Description
Book SynopsisPatrick Galbraith examines Japanese “otaku,” their relationships with fictional girl characters, the Japanese public's interpretations of them as excessive and perverse, and the Japanese government's attempts to co-opt them into depictions of “Cool Japan” to an international audience.
Trade Review“In this tremendous book, Patrick W. Galbraith brings to life the relatively unknown world of Japanese popular culture. His voice shines throughout thoughtful interviews, detailed ethnography, sensitive portraits of people characterized as ‘otaku,’ and nuanced readings of videogames and interactive fiction. An impressive contribution to the field of manga and anime studies.” -- Ian Condry, author of * The Soul of Anime: Collaborative Creativity and Japan’s Media Success Story *
“This book offers nothing less than a thorough rethinking of normative sexuality and alternative sexualities through the figure of the otaku and their practices. It's everything that the fields of Japan studies, queer theory, and media history need at this moment. A virtually flawless and captivating read.” -- Marc Steinberg, author of * Anime’s Media Mix: Franchising Toys and Characters in Japan *
"This thoughtful investigation of hegemonic masculinity and its alternatives at the margins of imagination is well-sourced with cultural and academic research as well as personal experience." -- R. Tait-Ripperdan * Choice *
“
Otaku and the Struggle for Imagination in Japan is a meticulously researched book...[and] a strong contribution to the field of Japanese popular culture.” -- Emma E. Cook * Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute *
“This is an excellent and thought-provoking text which will no doubt take its rightful place in the canon of manga, anime, and otaku studies. . . . The narrative [Galbraith] weaves contains just the right amount of academic theoretical discourse, reflections on his personal involvement in the movement, more as a participant than as a participant observer, and a solid history of Japanese (sub-)culture over the last 50 years.” -- Holger Briel * Japanese Studies *
Table of ContentsDedication / Acknowledgments ix
Introduction. "Otaku" and the Struggle for Imagination in Japan 1
1. Seeking an Alternative: "Male Sōjo Fans since the 1970s 20
2. "Otaku" Research and Reality Problems 49
3. Moe: An Affective Response to Fictional Characters 76
4. Akihabara: "Otaku" and Contested Imaginaries in Japan 127
5. Maid Cafés: Relations with Fictional and Real Others in Spaces Between 184
Conclusion.
Eshi 100: The Politics of Japanese, "Otaku," Popular Culture in Akihabara and Beyond 227
Notes 261
Bibliography 289
Index 311
