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Otaku facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Akihabara picture
The Akihabara neighborhood of Tokyo, a popular gathering place for otaku.
Railfantokyo
Railfans taking photos of trains at an event in Tokyo.

Otaku is a Japanese word. It describes someone who is super passionate about a hobby. This person spends a lot of time, money, and effort on their interest. They know tons of facts about it and related things.

For example, an anime otaku might watch many anime shows. They might buy DVDs and other cool stuff. They could also learn about the people who create anime, like the artists or voice actors. Some even create their own art or music inspired by anime.

What Does Otaku Mean?

The word otaku originally meant something different. It was a polite way to speak to someone from another family. But over time, its meaning changed.

Otaku in Japan

In Japan, calling someone an otaku is usually seen as rude. It can be a strong insult. It suggests someone is obsessed with their hobby and might not have a balanced life.

Otaku Around the World

Outside of Japan, the word otaku often has a different meaning. In places like America, it's commonly used for fans of anime and manga. Here, it's not usually rude. Many fans even use it to describe themselves.

In Australia, the term "otaku" is often seen as a compliment. Many anime fans are proud to be called an otaku. It means you are a very smart geek who knows a lot about anime and manga. It shows you are an extreme fan!

An example could be an "Otaku Gamer." This person knows everything about all kinds of video games. They might know game history, strategies, and even details about game creators.

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Otaku para niños

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