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Otaku (Japanese: おたく, オタク, or ヲタク) is a type of Japanese subculture of people with consuming interests, such as anime, manga, video games, computers, or any other enthusiastically pursued hobby. Its contemporary use originated with a 1983 essay by Akio Nakamori in Manga Burikko.
"Otaku," as they are called, are obsessive fans who pour all their energy into obscure pursuits, whether collecting Barbie dolls or hacking computer networks. —Dana Lewis, The Los Angeles Times, 21 June 1992
What Exactly Does 'Otaku' Mean? The term otaku is often used in the West to refer to anyone interested in anime. But is that what otaku really means? Learn about the history behind the otaku phenomenon and how different anime have reacted to it, as well as anime fandom in general.
So, it is true that otaku was originally used to refer to manga, anime and video game fans, and this is the image of otaku held by the western world. Though in today’s Japan there are so many more genres of otaku, from vocaloid pop star fans to military enthusiasts!
As a result, fans used the term otaku, which is a sort of honorific, somewhat ambiguous second-person pronoun. Though the word "otaku" grew semi-organically, one man popularized it within the Japanese nerd crowd.
Borrowed from Japanese, otaku refers to a person who is obsessed with manga, anime, and other forms of Japanese or East Asian popular culture.
Otaku culture, often characterized by its intense devotion to manga, anime, and video games, has evolved significantly over the decades. Originating in Japan, this subculture has grown to become a global phenomenon, influencing media, technology, and social interactions worldwide.
Otaku has become an umbrella term for those interested in Japanese culture, especially its art, but they can also focus on other aspects. Many times they can be identified through parts of their outfits, or they might be outspoken about their interests, as this unique knowledge is a source of pride.
Discover what an otaku is, the different types of otaku, and how you can immerse yourself in the culture. Learn tips to become a true otaku.
Anybody who is very passionate about a hobby of theirs can be dubbed an “otaku.” Here are some important things to know about “otaku” culture and a brief summary on why these features are important. Many people’s first introduction to “otaku” culture is through anime.