Otaku

Otaku refers to individuals with an intense passion for and deep knowledge of subcultures such as animation, manga, and games (ACGN). Otaku are not limited to animation, manga, and video games but also include those with a profound interest in other subcultures, such as automobiles and military topics. The term “Otaku” was first used by Akio Nakamori in 1983 in the “Tokyo Adult Club” column of “Manga Burikko,” to ridicule and criticize those obsessed with subcultures who lacked real-life skills. Broadly, “Otaku” refers to people who are passionate about various subcultures and possess in-depth knowledge of them; narrowly, it refers to individuals immersed in animation, manga, and video games. The cultural phenomenon of Otaku is particularly notable in Japan, where their love for ACGN impacts various societal aspects. Japanese cultural scholar Hiroki Azuma conducted in-depth research on Otaku culture, suggesting that it is not merely a youth culture but a deeply ingrained phenomenon within Japanese society.