Is anime a "lonely" hobby?

[8bit_samurai]

[...]The term otaku in Japanese usage generally suggests a creepy, obsessive loner who rarely leaves the house.[...]

From what I heard I think being an otaku in Japan is different from being an "otaku" elsewhere.

One of the first times I watched anime when I knew (or more like told) it was an anime was when some friends invited me to watch Vampire Hunter D. It. Was. Awesome. I guess it would all depend where ya live and whether or not anime is "socially acceptable," or however ya wanna label it.

[wurpess]

[...]The term otaku in Japanese usage generally suggests a creepy, obsessive loner who rarely leaves the house.[...]

But my future husband is also an otaku/anime fan, so I can still be a creepy obsessive loner who rarely leaves the house and not be lonely.

[Minimoto]

Otaku is actually a term used to describe one who is obsessed with something. It is generally used for anime otaku but it can pertain to people such as... shoe otaku, gun otaku, etc.

[Pas]

ITT: People who don't understand what the term "Otaku" means, nor its associations.

Otaku is actually a term used to describe one who is obsessed with something. It is generally used for anime otaku but it can pertain to people such as... shoe otaku, gun otaku, etc.

You got it. Otaku is not limited to merely anime and manga, although that's what it has become more associated with recently.

Also, while it's nothing to be ashamed of, it's not exactly a life goal either to "become" and otaku. Get a grip you guys, watching a lot of anime doesn't make you an Otaku. Get back to me when you've spent your life savings on anime figs, dakimakura and the drama CDs. Until then, most of us fall into the "anime fan" category.

[Sukunai]

Heheh in the 'North American' slang usage, if you are not a virgin, if you are with a girlfriend, even worse if you are married, you lose several key otaku points according to all the conversations I have encountered in person. If you have a job you lose some. If you live in a home you actually pay for yet more. If you have your collection somewhere other than your bedroom yet more lost points.

Otaku have no life other than their obsession. It's why they are called lonely. It's not because they have no other otaku friends. 100 otaku in a single room is really just 100 lonely people in one spot.

If you visit a con you can spot the real otakus too.
They are definitely not with anyone while they are there.
They look tragic even to an anime fan.

And no, csoplaying doesn't make you necessarily otaku. Might make you an idiot, but that's not an otaku qualifier.

[hasteroth]

No duh I get offended when I'm called a pedo. And I wouldn't go around calling myself an Otaku in Japan, I'd have to be an idiot. It just doesn't have the same effect out here in Canada. Particularly on the west coast. Though when I'm among other anime fans/otaku we tend to use the word "otaku" quite lightly. I only know one person (that I think of as an otaku) that actually doesn't like being called an otaku. Of course if you aren't an otaku you probably wouldn't like being called one.

Now if the person were to use terms such as loner, loser, hikikimori, etc. I'd be offended.

[Knowname]

[...]The term otaku in Japanese usage generally suggests a creepy, obsessive loner who rarely leaves the house.[...]

But my future husband is also an otaku/anime fan, so I can still be a creepy obsessive loner who rarely leaves the house and not be lonely.

You tell em Cami, lonely ppl with lonely friends aren't not lonely, their just lonely together =D -how romantic-

[hasteroth]

But my future husband is also an otaku/anime fan, so I can still be a creepy obsessive loner who rarely leaves the house and not be lonely.

You tell em Cami, lonely ppl with lonely friends aren't not lonely, their just lonely together =D -how romantic-

Lol. I'd like an otaku girlfriend but I somehow doubt that'll happen. Though I wouldn't date a girl who wants me to stop watching anime. That doesn't make me a loner, it just means I'm obsessed with anime. I mean there are girls who won't try to make me quit. Though I likely won't end dating until I'm out of highschool

[The Origonal Head Hunter]

Though I wouldn't date a girl who wants me to stop watching anime.

If you're not willing to give up some things for your girlfriend, you aren't ready to be dating at all.

[hasteroth]

Though I wouldn't date a girl who wants me to stop watching anime.

If you're not willing to give up some things for your girlfriend, you aren't ready to be dating at all.

There are lot's of things I'd give up. Just not anime. I'm in too deep. I'd suffer a horrible withdrawl. I'm sure my opinion on this matter might change if I fall in love but this is how it is right now.