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Taylor Repetti Professor Susan Lago College Writing 1060-04 5, November, 2013 Anime/Manga: the Globalization and Effects of Otaku Culture Otaku culture is a new popular culture that has been arising all over the world. Waves of fans from the Americas, Europe and Africa are emerging and publicly displaying their love of this upcoming fad Otaku culture started in Japan, and is primarily centered on Anime, Japanese cartoons and Manga, Japanese comics. Anime/manga culture has its claws stuck into minds all over the world, from Europe to America; its following is increasing rapidly and shows no signs of stopping (Fukunaga). Japanese pop culture, commonly known as Otakuism started spreading around the world rapidly within the past few years. The word otaku is a Japanese word that, roughly translated, means nerd or geek; However, unlike traditional American use of geek or nerd, the word is not used derogatorily. In fact, many otakus are proud of the fact that they are Otaku. Otaku culture is centered on simply enjoying the cult of personality that is Japanese pop culture (Ramirez). Despite the fact that the otaku phenomenon started recently, it has already held a large underground following and gained an even larger following all across the world in the past few years (Ito). Otaku culture is mostly centered on Anime (Japanese cartoons) and Manga (Japanese Comics), but follows all aspects of visual Japanese pop culture, like films, video games and even fashion (Amit). Unlike American cartoons (save for Seth McFarlanes creations), Japanese anime and manga are not only meant for children, they are meant for a wide variety of age groups. Many people believe that anime are childish cartoons. On the contrary, they should not be treated like

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cartoons at all. Anime Stories do not focus on morals and friendship (although those tend to be sub focuses), but focus on the story of the characters and their hardships. There are several age groupings, from Shonen (young boys) and Shojo (young girls) to Seinin (adult) and Josei (Ladies), anime and manga are meant for a wide viewer audience. There is one important factor that both American and Japanese cartoons do share, and that is a moral hidden in the subtext of the story. Both animations display the same, if not similar messages; the primary difference is the delivery. American cartoons morals centers primarily on morals for children, while their more serious morals are presented in drama shows. Anime is different in how childrens morals could be presented in much more serious shows. Anime and Manga is a sort of mix between American cartoons and dramas. They hold a serious plot, often rife with action, romance and betrayal while clinging to simpler, more childish morals. A show could discuss the life of teenagers, and the troubles they face, told through Degrassie, a popular teen angst drama In America or Fooly Cooly, a short Anime series focusing on aliens, robots and secret agents, with the same message as Degrassie. Although there morals are the same, the way they are presented are worlds apart from each other. I believe the messages presented in a more kinetic way that anime presents them leaves more of an impact than American cartoons portrayal of the same moral. Anime and manga are very difficult to understand fundamentally because of the wide variety of age groups and genres. There are so many specialized genres that can confuse the average anime newcomer, not to mention all those same genres mesh into their respected age groups. There are literal thousands of anime and manga titles, ranging from ages four to forty. With

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so many options, people will always find what theyre looking for, making anime and manga a go to for entertainment media. Anime and manga are similar to any other entertainment media in which some are more popular than others. However, Anime and manga that are popular are worshipped. Take for example Dragon Ball, a rather old series created by Akira Toriyama, still maintains an enormous fan base and is a powerful inspiration for other Mangaka (manga creators) and anime directors to this day. Some other anime and manga series include cameos or references to Dragon ball and other highly influential series. Otaku Culture has been around for quite some time, and though its effects may be minor, they are noticeable. Take for example the great influence Anime and Manga have had on the world. Although popular before, Cosplay has become increasingly more popular because of the colorful characters portrayed in Anime, Manga, and video games of otaku culture (Bolton). Video game culture, although not directly started by Otakuism, has also grown because of Otaku influence . Not only have that, but Anime and Manga also become a commonplace media all over the world. Practically everyone has heard of Dragon Ball and Naruto, which are two exceptionally popular Anime titles (Ito). I believe that one of the most popular themes in Anime and Manga is massive diversity in the cast. Although at first glance it would seem that diversifying characters seems simple, in an animated series whose main characters are not dogs, cats and other animals, characters need specific traits. Anime characters are differentiated by their hairstyles, hair color, eye shape and color and mouth shape. Most anime and manga have simplified their workload by making every

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character head shape the same, so these characteristics, although jeered by many, are important to display diversity among the cast. Character diversity is also displayed through each characters individual overlaying problems. The average Anime hero must deal with the antagonist while battling their inner demons as well. Despite the unrealistic stories in anime, the main characters always have relatable issues. Internal conflicts vary among different genres, such as a love triangle in a romance series or self-blame for the death of a loved one in a tragedy. However, these themes are interchangeable, and with the major morals being something everyone can relate to, at times anime can be much more enthralling than a reality show.

Something very incredible about anime is its sheer unrealistic nature. Almost all anime and manga stories tie in alternate worlds, destructive monsters and machinery and buildings we could only dream about. Unlike adult cartoons in America (Family guy, Bobs Burgers) which are satirical comedies on normal life, anime and manga portray life in more exciting and fascinating ways (Napier). They are in no way meant to be realistic; On the contrary, they are supposed to be far from reality to reach out to the audiences sense of wonder. Characters fly across screen, lift buildings with ease and control the elements, adding on to the Anime audiences appeal. Otaku culture has done something incredible to the world (Fukunaga). Previously, learning Japanese was meant almost exclusively for those who wished to enter the business world (Fukunaga). However, with the rise of Otaku culture, learning Japanese has become more about understanding raw (unsubbed) anime films and playing region-blocked video games. Its become

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cool to learn Japanese, because many now learn to understand their otaku roots better. Not only that, those who enjoy otaku culture found it easier to learn the language because they surround themselves in it (Fukunaga). Japanese is difficult to learn if it is not your first language. Unlike most languages, Japanese does not use an alphabet; it uses a syllabary, a library of images with set meanings and definitions. Unlike English, Japanese words often have 2 more meanings that are more often than not similar to each other (this is not always the case). Also, the structure of Japanese sentences differs greatly from English. Anime and Manga provide their viewers with insight as to how the language works, making learning Japanese an easier feat than before. Otaku culture may be entertaining, but it is also greatly beneficial. To some, watching anime may seem like watching any other television show. However, watching anime provides a cultural learning experience. Anime teaches its viewers traditional Japanese culture (Barkman). Saying Itadakimasu before a meal as thanks, referring to upperclassmen as senpai out of respect and many other honorifics; these are all examples of contemporary modern culture in japan. Otaku culture has many positives, but there is nothing perfect. There is a common issue among Otaku pop culture causes people to withdraw from society, and it has become a steadily increasing problem throughout the years. Hikikomori is a Japanese word that means acute social withdrawal (Chong, Chan), and causes those affected to cut themselves off from society. Although Hikikomori are not a direct result of Otakuism, symptoms tend to arise faster within those who follow the culture. Hikikomoriism is a very serious social disorder which most often arises in those with mental disabilities. Hikikomori do not leave the house, and do not care about productivity. It

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has become an increasingly serious issue in japan, and so several organizations were formed in order to stop the outbreak. Otaku culture has grown greatly throughout the years. It is not unfamiliar to see anime on the television or manga in your local library. The expansion of Otaku media throughout the world has increased the amount of Medias followed on the internet and provided entertaining content to millions. Anime and manga teach us modern Japanese modern culture and changes our perspective on how the world works outside of our individual Countries. The explosion of otaku culture has only begun, and will continue to grow as the years go by.

Repetti 7 Work Cited Page Allison, A. (2001). Cyborg violence: Bursting borders and bodies with queer machines. Cultural Anthropology, 16(2), 237-265. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.wpunj.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/213146670?accountid= 15101 Barkman, A. (2010). ANIME, MANGA AND CHRISTIANITY: A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS. Journal for the Study of Religions and Ideologies, 9(27), 25-45. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.wpunj.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/816629175?accountid= 15101 Fukunaga, N. (2006). "Those anime students": Foreign language literacy development through japanese popular culture.Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 50(3), 206-222. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.wpunj.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/216916238?accountid= 15101 Wakeling, E. (2008). Mechademia 2: Networks of desire. Asian Studies Review, 32(4), 547-548. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.wpunj.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/203777686?accountid= 15101 Ito, K. (2005). A history of manga in the context of japanese culture and society. Journal of Popular Culture, 38(3), 456-475. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.wpunj.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/195368472?accountid= 15101 Napier, S., & Toshio, O. (2003). Japanese anime and its american fans. Japan Echo, 30(4), 19. Retrieved from

Repetti 8 http://ezproxy.wpunj.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/218926574?accountid= 15101 Ramirez, J. (2009). KRAZY!: The delirious world of anime + comics + video games + art. The Journal of American Culture,32(2), 171-173. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.wpunj.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/200578488?accountid= 15101 Amit, R. (2012). ON THE STRUCTURE OF CONTEMPORARY JAPANESE AESTHETICS. Philosophy East and West, 62(2), 174-I. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.wpunj.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/1008664576?accountid =15101 Bolton, C. (2009). FROM IMPRESSIONISM TO ANIME: Japan as fantasy and fan cult in the mind of the west. Pacific Affairs,82(2), 339-341. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.wpunj.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/217681383?accountid= 15101
Chong, S. S., & Chan, K. (2012). A CASE STUDY OF A CHINESE 'HIKIKOMORIAN' IN CANADA THEORIZING THE PROCESS OF HIKIKOMORIZATION. The Journal of Special Education and Rehabilitation, 13(3), 99-114. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.wpunj.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/1325283208?accounti d=15101