By Rachel on October 8, 2006
I’m still a bit of a recluse when it comes to socializing with other anime fans. I try to go to clubs and meetups but timing and distance are huge factors as to whether or not I can go. One thing that I have noticed with the fans I have met is that there are an astounding amount of fans that really dig all things Japanese; hence why I have a Japanese Culture section on my blog.
I too am a Japan-o-phile and I make no apologies for it. I do stop short in my love for J culture, though, by not giving myself a Japanese name (online or elsewhere) or using the small amount of Japanese I do know with anyone other than someone else who knows the language.
Are you an anime fan who wants to be Japanese? Do you have such affection for Japan that you want a culture transplant? Or do you despise other fans for what you might consider an unhealthy obsession?
Posted in Polls
I was exposed to anime as a child while living in Germany after watching the Japanese version of Hans Christian Anderson’s the Little Mermaid. In high school, a classmate in art brought in Akira as an example of Japanese art. I wasn’t very impressed with anime at the time, but my re-exposure to it in 2000 thanks to Escaflowne had me hooked for life.After sorting out what I liked about anime (great stories, beautiful animation and epic battles) and disliked about anime (big boobs, angst-y 15 year-old kids, most mecha, sports stories and style-over-substance), I got into it with a vengeance.I do love almost all aspects of Japanese culture and try to be involved with it as much as possible. I have no problem admitting that I incorporate a lot of Japanese trends and traditions into my life as I modify them and make them my own. Anime is a big part of that, along with all the sub-cultures, past and present.
Rae…you do know what turning japanese means…right?
I’ve heard what you’re talking about, but here’s a hint of proof that it’s not a dirty phrase (via http://www.80smusiclyrics.com):
“As for the song itself, there was a good deal of confusion at the time as to just what the hell it was all about. A rumor spread here in the US that it was about masterbation, and that the “turning Japanese” was a reference to the facial expression made at the moment of climax. At the time the band did little to dispel the rumors… they were no doubt happy to get the press. What can be safely said is that the song was yet another example of the early ’80s western world’s fascination with Japan, a fascination shared by such contemporaries as the Cure (Japanese Whispers), Styx (Mr. Roboto), Alphaville (Big In Japan), and of course the bands Japan and Big In Japan.”
Ah, you’re right:
Fenton is characteristically reticent on such matters. “It means whatever you want it to mean,” he says, before admitting: “I wrote it as a love song. But when I went to America everyone said to me, “Is it about wanking?” In interviews, I’d say alternatively, “Yes it is”, and “No, it’s not”. It could be about a lot of things. I just woke up with that phrase in my head. It’s just an image which captures what that song was all about. But, no it wasn’t intended to be about wanking at the time. What surprised me was that the Americans thought it was an English phrase!”
But still as far as popular culture goes that is the most well known meaning and if you read the post with that in mind it is quite humorous.
I love many aspects of the culture. I love the food, video games, fashion… but I wouldn’t go as far to say that I want to be Japanese. I like Greek and Indian food a whole hell of a lot too. I would like to think that my appreciation for other cultures makes me more open-minded, not a Japan-o-phile.
Also, I can’t answer your poll correctly because I do mind being “American.” The rest of the world thinks we’re a bunch of retards. I don’t blame them either.
Maybe that’s why American kids are so into anime and Japanese culture–it’s an escape from our own.
I agree that perhaps some folks may use anime and Japanese culture as an escape from some of the dreary and dull American stereotypes; Goth, Emo, Twee, Preppy (is that even used any more?) etc.
I understand that and am pretty cool with it, all things considered. I know that there are worse things people are and/or would like to be.
hey! i’m OK with japan stuff, but i love anime, like those by miyazaki and naruto
I really love the traditions of Japan. -rebecca, if you look at all the simplistic and clean lines of their architecture and art and compare it to their wild and rich mythology, you can see where anime gets it’s many influences; like Miyazaki’s films and the ideas for Naruto.