Furu Anime Panikku

The Genshiken manga may have ended, and so has the Genshiken TV series Season 2. Despite that, how can we forget one of the greatest works that touched on otaku issues?

The purpose of this post is to classify otakus into 3 general groups. I know there are tons of otaku classifications out there, floating around in cyberspace, but all of them are really specific and are unable to include every single type of otaku in at least one category. On the other hand, my classification is so general, you would definitely be in at least one of the groups.

First up, the Madarame group.

Loud, outspoken and proud about their love for otakuism. That’s what these guys/girls are. They are more than eager to flaunt their otaku experience, knowledge and wealth even when the situation does not ask for it. Maniacs who would spend every single cent on non-daily necessities such as PVC-figurines for upskirt looking and doujins for dolphin waxing, and end up eating air and drinking from the water-cooler for all 3 meals. In short, the otakus in this group are of the highest level! 最高!!!

Next, the Sasahara group.

This is probably what the majority in the anime community are. Although these guys do not activate their otaku aura in the midst of normal beings, they do not deny the fact that they are otakus, if it’s discovered. At a lower level as compared to the Madarames, the Sasaharas practice a certain form of moderation. Unlike the Madarames, the Sasaharas would probably have air meat loafs for a meal each day, which is usually breakfast. The Sasaharas are quite similar to what most people call Closet Otakus, or passive otakus.

The last group is the Ogiue group.

If the Madarames are a sweltering desert, the Oguies are a freezing tundra. Not only do they attempt to conceal their otaku aura, they also deny everything about them being otaku. Also, they emit a level 200 hate/dislike aura towards fellow comrades. However, deep inside, the Oguies are true blue otakus. Their spending power is comparable, or even rises above the level of the Madarames. Remember those martial art flicks where the really powerful masters are those who don’t reveal their epicness until times of need? This can be applied to the Ogiues. Although it isn’t scientifically proven, some Oguies might have secretly drilled through the otaku heavens and rise to ranks far surpassing any Madarames. Either that, or the Ogiues are just people who find their hobby to be extremely shameful.

A special treat for Ohno and Kasukabe fans

Personally, I think that I’m a hybrid of Sasahara and Ogiue. When meeting new faces, I tend to conceal the fact that I watch anime and do other otaku related stuff. For example, during my school’s homestay program interview, I stated that my hobbies were web publishing, listening to music and reading. Notice how all of this is true? This blog is an effort of my web publishing, I love Japanese music, and I read light novels and manga when I have the chance. One thing I don’t emit is that hate aura. No point hating people with similar interests, unless they are really annoying people. Rule number 1:Otaku or not, annoying people should be hated. And lastly, I don’t really spend much on anime stuff anymore.

These groupings should be general enough for anyone to fit in. Anyone who watches anime and does other otakuish stuff, that is. I may have left out some points, since I just woke up with this inspiration to write about this topic, but I have to rush off in 15 minutes to make it in time for a barbecue. I apologise.

So, are you a Madarame, Sasahara or Ogiue?