Concept in Definition ABC

Historically, Japanese culture has remained closed in on itself and with few contacts with the Western world. However, this trend has changed in recent years and the Japanese has been integrated into the globalized world.

In the present It is not strange to use terms and cultural references typical of the nation Japanese. The word otaku is a good example of this phenomenon.

Otaku are an urban subculture that takes their passion for anime and manga to the extreme

In Japan, fans obsessed with the world of manga and anime are known as otakus. In the Japanese context, this term is normally used in a pejorative sense, since with this label it is transmitted that someone takes his hobby to an exaggerated and even unhealthy point. In our language we do not have such a derogatory label and we call this type of people a geek.

How can we identify them?

The typical Japanese otaku stands out for some traits and quirks. He is capable of falling in love with one of his favorite fictional characters. In his clothing he wears badges from the anime or manga universe and at the bottom of his screen

mobile these characters appear.

With relative frequency his passion leads him to social isolation and when this happens the otaku becomes a hikikomori.

Among her favorite accessories are wigs with bright colors. Many otakus from other countries use Japanese words and instead of saying hello they use the equivalent greeting "kaori chan", as well as other everyday expressions in Japanese.

The girls adopt a attitude tender and exaggerate their childish demeanor. Among them it is very common to sing typical songs from the anime and manga world.

A short glossary of Japanese terms incorporated into the global village

- Wabi sabi is a type of beauty based on the idea of ​​imperfection.

- Shinrin-yoky is a "forest bath" and this term refers to the search for tranquility and silence in the Forest.

- The resistant attitude and the ability to fight are known as gaman.

- A koi No Yokan is a love affair. Gafes people are love otoko.

- Who lives in the moment with intensity it's a ukiyo.

- Reliable and serious people are majestic.

To the margin of these expressions, the esthetic Japanese is present in gyaru fashion, in kogal-type school uniforms or in decora style.

With regard to the otakus, they have ceased to be an exclusively Japanese phenomenon to become an urban tribe in all corners of the planet.

Fotolia photos: Nomad_Soul / Dodondayo

Themes in Otakus