The World of Otaku

What is an otaku? According to the Wikipedia, it literally means someone who always stays at home (お宅, otaku) with no social life. In Japan, they are being called a nerd or geek with nothing better else to do than watch anime. This is an extremely negative thing to say to a Japanese person, being called an “otaku” is an insult to them. In English, it is usually used to refer to an obsessive fan of anime/manga, Japanese video games, and Japanese culture. But no matter what they say or what they choose as a definition, an otaku is still an otaku, and I’m proud of being one.

I was really just a plain girl, bored with her life, but then Anime came into light, and this changed my whole lifestyle into something new. Since then, I've been drawn into the world of otaku. In this world, I've discovered a lot of great things like manga (which is a Japanese comic), Japanese games, and Japanese cultures.  And in this world, I met new and real friends who can perceive things the way I see, and who can share the same happiness with me who contributed a lot to my personality. I love being in this kind of world where I can be myself without any restrictions and conditions. Even if the word “otaku” itself will disappear forever, the pride, the spirit, and the dedication of every otaku will live on.

"Otakus don't live in reality, we live on our own fantasy."

By: Jessa Mae C. Bermudez