When I heard about manga artist Kenya Suzuki being arrested for importing child pornography, I began to wonder if there’s something about manga that encourages such behavior. Manga has had several artists accused of possessing child pornography or engaging in sexual acts toward minors: Kenya Suzuki, the creator of Please Tell Me Gaiko-chan imported 6…
Category: Otaku Culture
Impostor Syndrome
I suffer from Impostor Syndrome, and I am not alone. At least 70% of professionals report feeling Impostor Syndrome (IS) at some time during their careers (Gottlieb, 2020). Some time ago, Netflix approached me with an Anime Analyst position. This made my IS flare! After all, I can speak only toddler Japanese, and this job…
Why are Incels, Neckbeards, and Others Attracted to Japan?
Why is Japan the fantasy for the socially awkward? Why does its culture, its media, and its women receive so much attention from some online men? Since I’ve began to study Japan and the online social groups surrounding it, I’ve pondered these questions. I’ve wondered why generalizations and objectifications and misconceptions proliferate (Look at those…
Can a Christian be an Otaku?
Recently, I’ve had questions from younger Christians who are conflicted about their obsession with anime and their Christian faith. Liking anime and being a Christian are not mutually exclusive. Yet, many Christians and Christian parents have more concerns surrounding anime than American media content. I’ve already addressed the sexual concerns surrounding anime, so I won’t…
How To Stop Being a Weeb, a 12 Step Program
Weebs or Weeaboo are defined by a lack of social boundaries, social skills, and an unhealthy obsession with Japanese media culture. The label is meant to be derogatory, but over time people have embraced it as an identity label. Weebs, however, lack a healthy outlook on life. The lack of social intelligence can hurt their…
Love and Fortune, a Review
Love and Fortune is a Netflix and TV Tokyo live-action series that focuses on the life of Wako Taira and her love for a 15-year-old high school student. Wako begins the series living with her boyfriend of 4 years. He works as a salaryman who expects Wako to take care of him when he comes…