MIAMI. – The fans of the culture of Japan celebrate World Otaku Day this December 15. This date is highly promoted, especially on social networks.
The term otaku is associated with people who are fans of manga, anime, video games and cosplays. The latter is a contraction of costume play and refers to an activity in which participants use accessories and costumes to represent a character specific.
The origin of the word otaku is located in the 1980s when anime was at its peak and clubs spread to promote this hobby. Anime is a style of traditional or computer animation of Japanese origin.
In the 90s, the term otaku was associated with a negative meaning. However, in recent years, otaku followers have sought to change the perception of their tastes by disseminating their cultural products.
Films with a Japanese seal
Currently, the culture otaku has gained followers all over the world. Factors such as globalization, the use of streaming platforms and publications have contributed to this process.
There are several anime films that have managed to capture the audience. One of them is “Spirited Away” which was released in 2001: it tells the adventures of Chihiro, a capricious and spoiled girl who encounters a magical world inhabited by gods.
This movie is considered a metaphor for change and learning.
Another very famous film is Kimi no na wa (Your Name), from 2016 by filmmaker Makoto Shinkai in which it presents a love story, a change in gender identity, and the collision of a comet against the Earth.
In April of this year, Shinkai released his most recent film in North America and Latin America: “Suzume”, which refers to the 2011 tsunami, earthquake and nuclear accident in northeastern Japan which left people dead, contaminated houses and farmland with radiation.
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Source: International Day Portal / National Geographic / Secret Japan
