[MMM]

I figured we probably agree more than not.

In my experience with anyone who is a member of a fringe part of society (at least fashion-wise) in Japan, is that they are generally normal people who have a unique, or at least easily spottable, hobby.

I think what people don't realize is that Japan is the most hobby-friendly society, probably in the world.

I was there earlier this year and saw an auction of shinkansen parts. All the densha otaku showed up and paid insane amounts of money for foot rests and overhead shelves from the now defunct 500kei trains.

In Japan I feel hobby is encouraged in a different way, so even if I am made fun of in high school, I can find people interested in exactly what I like either in he community or in college.

So those into cos-play, visual-kei, decora, or whatever are not actors and actresses, but simply hobbyists. Under that makeup and fashion is usually a pretty normal, typical person.