Otaku and Japanese Pop Culture: From Stigma to Creativity

Catalog description

What does it mean to be otaku? How did a once-stigmatized label become a global symbol of creativity and belonging? This course explores the evolution of otaku culture and the transformation of otaku identity in dialogue with Japanese society, from its postwar roots to its reinvention through anime, manga, games, idol culture, cosplay, moe aesthetics, character goods, and fan-driven practices such as d?jinshi. Drawing on perspectives from cultural studies, media theory, and fan research, students examine how otaku culture develops within specific historical and social contexts. The course traces the rise of Akihabara—the "holy land" of otaku—as both a physical and symbolic space where fandom, commerce, and identity intersect. Through media analysis and discussion, students explore how otaku identity is represented, contested, and redefined across texts, communities, and everyday practices. Using the Creative Inquiry framework, students formulate their own research question and produce a digital or visual work that explores otaku identity, practices, or cultural spaces in a context of their choosing. By the end of the course, students will be able to analyze cultural representations, interpret diverse perspectives, and understand how identities and cultural practices are shaped within Japanese society, while also reflecting on how these cultural forms may circulate globally and be reinterpreted in other contexts through their final project. This course is taught in English, requires no prior knowledge of Japanese, has no prerequisites, and is open to students from all disciplines. No prior experience with digital tools is required; guidance will be provided.