Quote:
Originally Posted by Hatredcopter
This is the problem that I see around here all the time...
Please don't feel bad for me using your post as an example, it's nothing against you personally. There's just so many people who say they want to move to Japan and "because I love anime" is far too often the reason. Anime is really an insignificant part of daily life in Japan - the vast majority of adults in Japan don't even watch anime. If you go to Japan expecting to lead a life like anime characters do, you'll get laughed at, and reality will come crashing down hard. Being an "otaku" in Japan isn't a good thing - it's not quite the badge of honor that it is in western countries.
At the university that I went to (in the US), every semester we'd have Japanese exchange students come over... and every semester they would have to go out of their way to avoid the anime club, because the anime club would always hound them, asking questions about what their favorite anime is or what anime is popular in Japan at the time. It was a little embarrassing to watch. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy some anime just as much as the next guy (or girl)... I have a few series sitting on my shelves - but the bottom line is, anime isn't, nor shouldn't, be a reason for someone to make a life-changing decision like moving to a foreign country.
|
I think I understand what youre saying, and I have to say I mostly agree. I too think that people should realise Japan isnt the anime-world (even though I have to say parts of akiba/harajuku are).
But what I strongly object is the notion that there are reasons "not good enough" for a person to want to travel and live in a different country (in this case Japan). For someone to dictate that "your reason for wanting to go to Japan isn't valid" is just plain wrong to me.
An example:
A real die-hard anime-loving otaku super-nerd says he wants to go live in Japan because it's "anime heaven". He saves money, and goes tto Tokyo (tourist visa, since he can't get any other kind). When he gets there he sees that, although he loves the maid cafes@akiba and cosplay@Harajuku, Tokyo is not the same as an anime world.
Perhaps this will put him down alot, maybe not. Chances are he will still be able to have serious fun during his stay. Afterwards he returns to USA (or whatever country) and brags to his otaku-buddies about the cool stuff he did. Maybe he's still a bit down about all his dreams not coming true though. He might be sad.
Whats wrong with this scenario? Life offers let-downs in various forms to everyone, but stay at home in fear of atleast trying something new and you won't get any of the good shit either.. Why would anyone tell that otaku guy to not go, just because his reasons to them are ridicilous (and they "know better") ?
Someone just said that Japan aint some remote unreachable island, and it's just so true. You won't die from going there for a while. If youre thinking about it or just want to find out how you like it, save some money and go.