

What are some Japanese subculture fashions?

Hardcore fans of Japanese subculture fashions, however, buy Japanese magazines and view Tokyo as the fashion capital of the world for self-expressive innovation and cuteness.) Hello Kitty apparel is popular with female otaku. Pokémon, Mario, Sonic, and TNMT, while not necessarily marks of otaku-ness, are often considered cool by otaku as well.

Is anime considered a foreign genre in Japan?

As a side note, in Japan the nerdy-ness stigma of anime is still present, but not the foreignness. A strong interest in foreign (Western) media is considered somewhat unusual there, for the same reasons anime is unusual here. (Disclaimer: I am an anime fan, and a huge nerd.

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Are anime fans a subculture?

Anime:Interest in Japanese animation has grown into a subculture in the United States. Anime has been making a profound impact on the culture of Japan for years, but this subculture has, in recent years, been leaking into American society and does it ever have a following.

Are otakus a subculture?

Otaku refers to the subculture of obsessive fans of certain elements of popular culture. The word is also used to identify members of this subculture. This is a Japanese slang word. It was adopted in the English language from Japanese.

Why is otaku a subculture?

The subculture began in the 1980s as changing social mentalities and the nurturing of otaku traits by Japanese schools combined with the resignation of such individuals to what was then seen as inevitably becoming social outcasts.

What are fans of anime called?

Otaku. In Japanese, the word 'Otaku' is roughly equivalent to the English words 'nerd' or 'geek. ' The term isn't a bad one and is often used to the U.S. to refer to people who are particularly fond of anime, manga, and even cosplya.

Is Kpop a subculture?

Today k-pop is not just a "funny music", but a progressive genre, a large-scale musical subculture with millions of fans around the world (idols) - young people with impeccable looks, incredible dancing skills, unusual vocals and with an exceptionally good reputation.

What is the anime culture called?

Otaku cultureOtaku is a string of Japanese pop culture where specifically people in foreign countries (not Japanese ex-pats) have a passion (and even an obsession) for certain Japanese things such as manga, anime, video games and girl idols.

What is Japanese subculture?

Japanese Sub-Cultures contrast greatly against the ancient traditions and customs that Japan are known for. The 21st century has also seen a rise in wacky and innovative sub-cultures. Japanese sub-cultures are predominantly fashion oriented and can be identified by the style of clothing.

What does weeb stand for?

Weeb is a short form of weeaboo, a term first used by users of 4chan to insult obsessive fans of Japanese culture. A nonsense word, weeaboo has been used since the early 2000s, almost as long as 4chan itself has existed.

What culture is an example of a subculture?

A subculture is a group that lives differently from, but not opposed to, the dominant culture. A subculture is a culture within a culture. For example, Jews form a subculture in the largely Christian United States. Catholics also form a subculture, since the majority of Americans are Protestant.

Does weeb mean anime fan?

Weeaboo, often shortened to weeb, is especially used in anime and manga communities to stereotype fans who show a set of extreme and obnoxious characteristics. In addition to consuming Japanese comics, cartoons, and video games, weeaboos might sprinkle their speech with Japanese words, often using them incorrectly.

Can you like anime and not be a weeb?

Is someone considered weeaboo if they like anime, manga, etc.? No, you are not a weeaboo if you simply enjoy anime and manga and are interested in the Japanese culture. A weeaboo is a person who attempts to act Japanese, disrespects the culture and loves everything that comes from Japan.

What is a weeb vs Otaku?

As we've covered, otakus are enthusiasts of all things anime. Weebs, on the other hand, have a wider scope of interests specifically related to Japanese culture. The word “otaku” is also more commonly used in Japan, whereas “weeb” is directly related to non-Japanese individuals.

Why is anime important?

Anime and its subculture is misunderstood by most Americans, who are unable to recognize the allure of them. To comprehend this ever expanding subculture, people need to understand the enticement of anime, which is feeling connected to something bigger than themselves. Anime and its subculture is important to study because this particular subculture reflects where our entertainment videos and televisions is expanding to. Anime has this power to connect to all different categories of people, including those who have been passed over by society their whole lives.

Why is television good and bad?

Because television has good and bad sides , which people should remember about. At the beginning television and films are sources of inspiration to many people around the globe. Actors and actresses often become in a film or a tv series person, who is what some women or men would like to be in the real life. The perfect body, the perfect life, love, happiness, friendship for a big part of a community this is what they desire, what they want. The people start to recreate the tv series or a movie in their ordinary life.

What does Nora's sneaking of macaroons show?

The sneaking of macaroons put up with a result of Nora’s role as a child within the marriage. The macaroons show that Nora is not the perfect doll that Torvald tries to mold her into; nevertheless, she is not able to think of any other way where she can prove herself like her husband’s doll. Still, she tries to disguise her real personality and is constantly lying about many things. She hasn’t been taken seriously and treated with very less respect by her husband. Her lies are less a thought of her own character and more a reflection of her husband’s surroundings .She does feel the need to keep up her self –respect, while satisfying her own needs.

Where does anime come from?

Hailing from Japan, anime productioncomes in television series, short films, and full-length feature films. The Hollyvood Reporter notes that the Japanese anime industry racked up a more than healthy 2 trillion yen ($17 billion USO) last year alone. The term ‘anime’ has varied origins.

What are the characteristics of anime?

Anime characters posses a wide variation of physical characteristic in comparison to cartoon characters. The hair, eyelashes, and clothing on anime characters in stylish with more detail. Even food looks insanely mouth watering.

What are the hallmarks of anime?

The hallmarks of anime are intoxicatingly dreamy, mood inducing backgrounds reminiscent of psi­locybin trip, and fluid illustration. Movement is an important element, even within the still pages of manga, which is the Japanese mass media equivalent to a comic book. Authors of manga are referred to as mangaka.

What does "Animation" mean?

It’s typically considered to be an abbreviation for ‘animation.’. It’s also said to be derived from the French term “desinn anime’ meaning ‘cartoon.’. “I’ve grown up with animation my whole life,” recounted Palomar graduate and Osaka Japan native, Chie Nomaki.

When did anime start?

America’s first solid introduction to anime occurred in the 1960s with the international release of Astro Boy. Anime illustration by Traytyn Bush. Anime’s popularity began to rise 20 years later in America during the 80s with the crossover emergence of Otaku subculture.

Is anime more than Asian culture?

Anime; more than Asian pop culture. Anime is the shit. No, it’s not exclusively for fat, socially inept man-boys who live in their mother’s basement. While growing up, interest in the familiar yet exotic style of animation could earn you cool points or strip you of all credibility.

Who is the Otaku murderer?

Tsustomu Miyazaki (no relation to Hayao Miyazaki) became known as the “Otaku Murderer” in the late 80s by the media after murdering four young girls. Authorities found over 5,000 video tapes of anime, slasher films, and child porn in his home leading to a negative perception around the subculture.

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How to Be An Otaku

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I'm a nerd, so I watch Big Bang Theory. I wouldn't exactly say I'm a fan, I often cringe at all the inaccurate stereotypes. Anyway, one episode involved two characters pretending to be Goth and going out to a Goth club to try to pick up Goth women. Of course, it ends in a predictable sit-com disaster. During the episode, Howard ment…
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Watching The Shows

  • Obviously, the most important thing about being an Otaku is familiarizing yourself with anime. The most popular series can be found by reading anime magazines and blogs, like this one. I recommend Otaku USA, which can be found at most bookstores. Shounen Jump is a magazine comprised of Shounen (boy's/action) manga and often contains the most popular titles. If your t…
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Cosplay and Fashion

  • Cosplay is a portmanteau of "costume" and "play", so basically means playing dress-up. Cosplay is usually done at conventions. Costumes can be purchased online (I like Milanoo) or hand-made. Tips for Successful Cosplay: 1. Choose a character that is a similar to you in height, weight, build, and personality. 2. Choosing a recognizable character is more fun than being an obscure charac…
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Conventions

  • Most cities in the U.S., Canada, and Europe have anime conventions. For a fee that varies depending on the size of the venue (here in the Midwestern U.S., they range from about 30-75 dollars), attendees can see panels and shows put on by other fans, hear from industry insiders from companies like Funimation, Aniplex, and Crunchyroll, see concerts of anime-related musica…
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Japanese Music and Video Games

  • In addition to anime, Otaku tend to enjoy Japanese and Korean pop music and rock. Personally, I don't know as much about this topic as I probably should, but I do like to download my favorite anime theme songs. Some can even be found on itunes. A big thing for Otaku is also DDR songs and the game DDR. I've bought a few of these songs on itunes as well. I think part of the fun of pl…
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Fan Art, Fan Fiction, and Gag Videos

  • Some of this is good and some of this is bad, but the thing is, nearly every anime fan participates in writing fan fiction, making fan art, and making AMV's, memes, abridged series, or other forms of art designed as entertainment for other anime fans. A lot can be said here about the creativity of the anime fan community. Some artists even make crafts or fan art to sell at conventions. I pers…
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Closing Thoughts

  • So now you've got a pretty good idea of what Anime Fans/Otaku like to do, and what makes us a unique subculture. However, throughout this I've used some terms that perhaps a newbie might not be familiar with. So here's the anime fandom lingo: 1. Otaku: Anime fan, Japanese for nerd/loser. Western anime fans and some Japanese people self-identify as Otaku despite this n…
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Comments

  • Mayaon November 09, 2018: I do believe anime/otaku subculture might become a distinct subculture. MOMOKOKOon December 01, 2017: I'm doing my dissertation on whether new media has increased and broadened the Anime subculture but I'm unsure whether Otaku's and Anime fans can be classified as a subculture or are they simply just a fandom. Naomi Starlight (author)…
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