The Meaning of Otaku and How to Become One!

What is the meaning of otaku and What are the Different Types of Otakus?

Otaku is a Japanese term for someone who has a strong interest in anime, manga, and video games. There are many different types of otakus. People who identify as otaku will often spend a lot of time studying and collecting information about their favorite franchise, reading fan fiction, making fan art, buying figures of their favorite characters, or attending conventions.

What makes someone an otaku? The answer to that question depends on whom you ask and what they think about “otakudom.” Some might say that it’s just a matter of how much time one spends on their hobby. Others might say it’s about how intense one’s interest in their hobby is.

There is no single definition of what it means to be an otaku because the term can refer to different things depending on where you live. In Japan, being an otaku means spending a lot of time on one’s hobbies or interests. In other countries, being an otaku might mean identifying with certain aspects of Japanese culture such as anime or manga without necessarily having much knowledge about them.

What is the meaning of Otaku Person?

Otaku is the Japanese word for a person who is obsessive about something. In English, it has come to refer to a fan of anime, manga, and video games. The word Otaku is derived from a Japanese term for “your house” (お宅). This refers to the idea that otaku is those who live in their own world, shut off from society. In addition to being an avid fan of anime and manga, an Otaku can also be someone who is knowledgeable about the culture that surrounds these media.

What is the meaning of Otaku Culture: The Origin, History, and Types of Otakus?

Otaku culture has been around for a long time, but the term was coined by Akio Nakamori in 1983. The word otaku is a Japanese phrase that literally means “you” and can be translated to mean “your home”. It is used as a term for endearment in Japan.

In the 1980s, it became popular to use the word otaku to refer to people who are obsessed with anime and manga characters. The word otaku is used as a general term for all types of fans who are interested in specific hobbies or interests, such as anime, manga, video games, or other geeky stuff.

What are the Stereotypes and the Negative meaning of being an Otaku?

One of the stereotypes associated with being an otaku is that they have no social skills. This stereotype is usually attributed to the fact that they spend so much time on their hobbies that they don’t have time for anything else. Another stereotype is that they are lazy and don’t want to go out into society because they feel like it’s too much work.

What are some Facts and Things about Otaku Culture and Style that you Probably Don’t know?

1. Akihabara

The meaning of otaku can be found and seen in Tokyo, Akibahara, which is a paradise district worth visiting for otakus and gamers. The district’s contemporary pop culture has been so popular among otakus in recent years.

Akihabara is a place that can be found only in Japan and offers many new experiences for otaku. There are so many shops and establishments devoted to anime and manga scattered among its stores in the district.

2. Figurines

A figurine is a small statue, typically representing a fictional character. Figurines are often used in creative and artistic projects. Figurines are made of either plastic or cement. This is the primary collectible item of an Otaku. They are bought and sold by collectors, who may keep them in their rooms, or display them to others in order to show off their figurine’s detail, cuteness, or features, and that’s the meaning of being an otaku.

3. Nendoroids

Nendoroids are chibi-style figures that feature popular characters from anime, manga, and games. Those items are produced by Good Smile Company and are considered a big hit among fans. This continuing franchise still has a large number of followers. You may not know the end of their collection, but one thing is for sure: it’s too damn cute not to buy one.

4. Figma

Figures like Nendoroid are popular for featuring overall otaku-related stuff. Figma, however, is known as a figure with anime characteristics. Figma comes with an expensive price to start your collection and it takes a lot of heart and guts to spend on one. You need a special kit to keep your collection in good shape.

5. Light Novels

What is a Japanese light novel? Light novels are a popular subgenre of Japanese literature. They’re typically shorter than standard novels. These stories feature adult themes and are targeted at those of a younger age, usually between the ages of 12 and 17.

6. Japanese Language

Foreigners often wish to be viewed as otakus but have to grasp some of the more common Japanese words first. This is because when speaking about otaku-related topics, a foreigner needs to have the basics down so they have that otaku connection. Such words as Nendoroids, Waifu, Baka!, Nani?, Tsundere, and Yandere.

Read more: Anime Genres Meaning Shonen, Shoujo, Seinen, Josei, OVA, ONA

7. Visual Novels

This is a Japanese visual novel, animated in an anime style. They usually feature adult content and are called eroges because they contain erotic material. But there are also many good anime series that were derived from such mediums, such as Fate Series and Clannad.

8. Touhou

Known to be one of the world’s most popular games, it originated in Japan. It was created by ZUN of Team Shanghai Alice and is known as a “Danmaku” or Bullet Hell which is very difficult. It also holds a Guinness world record for being the most prolific shooting game. A lot of Otaku have at least one favorite character in Touhou.

9. Waifu

This a reference to a famous meme that originated from the phrase “My Wife” in the dialogue of the Azu manga Daioh manga “My Wifu.” Waifu is the Japanese word for an anime spouse. Unlike Touhou, Waifu refers to any favorite woman from different anime or manga series.

10. Dakimakura

A dakimakura (抱き枕) is a type of large pillow from Japan. Dakimakura are often printed with anime, manga, or video game characters and sometimes feature an opening in the back to allow the pillow to be used as a kind of huggy doll. The word “dakimakura” is derived from “Daki” (to embrace) and “Makura” (pillow). Recognized as a Body Pillow, Dakimakura is a highly-priced pillow. The worth of the pillow depends mostly on its textile, and one of the best things is that you Otakus can have your waifu printed in a hot position.

11. Vocaloid

Vocaloid has become a popular game since its release and is continuing to grow in popularity. This game allows you to make your own songs by inputting them through the voice of a female character called Hatsune Miku.

Though a number of VOCALOIDs have been created, such as Megurine Luka and Kagamine Rin are downloadable, many people say that Miku is the most popular among otakus. Vocaloid is a popular app for those who are interested in music. One example of this is the composer, RYO, who primarily uses Vocaloid for his music.

13. Bamboo Tablet

Bamboo is a generic brand for pen tablets. I recommend you start with this if you already like sketching, and drawing, or want to become a manga artist. This tool is the most useful for making manga and anime art.

14. Cosplay

Cosplay is a term that refers to the act of dressing up as a character from a TV show, movie, or video game. It’s an art form that has been around for decades. Otaku cosplayers are often seen as fans of the anime and video games they are cosplaying as.

However, some people do it professionally and may earn a living doing it. It takes courage for someone to take the leap of becoming one…Anyway… Cosplay is a highlight of the idea of role-playing.

15. Manga

Manga is a Japanese term meaning “comics” or “cartoons”. It is a popular form of Japanese comic that is typically printed in black and white. Manga series are usually published in comic magazines, and the stories can be about anything, but they often include action-adventure, romance, and comedy. Manga comics are typically black and white, with hand-drawn images or computer-based graphics, and are the source of anime and game adaptations.

16. Anime

The meaning of otaku, means you love anime! If you don’t! how dare you call yourself an Otaku if you haven’t watched Anime? In the first place, Anime is a medium where animated characters are shown on screen. Anime can be seen as the most influential part of Japanese culture. It has had an impact on art, fashion, and even language. Anime has also become popular worldwide with the help of streaming services like Crunchyroll and Netflix.

In anime, it is a big taboo to call it a “cartoon”. It’s comparable to saying that something is not actually what it is, so don’t do that you may get killed if you do so. Well, anime is a later stage of manga. Before becoming an anime, the manga needs to go through a lot of processes which even popularity itself cannot suffice. Finally, if you like certain manga, be sure to devote yourself hard so that it will become popular soon and sooner or later it’ll be animated as well.

Conclusion: 

In Japan, there are many different opinions about otakus. Some people think that the meaning of otaku refers to someone who is passionate about something and some people think that otakus are too caught up in their hobbies and don’t contribute enough to society.

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