Quote:
Originally Posted by Henbaka
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.
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I didn't say they
shouldn't go, I said it's
not a good reason to go. On vacation, sure, it's a fine reason, but not fine if you're talking about spending years of your life there.
Regarding your scenario, I've witnessed this first-hand. On my exchange program to Japan in the 06-07 academic year, the other guy who got accepted to the program besides me was a die hard otaku. Spent hours a week watching anime and such. I think he had a bit of an epiphany during his stay in Japan, because after a month went by during the exchange, he didn't give a hoot about anime and he became more serious about learning more things about Japan and the Japanese language. I was happy to see that change in him.
My message wasn't really supposed to 'deter' otakus from wanting to live in Japan, it was more of a forewarning that Japan may be a lot different than they expect - that's why in a lot of my other posts I've urged people to
visit Japan before deciding they want to ship off and live there. And by visit, I mean longer than just a vacation, because a week spent in Akiba isn't really experiencing Japan for what it is.