Unless you’re familiar with Japanese pop culture, you may not know the terms ‘weeaboo’ or ‘otaku’. Perhaps you’ve heard of them but are unsure what they mean or how they differ. Or maybe you’ve lumped them into the same category as Japanophiles. To be fair, the definitions for ‘weeaboo’, ‘otaku’, and ‘Japanophile’ may vary depending on whom you ask, but here are the general definitions.
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The Definitions
Weeaboo
A ‘weeaboo’ is an obnoxiously and overly enthusiastic fan of Japan and Japanese culture. Despite their passion or obsession, they are often grossly misinformed and yet believe their authority on all things Japanese to be absolute. Their knowledge of Japan and Japanese culture typically stems from Japanese anime, manga, or video games, which are not necessarily accurate reflections of reality. Later in this blog article, I will include a weeaboo checklist with some of the typical characteristics of weeaboos.
Otaku
These days, the word ‘otaku’ is understood as ‘geek’ or ‘nerd’. Weeaboos and otakus are sometimes mixed up because of their shared roots in Japanese pop culture, namely anime, manga, and video games. However, unlike weeaboos, otakus are not necessarily fans of Japan or Japanese culture specifically but fans of the aforementioned products. They consume pop culture media daily and may visit various cosplay or anime conventions.
Japanophile
A Japanophile is a person who is interested in learning about the customs, traditions, society, and history of Japan. These individuals watch various documentaries about different aspects of Japan, and they might have taken several classes on Japanese history or culture. To some extent, they understand what Japan is actually like. Unlike weeaboos, their interest in Japan and Japanese culture is less intense and obsessive and more curious and inquisitive.
To summarise:
- A weeaboo is someone who’s obnoxiously and overly enthusiastic but also often grossly misinformed about Japan or Japanese culture.
- An otaku is a geek or nerd about Japanese anime, manga and video games.
- A Japanophile is interested in learning about or studying various aspects of Japan.
Do People Like Weeaboos?
The short (and only) answer: no.
As mentioned above, most weeaboos get their information about Japan through anime, manga, and video games. While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying these products, weeaboos insist that those products accurately portray Japan, which they do not. Japan, Japanese culture, and Japanese society are much more complex, varied, and bountiful than what is presented in pop culture products.
Perhaps foreign residents in Japan are the most frustrated by weeaboos who believe they know more about Japanese culture than the residents do, despite having never visited or lived in Japan. When corrected, weeaboos tend to become defensive and insist they are not wrong because “they saw it in an anime.” Instead of owning up to mistakes and learning about the country they claim to love, they try to put Japan, Japanese culture, and Japanese society into a box made from the materials of anime, manga, and video games.
Weeaboo Checklist
The following are some of the characteristics of weeaboos:
- They give themselves Japanese names just for the sake of it.
- They try to interject Japanese words into sentences, even when speaking to a non-Japanese speaker.
- They dress like their favourite anime characters.
- They think Japan does everything better than the rest of the world.
- They believe all Japanese people watch and read anime and manga.
- If there’s a Japanese person in their community, they want to be their best friend over everyone else.
- They believe they know more about Japan than anyone else.
- They watch, read, and play anime, manga, and video games regularly.
- Their Japanese language skills are limited to language from anime, manga, and video games.
- They’ve never been to Japan, or at least not enough times to halt their delusions about Japan.
- They listen only to Japanese music, most likely the opening or ending theme songs of anime series.
- They’re known as the Japanese kid in their community or social circles.
- They want to be Japanese.
These are just a few characteristics, and I know I’ve missed out on a bunch. Feel free to add to the list in the comments!
Oh No, I’m a Weeaboo! What Do I Do?
You’ve just taken the first step by acknowledging it, congratulations! If you don’t want to be an obnoxious weeaboo, consider the following tips:
Be Open-Minded
Understand that whatever you know about Japan may be wrong, and if you are corrected by others, take it in stride. There’s no shame or embarrassment in being wrong, only in refusing to learn.
Study
While anime, manga, and video games are fun, Japan and Japanese culture extend far beyond that. Read a book, watch a documentary, and check out some YouTubers who live in Japan and can give you firsthand accounts of the society and country. Just consume a product that includes real Japanese people and not just characters.
Visit Japan
You’ll see that not many people are in cosplay outfits and not everyone is kawaii. Hello Kitty isn’t everywhere, and sakura trees aren’t always in bloom. Japan is not an anime, and you’ll probably appreciate it even more because it’s not.
Having lived in Japan for almost four years now, I can tell you that Japan can be beautiful and awesome like in pop culture media, but it can also be ugly and frustrating as reality tends to be. Recognising the latter does not eradicate the former, and I still want to continue living here.
Admiring Japanese Culture with Respect
Understanding the difference between a weeaboo, an otaku, and a Japanophile is crucial for anyone interested in Japanese culture. While it’s perfectly fine to enjoy anime, manga, and video games, it’s important to remember that these are just small parts of a much richer and more complex culture. Being a respectful and informed fan means acknowledging this complexity and continually seeking to learn more about the real Japan.
So, whether you identify as a weeaboo, an otaku, or a Japanophile, remember that genuine appreciation comes from a place of respect and a desire to understand the full picture. Enjoy your journey into Japanese culture, but always keep an open mind and a humble heart.
