Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Gvoice - 1-2008 - Why Be Otaku - F
Gvoice - 1-2008 - Why Be Otaku - F
2008 JUNE
http://brand.gamania.com/gvoice
be Otaku!?
Why
Gamania View
Why are we talking about Otaku?
Why do we spend time studying those otaku who have a room full of young what are the influences they are bringing us? We would like to take past
girl figurines, who are hanging on the internet non-stop, who can never keep experiences as a reference of future development. We hope you can join
up with the current society and are only focused on their own small world? Gamanian in this journey of discovery.
Why?
As part of the PC game industry, do you really know the definition of
Us, being in the PC game industry, haven’t yet come to an agreement “otaku”?
regarding the definition of “otaku;” even though many people think of Is the recent otaku fashion going into a recession?
“otaku culture” as an old cliché. What we want to find out in this issue of Or it is already changed to a new form?
Gamanian is the reason that the “otaku culture” was formed and what
kind of relationship our lives have with the “otaku culture”. Let us take a moment and do some thinking before going into this issue
of Gamanian.
In general, if we take a look at the influences brought by “otaku culture,”
creating a fashion of living goods and oral expressions are not the only two.
Last year, Taipei Fine Arts Museum and KAYODO co-hosted an exhibition of
fine miniatures and various symposiums with topics related to otaku culture.
These events were all aimed at getting closer to the minds of the general
public. So, no matter if you are prominent otaku or a recessive otaku, just
believe us in this: you can never escape from the otaku culture.
With the passing of this generation’s otaku, it is very likely that there will
be a new generation of new otaku in the future. How are they different? And
- 02 03
Features Features
From the Internet to the mass media; from a catch phrase to a marketing technique What is Otaku?
otaku originally symbolized the spirit of a specific demographic but now it has gradually evolved into a If you are passionate about staying in and hate nothing more than leaving your doorstep, rather than being described
lifestyle habit. as “home-loving”, you will now be addressed as an “otaku”. Is that what being “otaku” means? Do otakus
Does this mean the next generation of otaku has begun? Or is it transforming into another form? really lead a life that is so radically different from us? Otaku is a hip term that originated in Japan but took on a very
different meaning when it arrived to Taiwan. Do you really understand what it really means to be an Otaku?
Follow Gamanians across five regions in an exciting journey to discover the world of the otaku.
Why be Otaku?
With wave after wave of media exposure on topics related to otaku, the culture of otaku is now officially accepted
(though not very positively) in our society. But does that also mean otaku culture has been condemned to a grim fate
of media manipulation? Prepare to be enlightened in the following series of coverage. While you become initiated to
- 04 05
Features Features
Animations? Aren’t those for otaku? Comic books? Only otaku would keep a whole collection, don't
they? PC games? Only those fooling around are in for that!If you think of otaku as a shallow group of Only Otaku What is Otaku?
people, you are way far from being right! would collect The term Otaku comes from the pronunciation
otaku culture
share the following three characteristics:
...
“those enthusiasts who have the above three
characteristics on any given aspect.” For
http://www.wretch.cc/blog/saku1216
example, idol otaku who are crazy about their
idols and any related products, military otaku
Otaku≠lovers of young beauties who can’t stop once they start to talk about
weapons or war history, etc. Furthermore, in
The operational and purchasing capabilities of idol otaku
The variety of an otaku’s passions is wide. “萌系”(passion for under-aged shall not be underestimated! Taiwan, those who stay in for the whole day
girls) is only one of the recent fashions. Others include science fiction, detective- Source of the picture: blog.pixnet.net/superblue/ and play online games nonstop are also called
related works, horror –related works, etc. On the other hand, who doesn’t Source of the picture: “otaku.”
internet, “Suzumiya
appreciate pretty things? Haruhi no Yuutsu”
(Note 1):
ACG is the abbreviation of Animation, Comics and Games.
In order to pursue and collect items related to their beloved works, most otaku
have a stable career and income to be well prepared when the time for showing
their “passion” comes. Source of the picture:
ashahsu.spaces.live.
com/
Not only Otaku collects books and DVDs
- 06 07
Features Features
ACG, the first thing that comes to mind is Japan. Densha Otoko, the first thing that comes to mind is Gamania Japan's Otaku Reps Speaks Up!
also Japan. “Moe” , maid, voice actor/actresses, and Bishoujo games, the first thing that comes to
mind is still Japan! Japam Rep : Solan Project Study Room
The Otaku
phenomenon in Japan 2
100%
pathological killers (most notably Tstomu Miyazaki) were
found to be fans of ACG. But I believe if otakus can one
day take on the role of creators and make some significant
Note 1:
figures are cited from the investigative report published by the Nomura Research Institute in 2004. The report indicated that the scale of
consumption for otakus in Japan on animation, comic, games, idol, and PC assembling has reached 290 billion Japanese Yen.
contributions to the society, general public of the “norm”
will refrain from looking down or making fun of otakus. So
let’s work together towards that goal! (smile)
Otaku
- 08 09
Features Features
Sacred sites for Japanese Otakus Media: “After a three-day online marathon without any rest, an otaku was found ^#$!@#! 」
The general public: “Otaku makes me sick...I think they may have mental problems...”
Physical locations Functions The Otaku Group: “You guys are talking nonsense! We’ve got to make it right!”
Ikebukuro
Akihabara Best known as the homes of countless stores selling animations, manga, game related products and
peripherals (such as gachapons (lit. capsule toys), Cosplay costumes). In addition, specialty businesses
The Otaku
such as Maid cafes, Maid hairdressers and Maid massage salons can also be found in these areas.
Nakano Akihabara is also particularly known as the major shopping area for electronic products in Tokyo
Nihonbashi
Based on statistics collected in 2001, 2ch has drawn more than 10 million
2ch
users per day
http://www.2ch.net/ Interested Areas of Dominant Otaku Groups in Taiwan: the ACG Group, the Idol Group, the Military
Group and the Travel Group.
Latest official ACG information is updated on a daily basis at the site. The data
MOON PHASE http://www.moonphase.cc/
on bishoujo games available on the site is also fairly extensive
Gamania Taiwan's Otaku Reps Speaks Up!
Offers functions similar to YouTuBe, but NICONICO Douga allows user to leave
NICONICO comments on featured videos directly. NICONICO currently has more than 2 http://tw.nicovideo.jp/
million registered members Taiwan Rep 1: Huang Ting-Fan, Gamania Funlogy Center
One can obtain the latest official information on animations or latest news/ These can be easily found
Official website
works about specific manga artist through Google search
The アキバBlog is the favorite site for Apart from ACG related works, many
many otakus for containing the latest corporations have collaborated with
information on Akibahara NICONICO to host their latest official
clips and trailers on NICONICO Douga
- 10 11
Features Features
100%
Otaku
Um...I would describe myself as someone who is “adamantly
otaku, and Otaku-styled Adamant”. I am more obsessed with
female-oriented works such as BL (note: Boys Love) and Moe
works. It’s hard to find a specific reason for joining the “Otaku You probably don’t believe even I-Robot has its models
Group”. I would attribute it to the “nature” of the individual. What I wish to say is: “It is not the case that you can become an otaku
People may feel interested in the emotional world of the otakus. So Although people are aware of the simply because you wish to be one. The fact is that you would suddenly
find yourself an otaku even before you are aware of it. There is no specific
far, I’m still fancy free. What I desire is someone who is prepared existence of the otakus, they do not motivation to trigger the change. I would say it’s part of the nature, isn’t
to “receive”. I would, however, not define the term “receive” have very positive perception on the it?”
at this stage! (editor’s note: I see, so you are the one to take the otaku. There are often misconceptions
offensive?) about the “Otaku Men” or the
“A-Jai (Otaku Guy)”. In fact, otakus
do not necessarily stay at home all
the time. Just like me – I’m also a
member of the bicycle peak-climbing
club. Anyway, the ACG-related
industries are in fact quite interesting
and creative. The works presented
through the ACG industries are
sometimes even more creative and
imaginative than movies. They are
highly entertaining. In future, we may KERORO regiment is cool!
have even more opportunities to find
A muscled guy – the irresistible Batman funs in these works.
These are the so-called “love”. Good works not only satisfy the
collector's demands, but are also
valuable for repeated reading and
study.
- 12 13
Features Special
have someone
Moe Point Café, Cosplay costume Though not the pioneer of the Maid Café, the business size of the café is
Moe Moe Center re n tal , an im a tio n a nd c om ic s impressive. Note: Check out the schedule before you come, otherwise you will see
related products nothing but the sports center itself. XD
A place selling all the computer The most frequently visited place for 3C otakus. Take the “little friends”
Arclink
and ACG peripheral products. along and not miss the fun!
Otakus are thought to spend all of their time chatting online and
never going on dates. In reality, however, things seem to be quite
different. Otakus are passionate about the things they like, and get
involved in all kinds of fan activities. This gives them much better
odds of "striking it lucky" in love compared to "Otaku Men" who
camp out in front of a computer screen and never go out!
34% 48% 9% 6% 3%
Virtual Places Facilities Observations by the Editor
Simply observe the MSN nicknames and you will know Married Single Dating Have Met Secret
MSN The best online communication channel with fellows.
what your fellow people are crazy for. Someone Crush
www.gamer. A fantastic website for you to show your great ideas or A “home” for otaku gamers. On-line otaku gamers
com.tw get the first-hand game information. are now the main contributors.
Can an online relationships become real world love?
Commonly referred to as the “Oh Shit Island”. The
A site for the senior otakus. A lot of people visit the site
Komica website is structured as the 2ch Forum of Japan.
everyday simply to show their new pictures. In the early years, people thought online
Though not fancy, it’s easily accessible.
relationships might develop into something
PTT
A BBS site with more than 100,000 online at the same A site where you can find the gathered power of otaku more. Times have changed however. With
time. with diversified strength in different “professions”.
online scams now a fact of life, the online
Blog
A place for “preaching” by the otakus. Pay a visit Experience the different “otaku” taste here, “all you Otaku Men and Ladies population tend to
here anytime and deliver the love and happiness. can eat!”
stick to purely platonic relationships.
Computers are fine for fantasies The realities of the virtual world…
about love
Familiar Game Player Website for Whenever you go online, you Game Marriage Rate Remarks
Garmania Supporters in Taiwan can always find nearly 100,000 Lineage 56% Server survey based on number of wedding rings purchased
folks there. The amazing
power of the community! Zodiac 62% Server survey based on number of people who sign up for the Matchmaking System
Maple Story 35% Server survey based on the number of people who purchased wedding scrolls
Otakus in Taiwan have surprising consumption both through Who says otakus don't have a love life? Internet Otaku Men, however, should avoid spending too much
the internet and physical shops of animations and comics. time on online romances so they don't miss out on real-life romance.
- 14 15
Features Features
in Hong Kong
way thing, but some games are hellishly taxing on the
brain) The reason why some otakus decide to immerse
themselves in games and manga may be due to a lack
of faith in the human race. This is an issue well worth
thinking about, though not everyone is like that.
HK Rep's Recommendations
1.Slam Dunk
It's not just a basketball story. It's
HK Otaku Characteristics
also a story about growing up for
It was "Densha Otoko" ("Train Man") that brought otakus into the public spotlight in Hong Kong. This is why Hong several young people. In the story,
Kong people often use the term "Train Man" and "Train Girl" interchangeably with "Otaku". As Hong Kong is one of
you find out about the characters'
Asia's fashion shopping capitals, it's only natural for the city to home to "Fashion Otaku".
background and their motivations.
Dominant HK Otaku Types: Fashion, ACG, Idol. The focus is not just on the main
character either as the inner workings of other
players is covered as well, making their "Hard Work"
feel all the more inspiring.
Otaku
MHP is a game that really demands a lot of skill (when
HK Rep: YI, Ci-Heng,
Product Operations playing offline). When you use your character's skills
and your own ingenuity to defeat a dragon, it's a real
rush (the kind that makes you want to get up and yell
YES UA). While you don't get the same kind of rush
from playing online with other players, it's pretty fun
playing the 4-player co-op mode too. The armor sets
in MHP and the new socket gem system also allows
players to have fun collecting all kinds of different
equipment, then mixing and matching them.
3.Hajime no Ippo.
No particular reason – it's just really fires up the
warrior spirit within!
I would like to say: "My otaku meter didn't improve after I joined Gamania. To Otakus know how to enjoy life too!
be honest with you, overtime is cutting into my otaku time!" They particularly love gourmet food.
- 16 17
Features Features
HK Otaku Pilgrimages Japan's close neighbor, Korea might still not be as influential as Japan when it comes to anime and
manga But when it comes to developing online games and the population density of online gamers
Physical Location Purpose Editor's Observations Korea leaves Japan far behind…
Place to find manga, boutique anime/manga products,
HK otakus all swear by this place for all ACG otaku
Sino Centre toys, models, figures, Japanese idol products and CDs, TV
shopping needs. You can shop your heart out here!
games, computer games and all kinds of ACG products.
Richmond Boutique anime/manga products, toys, models. Figures The Richmond Center is where HK modeling otakus
Shopping Center and TV games. Main focus is on toy figures. go for their regular fix.
Oriental 188 Shopping centers completely dedicated to ACG
Manga, boutique anime/manga products, toys, models,
Shopping peripherals are as rare as hen's teeth in Taiwan…
The Otaku
figures, TV games, computer games
Center, Wan Chai people in HK are really lucky!
Another store selling models! Looks like model
The first large Japanese manga/anime specialty store in
Animate collecting is far more popular in HK compared to
HK.
Taiwan!
Phenomenon in Korea
Hong Kong Large scale conventions are a must for popularizing
The ACGHK is held at a different time every year. This is
Anime/ otaku culture! I wonder if voice actors are invited to
the ultimate highlight of the year for the ACG community in
Games/Manga attend XD? For readers interested in seeing a major
HK.
Convetion otaku event, this is the show to see!
- 18 19
Features Features
I honestly don't think I am an otaku (Editor: That's what a lot of otakus say To my understanding, an otaku takes things to greater lengths than Mania. I
XD~). I am at most a Mania (fanatic) when it comes to baseball. I do like playing consider myself Mania and prefer that term as well. Right now what I love is the
games and watching anime though. The most moe character? Well… my top English Football League and football trivia. I also spend about 50,000~60,000
picks would be Asuka and Rei from Neo-Genesis Evangelion as well as Rin Won (approx. NT$1600) a month collecting ACG related DVD and models. As
Minmei from Super Dimensional Fortress Macross. Just to make it clear, I am I am in the habit of playing online games, I usually meet with other like-minded
not an otaku, but the following works are all highly regarded: people in person or chat with them online. Just to make it clear… I am not an
otaku.
1.Neo-Genesis Evangelion.
Reason: The series' high production standards and the superb way it handles
the psychological aspects are what really grabs me.
2.Cyber Formula
Reason: The story's simple but I am drawn to how passionate the main
character is about the things he believes in.
If otakus can balance their interests with real life, they may very well become
the top experts in different disciplines and help further the development of the
human race!
Otaku
From the above, it's easy to see that the word "Otaku" has some serious negative
connotations for Koreans. This means that even if they do fit the bill, they are unwilling
to describe themselves as such. Yours truly has the following suggestion for our Korean
audience: Please turn to page 6 and let it help you set aside your prejudices about otakus!
- 20 21
Features Features
In recent years, China has been focusing its efforts on the development of online games.
With all the rapid advances being made in Internet access and trade,
Otakus appears to be emerging as a force to be reckoned with as well!?
The Otaku
Phenomenon in China
Dominant Chinese Otaku Types: ACG, Idol. Baidu.com is a very well known Shanghai Rep: JIN, Shuen-Fa, R&D
Chinese community platform.
I only collect Saint Seiya models from ten or so years ago,
so my otaku meter is probably quite low. I am quite positive
and objective about the entire otaku concept myself. More
specifically, I define an otaku as someone who spends all of
their spare time on ACG. A broader definition of an otaku would
probably be someone who is a fanatic about one particular
thing, be it shopping, politics or something. Otakus are now a
The main types of Chinese otakus are
ACG and Idol.
well established social group but in the future, the next big social
phenomenon may actually be "Himono-Men" and "Himono-
Ladies" (Literally "Dried Fish Guy" and "Dried Fish Girl", refers
10%
to slovenly men and women who may look perfectly normal
at work but becomes absolutely unconcerned with personal
grooming or cleaning when at home).
Otaku
- 22 23
Special Special
Otakus are a
new force to Otaku rating survey
be reckoned Being surrounded by PCs and PC games, when was the last time you went out to have fun with friends? Or maybe,
you are becoming a member of the otaku family? Come and check how close you are to becoming an otaku!
within Asia!
1.How often do you completely clean up your room? Super otaku with an extremely boring
a. When there is no place to put things in the room. (→ Level life
Question 2)
b. Every year before the New Year’s Holidays.(→ Question
A Your life is totally restrained within a fixed
area. Besides interacting with colleagues at
3) rate work, you spend the whole time off work inside
99
your room with your PC and computer games.
You hate social events and dinner plans and you
2.During the weekends, when you are all alone in the house, don’t even know how to be at ease within a
what do you usually wear? group of people. You have a dull and boring life.
a. Spend the whole day in my pajamas.(→ Question 4)
b. Something comfortable and casual.(→ Question 3)
A pre-otaku who is showing his/her
Level potentials
3.What do you usually do on Friday nights?
a. Prepare loads of snacks and drinks and keep my eyes B Beware; you are slowly becoming an otaku!
You vastly reduced the amount of social events
fixed on the TV for the whole day.(→ Question 6) to attend and the only thing you think about is to
rate
b. Schedule movies and dinner plans till midnight and sleep stay at home and chat online or play computer
Apart from the general otaku population in Asia, there are also "Otaku Men" and "Otaku Ladies" This particular all the way to the next afternoon.(→ Question 5) 70 games. It would be understandable if you are
recovering from an overwhelming schedule, but
group stays at home playing games, surfing the net, sleeping, reading books, watching movies and looking up being lazy and closed-up from nothing indicates
4.During weekends and holidays when you don’t have to you are getting closer to being an otaku.
information related to their interests or work. As their obsessive interest in certain things often lead to poor health or get up early, what time do you usually wake up?
a. Definitely before lunch time.(→ Level D)
a lack of social skills, the general public has always had a very negative impression of the "Otaku" population. Level A happy working person who has his/
b. Till I am too hungry to keep laying in bed.(→Level C)
her life all properly arranged
5.Home alone, what do you usually have for lunch?
C You are pretty good at arranging your life.
Older generations feel that "Otaku Men/Ladies" are made up of social outsiders who spend all of their time on the a. Snacks and cookies or anything I can get from my fridge You meet friends regularly and you are willing to
rate expand your social life. Although you might stay
Internet and do little real world socializing. They hide in their rooms, ignoring their real world roles/responsibilities. (→ Level C)
b. There are lots of diners and food stands on the streets, 50 in and rest for a few days, you would never allow
yourself to disconnect with the outside world.
They lack initiative and stare at computer screens all day. For younger generations however, they feel that being any one would do(→ Level B)
"otaku" is merely a personality trait. They are used to spending time alone but socialize through MSN or e-mail.
6.There is an excellent new movie coming up, you will;
They pass the time listening to their iPod, playing gaming consoles and visiting their favorite websites everyday a. Check on the theaters and the time slots and then see if A lively outgoing person without a
Level
anyone else is interested(→ Level A) hint of otaku
to stay up to date. In a lot of people, their "otaku" tendencies have actually ended up making them an expert in
b. Check whether there is anyone interested and then fix the D Otaku is a term far from your part of the
their field. They are very sensitive to graphics, information and are always ready to study their objects of interest in right time(→ Level B) world. You are the kind who can’t bear a single
rate moment of bore. You do not prefer chatting with
microscopic detail. They are often quite willing to show off or share their findings with other people.
10 friends through tools such as the internet or cell
phones and you cannot sustain a day without
going out.
From the above, we can see that "Otaku Men/Ladies" are derived from the basic otaku. The otaku however spends
time studying, collecting and sharing information about their hobby because of "Love". "Otaku Men/Ladies " however
do it to pass the time and to socialize. Though their outward behavior can be quite similar, their motivation is quite Test provided by Miss Antares
different. Can you tell the difference? Blog:http://blog.sina.com.tw/antares/
- 24 25
Special Special
Network communication—Even if a true otaku never leaves his house, he can know about everything in the world
Convenient services such as online ordering, Internet ATM payment, Not only that, Books.com also offered a convenient service
home delivery and so forth have dramatically changed consumer for customers to pick up the books they have ordered at
behavior; actions that used to be a hassle and time consuming can the nearest convenience store. Books.com has enjoyed an
now be easily performed with a PC with Internet access. average annual growth rate of 50% ever since 2000 and it
has certainly taken a big chunk out of the internet business
The incredibly popular Yahoo Auction – offering more pie.
than 4 million pieces of merchandise for consumers
With over 400 items available and comprehensive services that cover Online videos of real estate, couples engaging
dining, recreation and entertainment, Yahoo Auction is truly a godsend in virtual relationships… what’s next?
for otakus who wish to try out the latest products without having to part Many real estate businesses are making the task of house
the comfort of their own home. Needless to say, Yahoo’s convenience searching as painless and convenient as possible by offering
has offered them a better excuse for not leaving their house. online house viewing services for potential buyers to search
their ideal homes right in the comfort of their own home.
Overcoming the odds to reap the fruits of success; Not only that, there are also websites dedicated to all sorts
Books.com enjoys an average annual growth rate of of social networking and matchmaking services. The most
50% notable one has to be “iPartment” – a website that offers
The impressive results achieved by Books.com for the last couple of a paper doll system for users to create their own virtual
years were not without reasons; in just the category of foreign books Yahoo Auction – offering more than apartments and allows user to live together as couples in
4 million pieces of merchandise for
alone, Books.com offers up to 800,000 titles for readers to choose consumers the Internet world. As you can imagine, “iPartment” has
from. tremendous appeal for many lonely otakus of both sexes.
Along with all the new books in Chinese and various old titles, Books.
com boasts an incredible selection of over 1 million books in store.
- 26 27
Special Special
Product marketing – Relationship and dating advices for Otaku? Games that are truly fun will conquer the hearts of all gamers, otaku or not
Due to the incredible success and exposure of Densha Otoko, topics such as According to our investigation, the current online gamer demographic is comprised of the hardcore gamers between
otaku’s romantic relationships, otaku’s outfit and various habits became the age of 18 to 22, the casual gamers (spends less than 1 hour on gaming) above the age of 30, and the new group
everyone’s favorite subject of conversation. Many businesses even hoped to attract of 10~13 year-old gamers with promising potentials. These groups are the target demographic that our marketing team
resonance from the otakus by capitalizing related themes. will focus attention on.
Namchow Crystal Skin Care Laundry Soap – the otaku chapter Generally speaking, gamers in the OLG community usually lead a more reclusive lifestyle. This is why we must speak
in the language of the gamers and think from the gamers’ perspective in order to maximize our marketing power.
In this creative commercial, an otaku guy seeks advices from the online community Given such market environment, Gamania’s marketing team has proposed the notion that “all gamers who play our
in preparation for a hot visiting female friend. His online advisors all recommended games deserve our wholehearted service, otaku or not”. The truth is, otaku culture in Taiwan is not as clearly defined
the best laundry soap for his laundry needs and the product eventually helped as its Japanese counterpart; what we have in Taiwan can only be classified as moderate otaku culture by the Japanese
the protagonist to win the girl’s heart. The scenario and the shooting script were standard. And as such, as long as our games can deliver production quality, user-friendly operation and create a
intentionally produced to imitate Densha Otoko, and it was a brilliant technique pleasant atmosphere of fun through strengthened connection among gamers, our games will still be fun and exciting to
to win Otakus’ recognition for the product. Despite being a relatively old brand play regardless of gamers’ gender or gaming orientation.
name, Namcho has successfully demonstrated their creativity in the commercial and
managed to tap the market of the young generation by leaving a deep impression in
the hearts of their target consumers.
An unknown man attempted a feat of great courage at the Taipei International Auto
Show (held once every two years) – confessing his love to a showgirl who was
working at the event. The brave suitor even assembled a cheering squad in the
hopes of winning the girl’s heart. Although he was rejected in the end, the incident
turned out to be a sensation and fueled the atmosphere at the venue to a climax.
In reality, this is merely a marketing ploy devised by YULON Motor Co., Ltd and an
Internet novelist; the novelist first created a themed novella entitled “The Showgirl
and Her Suitor” on his blog and allowed visitors to vote from different scenarios
before continuing with the story. The ending of the novella would then be fully acted
out at the venue of the auto show. Within two weeks, over 100,000 visitors have
browsed the story and the audiences at the show who witnessed the ending of the
novella began a series of popular discussions. The innovative marketing technique
that took on the topic of otaku really did leave quite a lasting impression for the
viewers.
- 28 29
People People
I love, so I am an otaku!
Jo-Jo Hwang
Current Jobs: Instructor in a university
Convener of the Shuffle Alliance
Jo-Jo has been a fan of animation/comic for more than 35 years, and an expert in the otaku group. He is now devoted to the development of
the “otaku spirit”, having led the Shuffle Alliance to publish a number of books including “Welcome to the World of ACG – A Comprehensive
Guide to the “Moe” System”, “The Five Heavenly Kings of the Japanese Animation/Comic”, and “It is possible to conquer the world, isn't
it?”, etc.
As the convener of the Shuffle Alliance, Jo-Jo does not have a nicely decorated office or a gorgeous background for photo
shooting. Throughout the interview, however, he impressed us with her thorough understanding of otaku culture and his
extremely convincing and penetrating analysis. The world of otaku is, really, very “in-te-re-sting”.
“Otaku is Dead”
Talking about “otaku” Jo-Jo shook his heads and said that people toward the word “otaku”, and the efforts were in vain. Society
in Taiwan had still misconceived the meaning of “otaku”. The word already has had a deep-rooted misconception toward the word,
“otaku” actually implies a long story. It certainly does not mean
The Difference in which is hardly rectifiable.
“the group that stays at home and never goes out” as literally Common Perception
interpreted. The media in Taiwan has misled people, and the word Jo-Jo agrees that some of the people who reckoned themselves
“otaku” has been more and more abused. The Taipei Fine Arts “otaku” are merely “collectors”. They like things that are
Museum and the Kaiyodo Company have organized various Otaku- fashionable, and sometimes make the collection for commercial
related activities last year, trying to correct people’s perception Otaku reasons. They are, however, not at all interested in the stories
Study and purchase behind the collections. These people are complete opposites of
because of love.
the real “otaku” who are “motivated by love”. “In both his
lecture in a seminar held in Shinjuku, as well as in his new book
Collectors published this year, Okada Toshio has pointed out that ‘The otaku
Buy for commercial purpose. is already dead’ (Note 1). Don’t you think this applies to Taiwan
as well?” Jo-Jo commented in a thoughtful way.
Ota
Merely stay at home and do
nothing.
- 30 31
People People
The topic of “The Otaku is dead” was firstly mentioned in a seminar named “Loft Plus One” held in Shinjuku, and great feedback was
received. He mentioned that if consumption is the only thing remained with the animation culture in Japan, then “the otaku is already dead”.
- 32 33
Project Project
C.I.Boys profile:
Exhibition Report
A group of joke-playing, destructive little cute monsters is everywhere
demolishing everything they hate with unique Death-ray Cannons. Take a
closer look – they could be right beside you!
C.I. Boys was featured in the May SPACE 17 exhibition. The purpose was to inspire Gamanian with new creativity by the
creator of C.I. Boys, Richard, keen sense of humor. Through CI Boys’ vibrant character design and marketing tactic, it
brings Gamania different thinking and learning.
A rebel against the world, he savors the He is extremely cruel, violent, moody, and Pretends to be brave but is really fragile, he loves to
destruction process and watching others suffer. harboring long-term anger. bully others – especially Poka.
Pessimistic, insecure and forever bitter about his Infatuated with high-tech gadgets, loathes all Always looking spaced-out and without a care in
misfortunes. things archaic and passé. The typical post- the world.
modernist.
Naturally loves gaming and always ready to take Introverted and timid, he is very sensitive to all After drinking his Uni-President beverage, he turns
on any challenger. things new. Blushes easily because he’s shy. from his white color to a brilliant orange with a pair
of cutie white angel wings on his back setting him
free to fly in the sky.
- 34 35
Project Project
Gama Class – find out how the creator of C.I. Boys created the legend – Richard Wong
Richard Wong
Founder of Red Magic
Gamanian's figuring
Creator of C.I. Boys
His creation of C.I. Boys has generated in excess of
HK$20,000,000 of revenue in a year and the growth
seems unlimited.
- 36 37
Project
Chris Lee
Founder of Asylum Corporation, Singapore
Granted over 50 international awards
- 38