American otaku are becoming more and more of a presence in the anime/manga world, and Japan has been taking notice. This Japanese report introduces us to Patrick, an American otaku tour guide (not exactly sure what he does, but he enjoys his Dragon Ball Z), who's just gone through a day of shopping in Akihabara.
What did he buy? Well, some Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi figures, along with the Lucky Star remix CD, since he's had such a hard time finding those awesome figures. He's really a huge fan of Lucky Star, apparently. He wants to check out some of the Lucky Star sites, and the camera crew follows him there. There has actually been some trouble at these sites because otaku flock to these sites.
What do you guys think about Patrick? Do you think he's fairly representative of what you'd be like, given the opportunity to visit Japan? Sadly, I don't think he's too far off, except for the whole dressing up in cosplay (except if I'm at a butler cafe) and dancing at the Lucky Star sites. Well, unless I was paid to do so.
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Legacy comments:
I sort of agree that he's not too far off in representation. He at least appears fairly knowledgeable of a few new shows, but has a taste in older shows as well (though I'm not saying DBZ is one of MY favorites, but I guess it is to a number of otaku in the US). I wouldn't cosplay someone that I couldn't pull off well, but at least he somewhat fits the average cosplayer doing a stereotypical cosplay that at least partially fits to how they look.
He may not be an amazing representation, but he's not too far off.....I'd buy a bunch of figures there too if I could....
Wow, no offence to all the people who'd do the same but this just says FAIL in so many ways imo.
I'd love to visit shrines, but not in that way.
This guy kept his cool, but the thing with the shrines...no. I don't like the impression that he's giving, that the majority of American Otaku are Lucky Star fanatics. I would go to the shrines and just pray.
Well, like I said, Japanese otaku have been flocking to those sites too, so it just gives the impression that we're as bad as they are.
There doesn't appear to be anything wrong with Patrick from where I stand. I'd probably be doing most of the things he was up to if I could visit Japan, even though I don't watch Lucky Star myself.
More importantly, why should he have to represent anyone or anything? Even in the face of shared passions and interests, each person is still an individual.
WHAT! Are you kidding me. Man it is totally disrespective to do that at any shrines. Damn man, most people go the their shrines to pay repects and pray for happiness for their loved ones. Imagine someone going into a church and dancing around like that because it was in some movie! Now imagine it's someone for another country.
You think this guy would have some clue to the culture in Japan. Instead he totally bipasses and shows no respect at all to the country he likes. Idiot...
Sry for rant, my GF and I just went to visit her family back in Tokyo so I got a lecture from her mother about respect at shrines...
Why didn't he directly answer any of the questions? Q:What did you buy? A:I'm behind in buying stuff. Q: Are you into comics or animation? A:I'm into this guy for doing this thing. And I agree with Darknightmare about the shrine dancing.
I've always wanted to do that walk ever since Kagamin strut her stuff.
I can see Patrick's a fan but I can't help but get irritated by the obvious mispronunciations. I hear "ka-GA-mi" and "Kotona" the whole time.
what he mostly did anyways as in buying figurines and soundtracks and visting Cosplay Cafes would have been msotly wait i did too lol. The only things I wouldnt have done like him would be to cosplay or actually touch the shrine like he did (I dont touch anything without permission cause I dont want to get maybe yelled at later :P)
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He may not be an amazing representation, but he's not too far off.....I'd buy a bunch of figures there too if I could....