181: A problematic otaku dictionary and the Japanese approach to sitting
Nov 30, 2023
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Two guests, Thu-Huong Ha and Yukana Inoue, discuss the controversy surrounding an otaku dictionary and the Japanese approach to sitting in this entertaining podcast. They explore the emotional attachment otaku have to their language and identity, as well as the history and cultural significance of sitting on chairs versus sitting on the floor in Japan. The speakers also cover various updates and news, including Henry Kissinger's death and Japan's trial sales for emergency contraceptive pills.
The release of an otaku dictionary sparked controversy within the otaku community due to incorrect definitions and exposure of specific fan-created pairings.
The introduction of chairs in Japan during the 1960s and 70s caused discomfort and physical adjustments, changing sitting norms and affecting aesthetics and moral character perceptions.
Deep dives
The Impact and Evolution of Otaku Culture
The podcast episode explores the term 'otaku' coined by Akio Nakamori and its evolution over the past 40 years. Initially associated with negative stereotypes, otaku now embrace their passionate interests in various media content. A group of students at Nagoya College created an otaku dictionary to catalog the niche terms and culture of otaku communities. While initially self-published, the dictionary gained attention and was later published by Sanzedo. However, some otaku communities were upset by entries related to their specific fandoms, leading to backlash and the removal of student names from the dictionary.
The Dictionary's Terms and Examples
The otaku dictionary includes unique terms and examples that reflect the otaku culture. Examples include 'TMI,' referring to excessive information shared by idols in their personal lives, and 'ATM,' representing a person who spends a lot of money supporting someone or something. The dictionary also highlights the otaku-fied meanings of existing terms, such as 'Beikon Leto Su,' a euphemism for stories involving gay male relationships. The dictionary's selection of terms was personal and subjective, chosen by the students based on their own interests and passions.
Backlash and Controversies Surrounding the Dictionary
The release of the otaku dictionary by Sanzedo sparked controversy within otaku communities. People were upset over the exposure of specific fan-created pairings and the perceived incorrect definitions of certain terms. Some resources attempted to explain the meanings of otaku-related words that did not align with the understanding of the community. This caused emotional reactions from individuals who felt that their language and self-identity were being undermined or misrepresented. The dictionary's transition from a student-led project to an authoritative publication created a sense of top-down governance that clashed with the original intent.
The Historical and Cultural Significance of Sitting in Japan
The podcast also delves into the history and cultural implications of sitting in Japan. Traditional floor sitting styles, such as Seiza and Agura, were prevalent before the introduction of chairs in the country during the 1960s and 70s. The introduction of chairs led to a rapid shift in sitting culture and caused discomfort and physical adjustments for many individuals. The article examines how rapid modernization and westernization played a role in changing sitting norms. It also highlights the impact of sitting on aesthetics, body posture, and even perceptions of moral character.
An “Otaku Dictionary” has Japan’s subcultures upset at an attempt to define them. Thu-Huong Ha and Yukana Inoue join us to explain the linguistic scandal before discussing whether or not Japan has mastered “sitting.”
Get in touch: Send us feedback at deepdive@japantimes.co.jp. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. For a transcript of the show, visit japantimes.co.jp, and don’t forget to follow us on X!
Photo:Pages from a new Otaku Dictionary catalog the lexicons of Japan’s various subcultures. | TAIDGH BARRON
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