What Differences Do You See Between The Japanese "Otaku" And The Western Anime Fans

Download Article

There's nothing wrong with existence passionate about Japanese animation or comics, often referred to past Western fans as anime and manga respectively. However, many admirers are hesitant to admit their appreciation, fearing association with a subculture that is ordinarily referred to online as "weeaboo." The term "weeaboo" ultimately derives from the phrase "wannabe Japanese," which itself is often shortened in online communities to "Wapanese." In principle, there is nothing wrong with joining a subculture,^[1] simply if this is one you'd rather non accept part in, there are ways to differentiate yourself.

ane
Do non use weeaboo language. In any grouping environment, at that place are factors that encourage cohesion and indicate member condition.^[2] A major indication of a weeaboo in your midst is the utilize of cleaved and incomplete Japanese in coincidental chat, frequently in emphatic or overly dramatic ways. Using Japanese ungrammatically tin can exist culturally insensitive, hinder advice, and create difficulty should you lot choose to larn the language in the hereafter.^[iii] Some expressions appropriated past the weeaboo community include:
- Kawaii (かわいい)
- English language statement + desu (です)
  - Variation: English + Japanese describing word + desu (です). For example: "I passed that exam then you know I'thou kakkoii desu."
- Suffixes similar -kun (－くん) and -chan (－ちゃん)
- Baka (ばか)
- Sugoi (すごい)
- Chibi (ちび)
- Ne! (ね)
- Nani
- shinderu
- . Ohayo
2
Practice non abnormally prioritize things that are Japanese. There are many positives to joining a group or subculture, just in-group bias isn't one.^[4] ^[5] The automatic assumption that Japanese products are superior to others can exist cocky isolating and/or a balmy form of mirage. Cocky-inquiry is a skillful way of diffusing weeaboo tendencies. If you can't identify the reason why something is better, chances are your preference is a matter of taste. Some questions to inquire yourself:
- Why do I like this Japanese product?
- What is different between the Japanese product and a similar, non-Japanese product?
- What makes the Japanese product better than a similar, not-Japanese product?
- is this Japanese product really that improve?
Advertisement
3
Do not alienate yourself through your pick in clothing. Dress lawmaking and other social conventions telegraph group membership to others.^[six] There are socially appropriate places for you express your interest by wearing the same costume equally your favorite character, like at an anime convention. Choosing daily clothing styled afterwards anime characters is, in many cases, the hallmark of a weeaboo.
- A single accessory or article of clothing from your costume tin add flair to your daily outfit without appearing socially inaccessible to others.
4
Practice not neglect your authentic self. Yous can meet new friends and boost your creative capacity through function-playing specific characters and fantastical scenarios,^[7] but don't allow this come at the price of your ain evolution. Pretending to be something you are not, even if you are emulating something you lot admire, tin atomic number 82 to a mismatch between your outer self and inner feelings and crusade potentially extreme consequences.^[8] ^[9]
- Have that your personality changes as a office of growth, as do preferences and beliefs. Fifty-fifty if you lot consider yourself a dice-hard fan, respecting the potential for future change influences more moderate (and less weeaboo-like) behavior.
- Occasionally put aside instant gratification, including anime, manga, costume making, and online activities. Reevaluate personal goals and your place in your customs.^[x] Are you happy with where you're at? Ignoring these in favor of Japanese cultural pursuits is considered evidence of a weeaboo.
Advertisement

one
Watch Japanese documentaries. These are an fantabulous style for yous to gain insight into the homo struggles of everyday life in Japan. Some notable films on Japanese culture and departer experiences are:
- Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2011)
- The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness (2013)
- Hafu: The Mixed-Race Experience in Japan (2013)
- Brakeless (2014)
- Kokoyakyu: High Schoolhouse Baseball (2006)
- The Invention of Dr. Nakamats (2009)
- "Men Behind The Sunday" (1988)
2
Accept a course in Due east Asian Studies. Even if yous don't program on getting your degree in Japanese language or culture, learning the historical reason for contemporary civilisation can clear misconceptions and minimize out-of-context assumptions. Weeaboos are perceived as doing just this. Fixation on aspects of Japanese without the cultural framework necessary for accurate interpretation can lead to a warped perspective. As an added bonus, your cognition of Asiatic history and culture will improve your ability to make sense of hereafter encounters with Japanese culture.^[11]
- If a higher grade is out of the question, yous tin contact your local Japanese Cultural Center or diplomatic mission to encounter if in that location are activities you tin can bring together. Popular traditional arts yous tin can enquire well-nigh:
  - Taiko (太鼓) drum classes (taiko is played with Japanese drumsticks (bachi) )
  - Kendo (剣道, Japanese fencing)
  - Shodou (書道, Japanese calligraphy)
  - Sadou (茶道, Japanese tea ceremony).
3

Invest in books on Japanese society. A frequent criticism of the weeaboo subculture is that its members only consume overly dramatized mass media. Reading on a diversity of topics will aid you to achieve a more complete moving-picture show of the intricacies of the Japanese way of life.
iv
Written report different cultures or larn a foreign language. Language and culture are closely linked.^[12] Many foreign languages contain words or concepts that simply don't exist in your native tongue, and learning these tin can equip you with tools necessary to pin down foreign perspectives.^[13] ^[14] In the same way, exposing yourself to other cultures promotes broader cultural awareness.^[15]
- Yous don't need to study Japanese have the advantages that back-trail bilingualism. If in that location is a community nearby that speaks a language different than your own, immersing yourself in that community tin can promote conquering.^[xvi]
Advertizing

Add New Question

Question

If I cook Japanese nutrient, am I a weeaboo?

Of course not. Y'all're just considered a weaboo if you're obsessed with Japan. You're immune to appreciate Japanese culture and eat Japanese food.
Question

Would studying Japanese and going abroad make me a weeaboo?

No. Liking the culture doesn't make y'all a weeaboo. Obsessing over the civilisation does.
Question

Is it okay for me to be offended if a weeaboo comes up to me and assumes I'grand Japanese without asking my ethnicity?

Yes, information technology is. Assuming someone'southward ethnicity is rude. In the future, I would but politely tell them that you aren't Japanese and that you don't like it when people assume your ethnicity.
Question

Why is using "Baka" and "Sugoi" idea of as weeaboo behavior? Do Japanese non use these terms by themselves or at all?

Non Suki

Community Answer

They do sometimes, but if you say them in an English chat irrelevantly information technology's generally considered weeaboo behavior.
Question

What if I use desu ironically?

Irony is perfectly acceptable, as it is humour. Just make sure that you apply the irony with people who will empathise it to avoid being chosen a weeaboo.
Question

Why are people afraid to exist a weeaboo? Embrace the true fan within, practise non exist bordered by social classes and the norm.

Existence a weeaboo isn't just beingness a fan, it ways you are obsessive and endeavor to be Japanese, which many discover to be disrespectful.
Question

Does learning Japanese make you a weeaboo?

No, there isn't anything incorrect with learning Japanese or any foreign language. Just make certain that you don't speak it incorrectly or use information technology in chat with people who don't empathize Japanese. That would make you a weeaboo.
Question

Can I still become a weeaboo if I'thou Japanese?

Technically not, since weeaboos are people who consider themselves Japanese when they are not.
Question

Am I a weeaboo for wanting to larn Japanese? I like the linguistic communication in full general, besides as the convenience of watching Japanese anime and reading Japanese manga.

No, it sounds like you just have a passion for the linguistic communication and culture, at that place'southward nothing incorrect with that!
Question

Is someone considered weeaboo if they like anime, manga, etc.?

No, you are not a weeaboo if you lot simply bask anime and manga and are interested in the Japanese civilization. A weeaboo is a person who attempts to act Japanese, disrespects the civilisation and loves everything that comes from Japan.

Bear witness more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a bulletin when this question is answered.

Submit

Although imitating and reenacting your favorite anime can be fun, don't sacrifice the feelings of others for the sake of staying in character.
If you lot program on wearing a costume in public, brand sure yous practice non include real weapons, every bit these are oftentimes prohibited.
Remember, it's perfectly fine to enjoy anime, manga, and Japanese civilization. Equally with anything, as well much obsession can lead to annoying people around yous.
Sometimes, words from other languages that y'all picked up randomly may have a meaning you practice non know. Make certain yous know what yous're talking about!
Don't phone call yourself an Otaku in front of Japanese people, as they will laugh because in Japan existence an otaku is not a adept thing.
Information technology's OK to cosplay and sometimes deed like your favourite anime or manga character, simply don't let the grapheme identify who yous actually are.

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Advert

Well-nigh This Commodity

Article Summary Ten

If you lot want to avoid becoming a weeaboo, endeavor non to let an interest in Japanese culture turn into an obsession. Avert mixing Japanese phrases into your chat, like kawaii and chibi, unless you really speak the language. Don't prioritize Japanese products just considering they're Japanese, similar soaps or clothing that are very like to options you could find in your own culture, and avoid dressing like an anime character on a daily ground. Read on to learn tips for admiring and learning nearly Japanese lodge in a good for you manner.

Did this summary assistance you?

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 866,436 times.