Why does Japanese culture attracts foreign weirdoes?

[Ronin4hire]

Originally Posted by Odin

I really don't have a hard time understanding, the reasons behind the fanaticism of the so call "weirdos".

One just needs to look at the culture products they are pushed by the Japanese media & industrial complexes themselves:

• J-Rock/Pop, Anime & Manga, Automobiles, Video Games etc...

We all know that this is not the sum total culture of Japan. The reasons that the corporations push these aspects is simple. It is because they are new, and they can be tied directly to that companies profit centers. If they were to push a more traditional aspect of the culture, there would be no guaranty they they would be the beneficiaries.

Now because the products that are marketed tend to be high energy, it tends to attract people with high energy personalities. Being high energy, these types of personalities tend obsessive about those things that stimulate them. Hence the the crazed fandom of those subjects.

Now if you look a country like France or Germany, they have a tendency to push the more traditional aspects of their cultures, and the pop aspects of their cultures in a less perverse way. That being said, when you find a German metal fan, or just a good old fashioned Francophile, you may find them to every bit as obsesive as those of the Japanese.

Interesting theory.... I guess it makes sense if you agree that there are a number of "foriegn weirdo's" out there who are into Japanese things.

Though would neo-nazi's count as German obsessed?

I think if they did then the German obsessed people are more of a danger than J-pop-culture obsessed people.

[Payne222]

Originally Posted by Ronin4hire

Though would neo-nazi's count as German obsessed?

I'd say so, yeah. But they're more Hitler obsessed than German. Because...not all Germans are like that. (Except maybe the Turkish people get them angry for flocking to their country.) But other than that none of the Germans I know or have met are like that at all.
But go to Mitsuwa and most of the white people there are otaku dressed all crazy and fanboy/fangirl-ish.
Y'know?

[mikeshaws]

What foreigners like? I do not agree with the Japanese comics and animation is part of the culture. This is just the business part of them. I am very fond of traditional Japanese things. Mylote r

[Livvie]

Strangely people have been obsessed with 'the orient' for centuries. I wonder if it was considered strange then too...

[Livvie]

Originally Posted by JoshAussie

hahahaha, as if they dont want to talk about Naruto.

It happens with Australian exchange students too. It's all Neighbours, Steve Irwin, etc, CONSTANTLY.

[Taranee987]

for my part I have always had a strange "pull" towards asian culture and it has kind of devloped after that i mean i like anime and manga, but i also like the history of japan itself i mean just the myth's and legends including the Samurai the martial arts, Onmyoji.

But I also know that one day when i decide to visit japan i'm going to Akihabara (Tokyo) Sapoporo (known for their wondeful ramen ^;^) and of course Heiankyo or known today as Kyoto (oldest capital of Japan)

But of course this is just my side of being a total Otaku

[nobora]

You know Im not really sure I guess they just feel comftorable with Japanese things. I like it becuz its interesting. Not to mention I learned the English Culture first so Jap isnt my first.

[OliveJuice]

I think it mostly boils down to stereotypes; when you embrace them as an all-encompassing overview you do ANY culture a great disservice.

Anime, mangas, etc. are a part of Japanese culture (or pop culture, however you choose to distinguish), but by no means represent the fingerprint of an entire nation. I'm sure that there are some Japanese folks that hate mangas or j-pop lol, every individual is different, no matter what country you're in.

I think that the "wierdos" latch on to the stereotypes and create a false reality for themseleves. A place where their "wierd" vices are embraced and even celebrated, while in their native countries or nationalities they'd be ostracized. To generalize, I'd say it's one bigass coping mechanism. Can't say I blame them, as humans we (most of us anyways) want to feel connected and accepted. Some people would go through pretty hefty lengths to feel that they belong, even if it's a big fat illusion. Not saying that I agree or would do the same, but I do understand...

There's more to Germany than beer and nazis. There's more to China than pandas and The Great Wall. And there's damn sure more to Japan than video games and cosplay. To think otherwise is a graaaaave misconception.

I think it's sad that some feel the need to adopt a totally different culture because they feel like such an outsider within their own. But, I'm an advocate of "to each his/her own", and as long as they aren't causing harm to anyone (i.e. pedophelia) I say that whatever culture or pop culture anyone gravitates to is their own business, even if I don't agree with the reasoning behind it.

Obviously this is just my surface-level opinion and everyone's personal beleifs are different. I'd never mean to pigeon-hole anyone for what they like, my apologies if it comes across that way. Also, forgive me for any typos lol. :shrugs: <3

[burkhartdesu]

To sum this all up...

Social rejects LOVE Japan because it's the furthest from their culture, and it's a total escape from reality-- especially because it's wrapped up in years of misunderstandings and mystique. Not only that but it has the best cartoons, snacks, gadgets and porn!

What smelly foreign creep doesn't love cartoons, snacks, gadgets, and porn?

[Jaydelart]

Originally Posted by burkhartdesu

To sum this all up...

Social rejects LOVE Japan because it's the furthest from their culture, and it's a total escape from reality-- especially because it's wrapped up in years of misunderstandings and mystique. Not only that but it has the best cartoons, snacks, gadgets and porn!

What smelly foreign creep doesn't love cartoons, snacks, gadgets, and porn?

Hah! Good point.
I'm with this guy.


In a more positive aspect: If foreign weirdos have a place in Japanese society... Then, normal foreign people should definitely have one too. Right?