“Discussing Otaku”

Abstract

This paper discusses the history of the discussion in Japan about otaku. We discuss how, early on, it was recognized that the critique around the phenomenon of otaku faced difficulties as otaku were regarded negatively in Japanese society. In order to depart from this negative critique, while the tojisha approach (first-person studies) emerged, other viewpoints were restricted. Sociologists were enlisted to help overcome this problem, but there then arose an internal debate within sociology, specifically. Sociology's participation in the critique was criticized internally. We discuss the ensuing relationship between sociology and the social critique around the phenomenon of otaku.