otaku again

[insaneneko]

Okay, this otaku as mainstream thing is just plain creepy. I caught a bit of a learn English program called "Can You Speak English?" on TV. They were doing a feature on "the roots of Japanese culture" in Tokyo, and one of their explorations was otaku. So this Japanese program has a report in English (with Japanese subtitles) where the regulars on the program were led around Akihabara looking at otaku things. One cool store was a place where you could buy parts to create your own game (like joysticks and buttons). Then they inevitably ended up at the figurines. I loved how they played one of the Eva versions of "Fly Me to the Moon" as they panned the camera in stores filled with figures. And noted at the number of foreigners browsing the shelves. XD They also show some kind of expo happening in Italy (Venice I think?) where the Japanese pavilion featured otaku culture. I loved the interviewees talking out of their asses making high-brow comments on the phenomenon (using Big Words). Back to Akihabara, they showed the store selling dolls...the super duper expensive ones that you can customize--what are they called? The show regulars were oohing and aahing as only the Japanese can as they were shown doll parts (even joints!) that can be bought to create your very own doll! I love how they shoved the E-cup doll body in the camera. Thank you, one shot is enough. They again tried to bring in a higher motive to it all when the American guide posited that the Japanese have refined attaching emotions and spirits to inanimate objects. He even brought in Shinto (how many extra points does he get for that?). I don't mind analysis, but trying to make it so deep--as if it points to the essence of Japanese-ness? In a 10 minute report? Oh, please.

So what show will feature "otaku" next? It's odd seeing words like "moe" becoming mainstream in Japanese culture.

And now that the show's over, off to bed I go!