Japanophiles and the Internet

[manic_depressive13]

Japan is basically the only first world Asian nation. That means it's exotic, but similar enough today in terms of living standards and rampant consumerism to make it relatable. Also technology and anime.

 

[Video Gone]

Part of me wonders if what you think is a Japanophile is really just someone who likes a few anime series. I like anime, I like some Japanese music. I enjoy learning about their religion and their cultural norms and their interesting history.

But I also really love what the French are doing with contemporary animation, and what Norwegians do with metal, and what the British bring to electronic music. I also love reading about the almost ten thousand year history of India. Probably the most interesting country historically, IMO.

I like things that interest me, no matter where they come from, even if it's Japan. I think you see more anime because it's semi-mainstream and, most importantly, it's a huge industry. To ignore it is like ignoring Hollywood. So much stuff comes out of it, and some of that stuff is good.

Don't get me wrong, I'd love to discuss the Secret of Kells (a wonderful animated film from Belgium) but no one else seems to have seen it.

Actually, The Secret of Kells was more Irish than Belgian, wasn't it?
On the subject of Japan, I basically agree with you. I'll be reading a Murakami novel and enjoying it not because it's from Japan, but because I love Murakami's work and he mentions The Great Gatsby fairly often in Norwegian Wood, which is a surefire way to make me like anything. Except the forthcoming Gatsby movie, which I'm not confident about.
So that's my opinion. I may have gotten a little sidetracked.

Edit: Wait, that's not how that happened. What I really said was:
I agree with the post I quoted. Here is a video of a Japanese band I like covering an unfortunate song. It will blow you away, says IGN.com.

A clearly intelligent, straightforward and productive member of society signing off.

 

[Strife2GFAQs]

The "stages of Japanophilia" was a nice summary. Unless you have been to or are related to someone from Japan, you can't get a grasp on it anymore than any other culture. My interest started from videogames and anime. Around 2008, I ran into the "semi-informed fanboy" stage. I went to conventions, cosplayed (way too expensive to bother with now), and got to see fandom in its "glory." I don't think half of those people are informed about Japan at all. I've grown in my fondness for Japan in multiple ways.

Practice Karate (and read about its roots in Okinawa)
Studied samurai code pre and post-war period
Studied Japanese fashion
Watched documentaries about current Japanese culture

What I began to realize is that my fascination wasn't purely Japanese. I've grown to enjoy being "the cultural fan". I've been passionate about searching out new culture, not just Japan. My anime and gaming fandom is quite strong though, which will probably bend me towards Japanese culture more. Still, I feel more informed now than a lot of "anime fanboys." Anime is nothing more than sensationalized drama. It doesn't speak to Japan as a whole, but that's the one readily available window.

I think the most obsessive fandom can be written off as teenage nerds, seeking escapism, finding a culture that speaks to them.

 

[Ragsnstitches]

Can someone explain to me why Japanophilia seems more prolific on the internet than adoration or fixations on other cultures? I understand the anime fandom's need for online exposure, but I'm talking more about their culture in general. Lots of memes and news updates on gaming sites in particular put a lot of focus on the island. Can someone explain to me why?

Well... 2 things. Anime and Videogames. 2 Things that thrive on the web (will get to that later)

While the idea that only japan do "mature" (used lightly) animation only comes from japan is nonsense, they do make a LOT of animations aimed at teens and young adults with content and subtext that most prime time American shows steer away from, let alone cartoons. This generates a lot of intrigue especially from people who were raised watching Saturday morning cartoons and The Simpsons (which is mostly the english speaking world). It's like a breadth of fresh air from all the "safe" shows we watched as kids and almost a guilty pleasure for teens (very few western animations are described as "hyper violent" and anime boobies, they raise... eyebrows >_>).

But there is also the philosophical trend in anime. The social explorations and psychological themes that really add a punch to some anime in films like Ghost in the Shell, Akira, Evangelion etc. all approach sunjects that, for a teen, seem deep and thought` provoking. Not that they aren't or anything, but it comes to a point where you realise they deliberately make certain aspects ambiguous and for the most part, culture shock is the biggest source of awe.

I could write a thesis on what makes Anime so popular so I'll leave it there. After some folk have their fill of anime, or get more interested in the cultural themes portrayed in some anime, people then explore the world that these anime come from. And japan has a rich culture, as would any ancient civilisation, which presents most people years of things to obsess over.

Then there are games. As has been brought up in topics from time to time, Japan is a different beast to the west when it comes to games... entire genres exist in japan that never take hold in the west (and vice versa) and those that do have a flair that isn't seen in western games (or wasn't, I'm speaking retrospectively here).

As for why Japan caught on over other cutlures, it's because most of the other cultures haven't broke through to the west yet (no anime/jrpg equivalent so to speak) particularly on the web. That isn't to say there aren't online english speaking communities that show incredibly interest in Indian culture or Arabic culture, but they haven't appealed to youths even fractionally as well as Japan has.

Afterthoughts:
I didn't establish it up above, but a LOT of the stuff that come from Japan to the west embody rebellious notions against conformity (there is irony aplenty to be had here) and controlling bodies. This is hugely appealing subject for teens, the main reason Anime exploded in the west.

 

[HardkorSB]

Can someone explain to me why Japanophilia seems more prolific on the internet than adoration or fixations on other cultures? I understand the anime fandom's need for online exposure, but I'm talking more about their culture in general. Lots of memes and news updates on gaming sites in particular put a lot of focus on the island. Can someone explain to me why?

Some Asians feel the same way about Western cultures.

Eastern and Western cultures grew separately for thousands of years before being exposed to each other. We look different, we speak differently, we have different societal values, we often create different forms of art and entertainment etc. Some people are attracted to those differences.

 

[Hazy992]

It's most likely because a lot of people on the internet are geeks and nerds. Japan makes anime and is known for its videogames which geeks and nerds adore.

EDIT: I'm not excluding myself from this. I too am a geek and/or nerd ^_^

Geek culture is usually ostracised in public, which does lead us to hide in shame. Or move to the internet in shame.

Well, not me. I'm a social outcast and have no real problem with it.

Most of my friends are geeks so it's all good. And I don't dress like a typical geek ^_^

 

[Something Amyss]

Most of my friends are geeks so it's all good. And I don't dress like a typical geek ^_^

I dress like a hobo. Bindle optional.

 

[Hazy992]

Most of my friends are geeks so it's all good. And I don't dress like a typical geek ^_^

I dress like a hobo. Bindle optional.

Soooo... typical geek then?

 

[MammothBlade]

Well... 2 things. Anime and Videogames. 2 Things that thrive on the web (will get to that later)

While the idea that only japan do "mature" (used lightly) animation only comes from japan is nonsense, they do make a LOT of animations aimed at teens and young adults with content and subtext that most prime time American shows steer away from, let alone cartoons. This generates a lot of intrigue especially from people who were raised watching Saturday morning cartoons and The Simpsons (which is mostly the english speaking world). It's like a breadth of fresh air from all the "safe" shows we watched as kids and almost a guilty pleasure for teens (very few western animations are described as "hyper violent" and anime boobies, they raise... eyebrows >_>).

So true.

But there is also the philosophical trend in anime. The social explorations and psychological themes that really add a punch to some anime in films like Ghost in the Shell, Akira, Evangelion etc. all approach sunjects that, for a teen, seem deep and thought` provoking. Not that they aren't or anything, but it comes to a point where you realise they deliberately make certain aspects ambiguous and for the most part, culture shock is the biggest source of awe.

Exactly, that's part of what got me so interested in anime in the first place. It still does, I've come to appreciate the ambiguity in manga and anime, it leaves so much to the imagination.

I could write a thesis on what makes Anime so popular so I'll leave it there. After some folk have their fill of anime, or get more interested in the cultural themes portrayed in some anime, people then explore the world that these anime come from. And japan has a rich culture, as would any ancient civilisation, which presents most people years of things to obsess over.

Exactly. And this is also true of French culture, or German culture, or Spanish. Franco- and Germano- philes are also prevalent in English-speaking countries, but they don't tend to stand out as much as Japanophiles do, probably because of the anime avatars. I don't see any reason why one should be more embarrassing than the other.

 

[Something Amyss]

Soooo... typical geek then?

No way, I look totally different!

For one, my beard is unkempt...Bad example.

But my clothing is all old and worn...Also bad example.

But I wear a long coat and a duffel bag (sometimes)....Really bad example.

But I...ah, crap.

 

[Hazy992]

Soooo... typical geek then?

No way, I look totally different!

For one, my beard is unkempt...Bad example.

But my clothing is all old and worn...Also bad example.

But I wear a long coat and a duffel bag (sometimes)....Really bad example.

But I...ah, crap.

Hahaha

For me it's a t-shirt or shirt, hoodie, jeans, a pair of sneakers and usually one of those New Era caps. Not typical geek

 

[Something Amyss]

Hahaha

For me it's a t-shirt or shirt, hoodie, jeans, a pair of sneakers and usually one of those New Era caps. Not typical geek

I kind of vary. I dress in some fairly stereotypical geek attire, but I also have a tendency to dress like a redneck or part of a miliatia. Jeans or camo cargo pants (I like camo and I like green) plus either a denim or military style overshirt, and either a beret or an Army-style cap.

I'm not out to take over the world or spark a revolution in a banana republic, I just like the colours and style.

I tend to blend in, because living in a rural state (Vermont), there tends to be both a lot of rednecks and a lot of military wannabes.

Or stand out, because I wear purple striped armwarmers with a hunting vest. >.>

 

[GrandmaFunk]

Japanophiles only start pissing me off when they start using Japanese words in English sentences.

It's bloody annoying.

How do you handle all the Spanish and French words that common English is fucking swamped in?

 

[Daystar Clarion]

Japanophiles only start pissing me off when they start using Japanese words in English sentences.

It's bloody annoying.

How do you handle all the Spanish and French words that common English is fucking swamped in?

English was spawned from various European languages.

Using Japanese words in an English sentence isn't an evolution of the language, it's something weeaboos do because they've learned 3 Japanese words and think they can apply it to every given situation.

 

[GrandmaFunk]

Japanophiles only start pissing me off when they start using Japanese words in English sentences.

It's bloody annoying.

How do you handle all the Spanish and French words that common English is fucking swamped in?

English was spawned from various European languages.

Using Japanese words in an English sentence isn't an evolution of the language, it's something weeaboos do because they've learned 3 Japanese words and think they can apply it to every given situation.

that's a bullshit answer, the pervasive use of words like 'adios', 'rendez-vous' or 'kamikaze' has nothing to do with the evolution of language.

Also, using slurs like "weeaboos" make you seem like a gigantic tool, it's no better than calling a black person 'oreo'.

 

[Daystar Clarion]

Japanophiles only start pissing me off when they start using Japanese words in English sentences.

It's bloody annoying.

How do you handle all the Spanish and French words that common English is fucking swamped in?

English was spawned from various European languages.

Using Japanese words in an English sentence isn't an evolution of the language, it's something weeaboos do because they've learned 3 Japanese words and think they can apply it to every given situation.

that's a bullshit answer, the pervasive use of words like 'adios', 'rendez-vous' or 'kamikaze' has nothing to do with the evolution of language.

Also, using slurs like "weeaboos" make you seem like a gigantic tool, it's no better than calling a black person 'oreo'.

I think you need to look up what the term weeaboo means, because I don't think it means what you think it means.

The words you gave as examples are fine because people know what they mean.

Nobody is confused by rendezvous or adios or kamikaze.

Forcing Japanese words into speech when there is no basis for it, I find annoying. I didn't say it was wrong, or stupid, I purely stated that it was a personal annoyance.

 

[GrandmaFunk]

I think you need to look up what the term weeaboo means, because I don't think it means what you think it means.

Well there's about 20 variations on UrbanDictionary but the general gist of all the uses is "derogatory term for Japanophile".

The variations seem mostly based in the level of poster's personal bias against such ppl.

so, ya, it's actually a direct equivalent to terms like 'oreos', 'twinkies' or any other insult based in someone's love of a culture they weren't born into, with the implication that it makes them both traitors to their own kind and posers in the culture they find an affinity for.

The words you gave as examples are fine because people know what they mean.

Nobody is confused by rendezvous or adios or kamikaze.

Forcing Japanese words into speech when there is no basis for it

Nobody is confused by them because they were "forced into speech" at one time due to that culture being in fashion. After all, what basis is there for English speakers to use 'rendez-vous' rather than the simple English word 'appointment'?

 

[Daystar Clarion]

I think you need to look up what the term weeaboo means, because I don't think it means what you think it means.

Well there's about 20 variations on UrbanDictionary but the general gist of all the uses is "derogatory term for Japanophile".

The variations seem mostly based in the level of poster's personal bias against such ppl.

so, ya, it's actually a direct equivalent to terms like 'oreos', 'twinkies' or any other insult based in someone's love of a culture they weren't born into, with the implication that it makes them both traitors to their own kind and posers in the culture they find an affinity for.

The words you gave as examples are fine because people know what they mean.

Nobody is confused by rendezvous or adios or kamikaze.

Forcing Japanese words into speech when there is no basis for it

Nobody is confused by them because they were "forced into speech" at one time due to that culture being in fashion. After all, what basis is there for English speakers to use 'rendez-vous' rather than the simple English word 'appointment'?

Well, because there so many defintions for the term, I suppose we're both right. I never considered it a slur, just another way of saying Japanophile.

Many weeaboos refer to themselves as such, so I imagine the malice behind the word is what makes it a slur, not the word itself.