How much involved are you in the anime subculture?

Butterscotch

I am just wondering as I tend to browse danny choo's blog and figure.fm alot and is wondering is there many people in Ireland very much involved in the anime/otaku subculture eg cosplay, collect figurines, takes photos of figurines, into dolfies, go to anime related events and cons, do manga art ect or just watch anime and read manga and that is it?

For me I watch my anime and read some manga but I also collect figures, cosplay (my main interest), go to cons, anime related events. I am beginning to get into dolfies, figurine photography and other aspects of anime culture.

randomchild

I barely scratch the surface of it. I watch and read, but beyond that very little involvement. Only been to one con in my life (which was quite fun), but have never really gotten into the ancillary activities, something I have been planning to rectify for some time.

melekalikimaka

i'm studying photography and making a small book on a specific figure.

K.O.Kiki

Meh.

If you strive to be otaku, you don't UNDERSTAND what it means to be otaku.

Otaku is not something you do.
Otaku just IS.

Sairus

K.O.Kiki wrote: »

Meh.

If you strive to be otaku, you don't UNDERSTAND what it means to be otaku.

Otaku is not something you do.
Otaku just IS.

You're such an otaku, Kiki.

As for my involvement, I actually rarely watch/read any anime/manga these days. I have started getting figures though - mainly poseable ones. I also attend any Irish con/event I can manage. I'm hoping to get an artists alley table at Nom-Con if I can get enough art done :pac:

Cy_Revenant

I watch lots of anime and manga. I own a few toy robots though I probably won't get any more. I like helping out at conventions though I can't see myself ever attending one if I wasn't helping run it.

I just don't find any other aspect of the subculture very attractive, and I've other hobbies.

Konata

Hmmm. I watch anime and read manga obviously and I like to own things related to my favourites - like posters and hoodies/t-shirts etc.

Not really into figurines or dolfies. I suck at art so that's automatically ruled out :P I appreciate cosplayers, particularly the good ones, but it's not something I'd do myself. Just not really interested in dressing myself up - far too self conscious for one thing :P

I like going to conventions and try to go whenever I can. I'd LOVE to go to one of the massive Japanese or American cons! That's about it I guess.

Missiechan

I'd say I'm fairly deeply involved. I staff at a convention, I cosplay on a fairly regular basis, I have a few figurines and Pullips and although I don't buy as much anime and manga as I used to, I still buy quite a bit. I also go to a few conventions in the UK and any that we have here.

The social aspect of the lifestyle is what appeals to me most though, I doubt I'd be involved as much if I didn't have and make so many friends through it.

Butterscotch

Missiechan wrote: »

The social aspect of the lifestyle is what appeals to me most though, I doubt I'd be involved as much if I didn't have and make so many friends through it.

Yeah that is exactly why I am very much involved in the anime/manga subculture. I have met amazing people through it and wouldn't be cosplaying like I am today. It is not just in Ireland I met lovely anime fans but also online. Of course I came across horrible people but you get them in all of the groups.:P I just feel more of a sense of belonging I guess so I want to get more involved. It is like a niche community.

It was funny after Brocon last year while waiting in the bus station going home, a friend and I were chatting about the con and a girl beside us says, "it is nice to bump into other anime fans."

Unlike many of you, I am more into the fan culture then the anime and manga but I still like them.

gearoidof

I'm deeply involved in discussion of animu, but aside from the cutest lil dango which my GF made for me, I think that's about it.

K.O.Kiki

Missiechan wrote: »

I'd say I'm fairly deeply involved. I staff at a convention, I cosplay on a fairly regular basis, I have a few figurines and Pullips and although I don't buy as much anime and manga as I used to, I still buy quite a bit. I also go to a few conventions in the UK and any that we have here.

The social aspect of the lifestyle is what appeals to me most though, I doubt I'd be involved as much if I didn't have and make so many friends through it.

>Otaku
>Social aspect

thefinalstage

Butterscotch wrote: »

Unlike many of you, I am more into the fan culture then the anime and manga but I still like them.

The atmosphere at conventions always makes me feel very at ease. Like I belong. Thats why I like them so much plus the people I have met have been 99 percent awesome. There are always a few bad eggs but meh .

Azure_sky

I collect figurines and art books when they're available in Forbidden planet and Waterstones. I also used to draw Manga and submitted a Manga style piece of Art for my leaving cert' in Art.:D I really should get back to drawing again.

Butterscotch

Azure_sky wrote: »

I collect figurines and art books when they're available in Forbidden planet and Waterstones.

Did you hear the sad news? Waterstones are closing down. Source.

Azure_sky

Butterscotch wrote: »

Did you hear the sad news? Waterstones are closing down. Source.

Someone just told me they're entering liquidation on another forum. Another nine are closing down in Britain.
I think they will be replaced pretty soon though. It's not like there's any real alternative to them.

Varik

One of them is on Dawson Street, i go past that each day and in when i have time. Of stores to close it would have been the obvious choice as it's got the most competition from across the road.

Azure_sky

Varik wrote: »

One of them is on Dawson Street, i go past that each day and in when i have time. Of stores to close it would have been the obvious choice as it's got the most competition from across the road.

I'm pretty sure they're owned by the same people. It is kind of a disgrace that they will be no Waterstones in the capital. ( I guess that gives Cork an extra claim to the title.:pac:)

I think another bookstore will replace at least one of their outlets. Maybe Chapters or an Easons with a outlet that's dedicated to books.

Cy_Revenant

One impression I've gotten from running conventions as well as something that has surprised me. A lot of people involved in the subculture don't seem to watch anime, or don't watch much anime.

Azure_sky wrote: »

Someone just told me they're entering liquidation on another forum. Another nine are closing down in Britain.
I think they will be replaced pretty soon though. It's not like there's any real alternative to them.

Other than Hodges Figgis, Hughes & Hughes, Easons and independant bookstores like Chapters?

I'm disappointed to see Waterstones go, but it's not like we've no shortage of bookstores.

And if it's manga you're looking for, remember that most local bookstores will order you in anything you can give them an ISBN for.

ztoical

I'm not sure how far involved I would fall as compared to the average person on the street I consume a high amount of Japanese comics and animation but as a percentage of all the comics and animation I go through the Japanese material does not make up the largest part. I'm also not sure it counts as being involved in the 'subculture' when I see it more as my job as I work full time as an animator and comic book artist. I attend cons on average monthly in Europe and the States and have been a resident artist in Japan. The majority of my friends I have are via comics and cons and for the most part con exhibiting is a massive laugh though hard work as well esp the bigger ones were it can be 4 days of just none stop people and your repeating the same info about your work over and over until you think you've gone a little mad. I'm not really into cosplay but without cosplay there would be no cosplay bingo and cons would get pretty boring for exhibitors

Cy_Revenant wrote: »

Other than Hodges Figgis, Hughes & Hughes, Easons and independant bookstores like Chapters?

Hughes & Hughes closed down not long ago as well. Waterstones situation has been coming for a while as they've been really struggling and given that they are owned by HMV who in turn are stuggling it's not a surprise they're cutting the Waterstones brand first though some HMV closures are coming as well.

Thing to understand about book buying/selling in Ireland is that Easons wholesale has a monopoly and most small stores down the country have to order via Easons wholesale. Stores like Waterstones order through their own wholesellers in the UK but that ups the cost for them esp now that sterling has taken a nose dive.

Azure_sky

Cy_Revenant wrote: »

Other than Hodges Figgis, Hughes & Hughes, Easons and independant bookstores like Chapters?

I'm disappointed to see Waterstones go, but it's not like we've no shortage of bookstores.

And if it's manga you're looking for, remember that most local bookstores will order you in anything you can give them an ISBN for.

That's fair enough for Dublin, but I seriously hope they don't get rid of the other Waterstones around the country as there's very little alternative in regards to dedicated book shops.

ztoical

Azure_sky wrote: »

That's fair enough for Dublin, but I seriously hope they don't get rid of the other Waterstones around the country as there's very little alternative in regards to dedicated book shops.

Other then the one in Cork are there any other Waterstones in Ireland?

There isn't one in any of the other major cities like Waterford and your not going to find one in the small towns were there really isn't much options regarding book shops. If you live in a small town try your local book shop and ask them to order stuff in...I grew up in a small town in Tipp and got my tiny local book store to order all sorts of comic and sci fi stuff in for me and that was 12 odd years ago.

Art_Wolf

ztoical wrote: »

Other then the one in Cork are there any other Waterstones in Ireland?

1 in Cork, 1 in Belfast and 2 in Dublin.

As to the subculture, I enjoy watching anime though not giving it as much time as I used to. I enjoy attending cons mainly to chat with folks and to see some shows I would not have come across normally.

Azure_sky

ztoical wrote: »

Other then the one in Cork are there any other Waterstones in Ireland?
.

There's one in Drogheda. I think there is, or was, one in Limerick too. Not sure.

ztoical

Azure_sky wrote: »

There's one in Drogheda. I think there is, or was, one in Limerick too. Not sure.

If there was one in Limerick it's not there anymore as their website only lists the Dublin, Drougheda and Cork stores.

Cy_Revenant

ztoical wrote: »

Hughes & Hughes closed down not long ago as well. Waterstones situation has been coming for a while as they've been really struggling and given that they are owned by HMV who in turn are stuggling it's not a surprise they're cutting the Waterstones brand first though some HMV closures are coming as well.

I mentioned Hughes & Hughes as the one near DCU reopened.

Azure_sky wrote: »

That's fair enough for Dublin, but I seriously hope they don't get rid of the other Waterstones around the country as there's very little alternative in regards to dedicated book shops.

I can't speak for most towns, but in Cavan we have a dedicated bookstore who'll get anything in for us.

Kold

I watch and read but beyond that nada. Not a troll but I'd quite look down on the subculture beyond that, cosplay seems just a little silly (unless they're hot) and I don't really get why people try to learn to draw Manga style and not just learn to draw period.

Missiechan

Why do you feel you look down on it? Enthusiasm is what makes any hobby special and cosplay is a big part of that. It's not really that much different from football fans buying all the merchandise and following their team to different countries to support them.

penev10

I'm not sure if I qualify as Otaku. I go through phases of watching loads of anime series and then lapse into just following Naruto again and occasionally reading the odd manga. I used to buy Gundam models and gashapon but I had to stop as I've filled a few shelves already. There are still some Master Grade kits lying there untouched

Never cosplayed, attended a con/screening etc.

Kold

Missiechan wrote: »

Why do you feel you look down on it? Enthusiasm is what makes any hobby special and cosplay is a big part of that. It's not really that much different from football fans buying all the merchandise and following their team to different countries to support them.

It's somewhat different. I don't really see travelling to anime conventions as adding that much to the experience of watching anime. I'm into football, and I'm into a whole lot of other pastimes. Buying your club's merchandise is a way of showing support (whether or not you agree with the principles is another thing) and seeing a game in a stadium is a huge improvement to catching the highlights or streaming it online. I can't see what the social aspect of anime has to offer me really.

Anime is a subgenre in my eyes. It appeals to me because I like stories and I do like some of the worlds created. I don't see it as any form of identity though and at times when I have indulged my nerdier interests, I've found the social aspect to be incredibly underwhelming.

I have friends who enjoy these things so I'm not going to tar everyone with the same brush but most of the people at these things are incredibly dorky and often have rather poor social skills.

ztoical

Kold wrote: »

I don't really get why people try to learn to draw Manga style and not just learn to draw period.

This is a massive pet peeve of mine as I really hate all those how to draw manga books and websites out there and seeing people spend money on really good drawing materials like g-pen nibs and brush pens but not knowing how to use them correctly makes me cry a little. I don't get the obession with the whole big eye 'manga' look as if you go to a comic shop in Japan you will find work drawn in every style under the sun. I know a few people who've developed some ok looking work via these 'manga drawing formulas' but they aren't able to develop the work at all as they only know how to draw one type of face, body shape, hair and if they try to develop it into something more and it just becomes so boring and looks like all the other people who bought the same books work.

Kold wrote: »

I have friends who enjoy these things so I'm not going to tar everyone with the same brush but most of the people at these things are incredibly dorky and often have rather poor social skills.

I disagree that people who attend cons have poor social skills. I go to alot and I certainly have no issues with my social skills. I think any interest/hobby/whatever you want to call can feel a little 'dorky' to those not involved. I find hardcore sports fans off putting or people who are really into one style/genre of music and go to, in my view from the outside, super nerdy music festivals, people into food and wine, people into film etc etc anything really that you can get very involved with can be off putting to those on the outside.

gearoidof

That's pretty much trolling...

That said, I'd compare cosplay to a fan wearing their team's full football kits, shorts, socks, boots and all to a match. I think both is weird, merely because it's excessive!

Kold

ztoical wrote: »

I disagree that people who attend cons have poor social skills. I go to alot and I certainly have no issues with my social skills. I think any interest/hobby/whatever you want to call can feel a little 'dorky' to those not involved. I find hardcore sports fans off putting or people who are really into one style/genre of music and go to, in my view from the outside, super nerdy music festivals, people into food and wine, people into film etc etc anything really that you can get very involved with can be off putting to those on the outside.

Oh I agree and I'm guilty of a lot of that. When I go to the pub or to a game, I find that most of the people there I wouldn't really want to hang out with but it doesn't really matter because I'm there for the match. I go to tonnes of gigs and have an obsession with music but there're only a few people who I can properly discuss music with, then again I'm there for the show. Films, I go, I watch. Food and wine is fun because very little of the chatter revolves around the food or the wine. But most of these things are a lot more accessible than anime and manga really, it's not like for like. A comic convention or a society for the appreciation of Westerns would be more on the money.

Again, I'll state that it is a sweeping generalisation and I don't doubt that there are a lot of people that are socially ept and nice. But then there are the neckbeards and the aspies who huddle together, proclaiming FLCL to be man's greatest achievement whilst using the words 'uber' *shudder* and 'epic'. They're having fun no doubt and more power to them. It's just nothing I could want to be associated with. That said, I don't really subscribe to any subculture.

Kold

gearoidof wrote: »

That said, I'd compare cosplay to a fan wearing their team's full football kits, shorts, socks, boots and all to a match. I think both is weird, merely because it's excessive!

That is f*cking weird.

ztoical

Kold wrote: »

Food and wine is fun because very little of the chatter revolves around the food or the wine. But most of these things are a lot more accessible than anime and manga really, it's not like for like.

Def hanging with the wrong food and wine people. Two of the producers of the show I currently work on are massive wine heads and have had several production meeting lunches devoted totally to the topic of wine.

Kold wrote: »

A comic convention or a society for the appreciation of Westerns would be more on the money.

I'm not sure what you mean by this...do you mean you'd find a comic convention more suitable for you? and by comic convention I assume you mean american direct market comics like Marvel and DC cus frankly I find hard core fan boys far more inaccesible then manga fans any day of the week. Cosplay kids are at least a bit of fun but fan boys can be seriously painful and are far more nerdy then manga fans could ever try to be. Also this idea of 'western' again I get impression it's american direct market comics yet the largest comic book industry is the French/Belgian industry and the largest comic book festival in the world is Angouleme in France.

cherryghost

I read, I watch, I collect, I play.

Missiechan

Kold wrote: »

I have friends who enjoy these things so I'm not going to tar everyone with the same brush but most of the people at these things are incredibly dorky and often have rather poor social skills.

I wouldn't agree with 'most'. Out of a group of say, 500 people, which is Kitacon's base attendance you'll get maybe one in every ten who is a bit strange. The younger ones can be loud and obnoxious, but they are teenagers so it's perfectly acceptable. Some of the greatest people I know are people I've met at cons, and for people who have actual crippling social problems like Asperger's Syndrome, ADHD, Social Anxiety Disorder etc. the open atmosphere and accepting nature of the people who generally go to cons can be a big confidence boost and a much need social outlet.

spinandscribble

I just watch and read. I did go to a anime film festival over here in Edinburgh awhile back but thats about it. I prefer watching it with other people because that can be fun.

*edit* I do find that people tend to be tight lipped on watching anime. Recently in college someone asked a question and I answered. They were surprised at my knowledge (which I had acquired from a anime :P) of this area and asked how did I pick that up. I answered with the anime/manga's name and one of the guys eyes lit up and knew straight away he must watch it or know it. I said oh you watch it to? he replied "cough, um no way that stuffs for dorks...um...yeah"

This wasn't the only incident. Occasionally I surprise people because I like it and I get things said to me "oh really you're into that thats so unlike you". That puzzles me greatly because I don't see why I "seem" that way and what is that way...

so anyway, for me I find it tricky to get involved with the subculture and the secretive nature some watchers/readers have off putting.

Bottleopener

Never been to a con or anything. Just watch and read the stuff. I buy manga every so often when I have the money :P.

Butterscotch

It's just nothing I could want to be associated with. That said, I don't really subscribe to any subculture.

In my teens and early 20s, I tried to fit in with Goths, lolitas ect I didn't warm up to any sub culture and felt I didn't subscribe to any. I am not knocking these sub cultures as I am into some elements of Goth and I do dress lolita and I am involved with a lolita group which they are all lovely but I feel I only surfaced on these groups. With anime I feel I fit in a lot better and see myself getting deeper into the culture, as I just find it fascinating even the real weird stuff.

The cosplay has become more then a hobbie to me as I spent alot of my time at it and I have met amazing people and I wouldn't have gotten into cosplay without anime and manga. Even at a con, I think it is great seeing the different types of people at it like goths, lolitas, streampunk, cyber and cosplay and even normies. I find the anime subculture you get a mixture of people which seem to get on well. That is my opinion.

spinandscribble wrote: »

so anyway, for me I find it tricky to get involved with the subculture and the secretive nature some watchers/readers have off putting.

People shouldn't be ashamed of what they are into. It is society's way to be a normie and people see that being different is being an outcast. If a person thinks you are weird liking a cetain thing then they are narrow minded and are very judgemental, that is what I think anyway. They are the people I wouldn't be bothered being around. It takes alot of confidence to be proud of who you are and your interests.

spinandscribble

Butterscotch wrote: »

I
People shouldn't be ashamed of what they are into. It is society's way to be a normie and people see that being different is being an outcast. If a person thinks you are weird liking a cetain thing then they are narrow minded and are very judgemental, that is what I think anyway. They are the people I wouldn't be bothered being around. It takes alot of confidence to be proud of who you are and your interests.

I simply find it puzzling that some would pretend not to enjoy something because I guess I don't see what's shameful about it.

Another person in my course was describing how he's a dork (video games, comic books, certain films) and then went on to say but i'm not a anime weirdo. I said oh yeah? you're missing out and I named off a few films and series. He then looked bashful and admitted he'd watched those and they were pretty good. I had a good laugh at that.

Kold

Butterscotch wrote: »

In my teens and early 20s, I tried to fit in with Goths, lolitas ect I didn't warm up to any sub culture and felt I didn't subscribe to any. I am not knocking these sub cultures as I am into some elements of Goth and I do dress lolita and I am involved with a lolita group which they are all lovely but I feel I only surfaced on these groups. With anime I feel I fit in a lot better and see myself getting deeper into the culture, as I just find it fascinating even the real weird stuff.

What's a lolita? I'd google but I don't want my hard drive seized by the FBI.

Butterscotch

Kold wrote: »

What's a lolita? I'd google but I don't want my hard drive seized by the FBI.

No, no don't confuse it with loli. :P Lolita fashion.

eoin5

The most I've done is record a song about xxxHolic. I might make a few more bout other animes, the lyrics seem to come handy enough for anime for some reason. Did a bit of drawing, nothing worth showing anyone but its definitely good fun.

ChnGamer

Whilst anime/manga culture has definitely become more popular in recent years, being more available to buy, shown more frequently on tv. and with worldwide acclaim for movies from production companies like Studio Ghibli. It still is very much a niche market here the west, a popular niche but a niche nonetheless.

Just as with gaming, speaking to someone that has little or no knowledge of the medium can be akward. Pre-conceptions always play a big part, the one i hate the most is: aren't they just cartoons? I generally make a lacklustre attempt at changing their mindset and offer suggestions of movies that they may like but to be honest i enjoy anime and that is all that should matter.

I love figurines and even went into selling them on fleebay last year. I've been to one anime convention and been to a couple of small meet ups when i was in the U.K. and Hong Kong. Extremely relaxed atmosphere, nobody has anything to prove, just a gathering of people who enjoy a particular 'genre' of media and that suits me fine.

Never truly understood the cosplay side of things but at my first convention the cos-players, especially the bad ones, put a massive happy on my face. At the end of the day, each to their own. **** what other people think.

Grindylow

100%!

BTW It should say "How much are you involved...."

ShaveTheWhales

Quite involved id say. I go to a con in the states once a year. i watch anime on a regular basis. im on several forums for discussion. i've been to a few anime meet up events. i've attended two irish cons thus far and i'm involved in the startup of a new con coming this year. I also plan on cosplaying some time this year.
Ohh yeh and i write fan fics.

...so yeh quite a bit involved lol

But yeh i agree with butterscotch. im very proud of my anime interest and i let everybody know about it if they inquire. i am not even slightly embarassed about it.

Butterscotch

ShaveTheWhales wrote: »

Quite involved id say. I go to a con in the states once a year. i watch anime on a regular basis. im on several forums for discussion.

Yeah same here, i am on many anime discussion forums we may have bumped into each another.:P

i'm involved in the startup of a new con coming this year.

Wow would that be Akon? Sorry if it is wrong.

ShaveTheWhales

Butterscotch wrote: »

Yeah same here, i am on many anime discussion forums we may have bumped into each another.:P



Wow would that be Akon? Sorry if it is wrong.

Ye never know :] quite possible

Nope. I'll be staff on @rcade-con coming this ...june/july? Blonde moment. July 1st. Thats it! Yeh its gonna be at the D4 hotel in ballsbridge.
Goooo to it. It shall be truly epix :]
We have 6 special guests.

Butterscotch

ShaveTheWhales wrote: »

Nope. I'll be staff on @rcade-con coming this ...june/july? Blonde moment. July 1st. Thats it! Yeh its gonna be at the D4 hotel in ballsbridge.
Goooo to it. It shall be truly epix :]
We have 6 special guests.

A yeah I got the facebook invite. It sounds fun. I will go sure. Good luck with it.

Vojera

I would say not at all. I'm the only one of my friends interested in anime or manga, so my involvement in the subculture goes as far as having some figures, t-shirts, listening to some J-music and occasionally making melonpan

Anxiety

I have cosplayed 5 times in the past and intend to do more cosplaying this year :)i also watch anime and read manga everyday and i also draw alot of my favorite anime and manga characters when im in school or have nothing better to do