Deep Dive from The Japan Times
181: A problematic otaku dictionary and the Japanese approach to sitting
Nov 30, 2023
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.
38:30
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Quick takeaways
- 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.
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