So, it's been quite awhile since I've posted anything , so some apologies are in order.
But! The time that I've spent away surely wasn't wasted. While it was kinda annoying to have the Otakon panel submission rejected, it gave me the opportunity to really look over what Otaku America is really about. This project isn't about the Japanese animation industry here in America, it's about me, you, and so many other people out there - the fans. Otaku America is an anime fandom project, meant to show the rest of the world who we are. I've run into so many people over the years that have this negative perception of what it means to be an Otaku or a fan of anime and manga at all. So many people that just don't understand the interests of someone else.
My goal is to show the rest of the world that we are normal, everyday people, yet we stand out because we have an interest in something so beautiful and amazing. Being an otaku should never be something you should hide or try not to mention around certain people. It's something that you should embrace and have pride in.
With the change in direction, I'm hoping that things go better with plans for Anime USA and other events towards the end of the year. I'm getting a Kickstarter account together in hopes that we can raise the money to keep this project going. Hopefully one day we can afford to make it off of the east coast and meet some of the awesome people who've showed support from other parts of the country.
Since I always close with a question, I have to ask this: How does it feel to consider yourself an otaku? Not talking about the serious Japanese designation of otaku, but the more casual term that we have adopted here in the US.
I also have to give a shout-out to my newest partner in crime, Kami-Trio. He's gonna be working with me on this project to make sure we get out message across, so make sure to stop by his blog and check things out! http://kami-trio.blogspot.com
Hope to hear from you soon!
Until next time
Ja ne~
Kasome The Otaku
Good luck with your endeavors at Anime USA. If you can't pull it of (time crunch, etc), give Katsucon a try (in Feb) or Zenkaikon (in the Philly area in March). And, Anime Next (in NJ) is next June. They are all smaller cons, so sometimes it's easier to get a panel or whatever.
ReplyDeleteAs for your question, I don't consider myself an otaku and I don't like to be called one. Personally, it's the equivalent of calling me a geek. Just don't do it. Though, I do consider myself a huge fan of anime and japanese culture.
Sorry things did not work out for Otakon, but I'm sure you will have better luck at Anime USA!
ReplyDeleteIn response to your goal for the project, I think it would be a great idea to show how we're everyday people by interviewing different people at cons and asking them things like how old are you, are you a student or working professional, what's your major or field of employment, etc. Then, to show our mass interest, you can ask them questions like what is some of your favorite anime, what does cosplaying mean to you or why do you like to cosplay, and what draws you to anime and the Japanese culture.
As far as being an Otaku, I embrace it! Despite it's negative roots, to me, it just means that I am a huge fan of anime and Japanese culture. In the US, I feel that we have altered the meaning to be more positive (or we're at least moving in that direction I hope lol). And I wouldn't say Otakus are geeks per say, but we are very knowledgeable and passionate about anime. Despite what some may say, we're not overly obsessive to an unhealthy point and we're quite social people.