Otaku America (short)
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1. Otaku in America (short)
This survey is brief and designed for those who have general understanding of what "otaku" (devoted or obsessive fan) are. It will ask for your opinion, and is not meant to disrespect you or the parties questioned. Please give your honest opinion.
This is student research and will not be used for purposes other than writing a thesis.
Lauren Thompson, Furman University
*10/21/09 This survey was edited to reflect the scholastic nature of this research. I apologize to those whom I may have offended. Thank you for your input.
1
. Have you ever heard of or do you know about "otaku"?
Hint: usually refers to an extreme fan, may or may not be related to fanboy, fangirl, geek, nerd
Have you ever heard of or do you know about "otaku"? Hint: usually refers to an extreme fan, may or may not be related to fanboy, fangirl, geek, nerd
Yes
Maybe
No
2
. What do you know about "otaku"?
What do you know about "otaku"?
I only know the meaning and perception in Japanese culture.
I only know the meaning and perception in American culture.
I know both the Japanese and American meanings and perceptions.
I know its relationship to fandom in anime and manga.
I don't know much.
I don't know anything.
3
. In your own words, describe what you think an "otaku" is.
In your own words, describe what you think an "otaku" is.
4
. How did you learn about the meaning of "otaku"?
How did you learn about the meaning of "otaku"?
I researched it (educational purposes)
I looked it up (personal reasons)
I came across it in my hobbies (seen usage in anime/manga, books, media, etc)
I heard it/learned it from others
I vaguely remember it being used somewhere
I have never heard of it
Other (please specify)
5
. Based on what you know, how would you say "otaku" are perceived the following cultures?
Based on what you know, how would you say "otaku" are perceived the following cultures?
Positively, in Japan and America
Positively in Japan, but not in America
Positively in America, but not in Japan
Negatively in Japan and America
I can't be sure.
6
. Would you call yourself an otaku?
Would you call yourself an otaku?
Yes, definitely.
Yes, I guess.
Maybe, by some standards.
No, I'm not so sure.
No, definitely not.
7
. How do you use the word "otaku" in your own usage?
How do you use the word "otaku" in your own usage?
As a joke, to make fun
As an insult
As a technical term for a certain person
Loosely or in general to describe one's hobbies
I don't use it
*
8
. What is your own perception of otaku? How do you view them on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the most positive view?
1-Completely dislike
2
3
4
5-Neither like nor dislike
6
7
8
9
10-Completely respect
General opinion
What is your own perception of otaku? How do you view them on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the most positive view? General opinion 1-Completely dislike
2
3
4
5-Neither like nor dislike
6
7
8
9
10-Completely respect
9
. Describe why you feel the way you do about "otaku" as people. Please add a comment if necessary.
Describe why you feel the way you do about "otaku" as people. Please add a comment if necessary.
Respectable
Interesting
Amusing
Weird
Perverted
Obsessed
Other (please specify)
10
. On a scale of 1 to 10, ten being the most positive view, how well do you perceive your own activities as an otaku?
1-Very ashamed
2
3
4
5-Neutral, Nonchalant
6
7
8
9
10-Very proud, confident
N/A
Self-perception
On a scale of 1 to 10, ten being the most positive view, how well do you perceive your own activities as an otaku? Self-perception 1-Very ashamed
2
3
4
5-Neutral, Nonchalant
6
7
8
9
10-Very proud, confident
N/A
11
. Whether you call yourself "otaku" or not, do you identify with your own understanding of other otaku? In other words, do you think you are like other otaku?
Whether you call yourself "otaku" or not, do you identify with your own understanding of other otaku? In other words, do you think you are like other otaku?
Yes, very much
Yes, sort of
Maybe, not sure
No, not really
No, definitely not
12
. Tell me a little about yourself what sort of hobbies you engage in related to Japanese animation?
Consumption:
Tell me a little about yourself what sort of hobbies you engage in related to Japanese animation? Consumption:
I do not engage in hobbies related to Japanese animation.
I buy anime, manga, video games, etc from stores and/or other people
I obtain it (download) online (from friends, websites, etc)
I borrow or gain access to it through others
I have a job in the industry and always have access to it
Other (please specify)
13
. How do you indulge in Japanese animation, etc?
How do you indulge in Japanese animation, etc?
I do not engage in Japanese animation, etc.
Regular consumption (reading and watching)
Drawing my own anime/manga
Drawing fan pictures and/or fan fiction
Making anime music videos
Role playing games (online, live action, video game)
Cosplay
Video games
Research
Essay writing
Other (please specify)
14
. Are there otaku within your circle of friends, peers, or social groups?
Are there otaku within your circle of friends, peers, or social groups?
Yes, many.
Yes, some.
Maybe, I can't be sure.
No, not many.
No, none.
15
. How social is your hobby in anime?
How social is your hobby in anime?
N/A
I enjoy it usually by myself.
I enjoy it usually with a few friends.
I enjoy it in large groups and/or clubs.
I enjoy it by going to conventions.
I enjoy it through forums and online communities.
Other (please specify)
16
. Do you have other hobbies?
Do you have other hobbies?
17
. Age range
Preteen (10-12)
Teen (13-17)
Young adult (18-29)
30s
40s
50s
60s and over
Age
Age range Age Preteen (10-12)
Teen (13-17)
Young adult (18-29)
30s
40s
50s
60s and over
18
. Occupation
Occupation
Middle school
High school
College
College graduate
Grad school
Parttime job
Unemployed (stay at home)
Self-employed
Employed. What industry?
Thank you so much for completing the essay. Please direct all questions to otaku_anon_jpn@ymail.com.
If you are open for an interview, want to discuss more, or want to take the survey made especially for otaku, please contact me.
Lauren Thompson
19
. If you are interested in doing an interview, please leave your contact information.
Due to the large number of participants, interviewees will be chosen selectively.
If you are interested in doing an interview, please leave your contact information. Due to the large number of participants, interviewees will be chosen selectively.
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