Why 'Otaku' Is a Complex Word in Japan

If you are a fan of anime or manga, you’ve probably heard the Japanese word otaku (オタク), which is used to describe someone who is deeply passionate or obsessed with anime, manga, or video games. When I started learning Japanese, I quite liked using this word to describe my own interests (and show off my newly learned word!)

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But as I delved deeper into Japanese culture, I realized that otaku carries complex meanings, sometimes even negative connotations, that I hadn’t fully understood before. This made me more cautious about using it.

Here are my thoughts on what I have discovered.

From Tragedy to Stereotype

A major turning point in my understanding of the negative perception of otaku culture came with specific criminal incidents, such as the case of Tsutomu Miyazaki, also known as the "Otaku Killer." This brutal case, which occurred in the late 1980s and early 1990s, left a lasting negative impact on Japanese society, particularly on the manga industry. Evidence showed that Miyazaki’s crimes were closely linked to his obsession with violent and disturbing manga. I remember hearing about this tragic event, and it made me realize how otaku culture became associated with such a dark and troubling image.

As I read more, I understood how incidents like this created widespread anxiety among Japanese parents and society. There was growing concern that young people deeply immersed in niche hobbies might become disconnected from societal norms and expectations for social interaction. The fear was that these individuals, lost in their fantasy worlds, might become socially isolated to the point of losing touch with reality or, worse, pose a threat to others.

This only reinforced the stereotype that people like Miyazaki—otaku—could be dangerous or mentally unstable.

Meanwhile, media and social media further reinforced this stereotype. For example, in the Netflix TV series Mask Girl (2023), one of the first victims is a man deeply obsessed with AV dolls and streaming live shows. The show explores the darker side of obsession with fantasy, technology, and self-image, presenting a complex view of how certain subcultures can evolve into something dangerous or destructive.

This combination of real-life tragedies and media portrayals has kept the fear alive that otaku culture could lead to dangerous isolation and social disconnection, making it difficult for people involved in these subcultures to escape the negative stereotypes.

Worried Parents and Teachers

Like other East Asian countries such as China and South Korea, Japan places a strong emphasis on group harmony (wa和), social conformity, and fitting into societal roles. People are expected to participate in communal activities, contribute to society, and engage with others respectfully. In contrast, otaku culture, with its focus on individual passions and solitary activities, can be seen as a rejection of these values.

As I’ve observed, parents and educators in Japan often worry that children deeply immersed in otaku subcultures may fall behind in the competitive school and work environments. The term hikikomori (引きこもり)—referring to individuals who withdraw from society entirely—often gets mentioned alongside otaku, highlighting how these individuals may be perceived as outcasts I’ve seen how the terms hikikomori and otaku are often linked, with both groups perceived as being at risk of becoming outcasts or contributing to societal problems due to their isolation.

While we can’t deny the real concerns surrounding otaku culture, we also have to recognize how it’s changing and how much more nuanced it’s become over the years.

Japan is Changing

While otaku culture was once seen as a niche, even dangerous subculture, global interest in anime and manga has shifted that perception. Today, these forms of entertainment are celebrated worldwide.

Super popular anime series like Naruto and Attack on Titan gaining massive followings abroad, especially in the U.S., Japan saw its own cultural product rebranded from something niche to a mainstream global phenomenon. This global exposure has reshaped perceptions of otaku culture, with many people—both in Japan and abroad—now seeing it as a form of fandom that's largely harmless, even something to take pride in.

The influence of American culture has played a key role in this shift too. With the rise of conventions like Comic-Con, anime screenings, and streaming platforms such as Netflix, anime and manga have become a mainstream part of pop culture. This has sparked a ripple effect, encouraging Japan to reconsider its own stereotypes and view otaku culture as a vibrant, creative community, rather than something to fear.

As anime and manga have entered the mainstream, the stereotype of the antisocial, potentially violent otaku is being increasingly challenged. Younger generations are embracing the cultural richness of anime and manga, along with the social aspects of the otaku community.

Yes, otaku culture was once seen as a Japanese stereotype, but, like many cultural trends, Japan is changing. Influenced by global connections, the perception of otaku culture is evolving from something feared to something to be proud of.

Looking back, I've realized that otaku culture is more complex than I once thought. While I see how otaku culture has transformed from a misunderstood subculture into a celebrated global phenomenon. It’s a reminder that passion, no matter how niche, can evolve and connect people worldwide in ways we never imagined.

Change is happening—and it’s an exciting time to witness this cultural shift.