Post 1: Of Anime and a lot of Otakus

        As a child, I loved watching television especially anime and cartoons. I anxiously wait for them everyday, getting addicted in the process, learning how to speak Japanese, buying anime merchandise and even pursuing the art of Cosplaying. My friends always told me that I was an expert on the subject at hand but I know that there's still a lot to learn on Anime.

Wikipedia states that:

Anime [a.ni.me] is the abbreviated term for "animation" in Japanese. It is the Japanese style of animation which features colorful graphics, characters and action-filled plots of different genres. The earliest record of animation was in 1917 and it grew for the ensuing decades. With the participation of Osamu Tezuka, the "Godfather of Anime and Manga", Anime became known outside Japan. There are two kinds of anime: hand-drawn and computer generated. It is mainly used in television series, films, video, video games and other genres of fiction.

People who are currently addicted, obsessed or any word you may supply to express their love for anime are called Otaku. Otaku (おたく) is the Japanese term for people with obsessive hobbies bordering to the extent that it becomes a major part of their identity. Japan Talk says that there are actually 12 different types of Otaku in existence.

1. Anime/ Manga Otaku
These are the mainstream otakus, people who are obsessed with watching anime and reading manga to the extent that they buy every single box set DVD of their favorite anime and every volume of manga.

2. Cosplayer Otaku
These are people who love to role play as their chosen anime/manga characters. Cosplay or Costume Play is the art in which performers wear costumes and accessories to portray a certain character or role.These Otakus spend large amounts of money attending events and buying costumes, in many cases they just make their own.

3.  Game Otaku
These people are addicted to any kind of games. Game Otakus usually find friends in virtual games but never physically get to know them. An anime depicting the life of Gamer Otakus is The World God Only Knows.

4. Idol/ Jpop Otaku (WOTA)
A WOTA is a person who is obsessed with male/female idols. WOTA's usually collect idol magazines, posters and attend the concerts of their respective idols.

5. Figure Otaku
Figure Moe Zaku ("Figure Lover Gang") these are people who love to collect anime figures, dolls and other figures. These figures are often realistic. A popular figure collector would be Danny Choo.


Through these different descriptions, I learned of the difference between the different types of Otakus. I am true blue Anime/Manga Otaku. The Otaku culture is not widespread throughout the Philippines but nonetheless there are tons of Anime communities and Otakus that will prove that the Philippines is on its way towards popularity.

For more information, visit:  12 Types of Otaku