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Resource type: Book Chapter Language: en: English DOI: 10.12987/9780300178265-010 BibTeX citation key: Eng2012 Email resource to friend View all bibliographic details |
Categories: General Keywords: Anime, Fandom, Globalization, Japan, Manga, USA Creators: Eng, Ito, Okabe, Tsuji Publisher: Yale Univ. Press (New Haven) Collection: Fandom Unbound. Otaku Culture in a Connected World |
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Abstract |
Otaku are drawn to anime, manga, science fiction, and computers because they are subjects that are dense and information rich, enabling otaku to immerse themselves in a rich knowledge economy. Otaku knowledge requires immersion in not only information and media but also in ongoing social exchange about topics of interest. Particularly for overseas fans, much of their knowledge and media content is gained through contact with other fans instead of or in addition to commercial or professional sources. This was certainly the case in the early years of the fandom, directly influencing the landscape of fandom in the present day. Contrary to the stereotypical image of the otaku as socially isolated, anime fan communities are highly social and networked, relying on a combination of online and offline connections. This chapter describes the ways in which the U.S. anime and manga fandom originated and evolved from the 1960s to the present, focusing on the social networks and exchanges among fans that have been the bedrock of this evolving fan scene. After first outlining a history of the anime fandom in the United States, the chapter focuses on the current state of otaku networks that include local networks, online networks, and conventions.
Added by: joachim Last edited by: joachim |