My life as an otaku has been an interesting one. I knew of anime before I knew it was called anime. The style has always had a fascination with me. Way back I can remember watching "Transformers" and "Robotech" on television. I remember being shown the movie "Akira" and I can remember picking up my friend's manga graphic novel, "Battle Angel Alita" and reading it. I can remember running around the backyard dressed like a ninja swinging around a plastic katana. Maybe I just watched too many cartoons and played with too many weapons as a child, but now that I'm 20 I find myself doing the same thing (including training in the backyard with a wooden sword). I suppose the more things change the more they stay the same. Many people would consider doing the same things you did when you were a kid a bit immature, but I can only see the natural progression from what I did back then to what I do now. I may not watch "GI Joe" anymore, but I'd still go see "Akira" at the movie theatre.

Since anime has a (big-eyed) face to me, and a place of origin, and an entire history behind it, I can only be more enthralled with the entire prospect of the art form. I want to learn the language, I want to wear the traditional clothing and I want to eat the food. It's vastly different from the customs and culture of the United States, and while some may fear what they do not understand, I only wish to learn more. I know the beginnings of anime in "Astroboy" and "Speed Racer" and I know of modern day anime like "Saiyuki" and "Tri-Zenon." I research the ancient techniques and terms for Japanese samurai katanas, and I own one myself. I'm trying to teach myself kendo as a result. I've been looking for a kimono to wear when I do train. I've mastered chopsticks and can eat almost anything with them now. And when I get angry with someone, I yell at them, "BAKA!" I suppose the result of this is both good and bad because I'm becoming more cultured but also a tad more weird.

I believe actually acting as an anime character even in Japan would be considered a little obsessive. Otaku perhaps? Well, I live by that term everyday. Otaku… yes, I am an otaku. Not an American definition of otaku where I simply watch anime not yet available in the US. No no, I mean an actual Japanese otaku, a real nerdy individual who's far too into their hobby. Should anime be like "Star Trek" I would be a Trekkie or Trekker or whatever they're calling them these days. I don't believe it's wrong to be a nerd. Everyone should have a hobby, whether it's a sport or music or hanging with friends. Mine just happens to be what Americans would call "cartoons."

I have a tendency to almost disassociate myself from American society when it comes to anime. I regard myself as an American, but the lack of understanding by many Americans annoys me enormously. I can almost feel the thought in their heads as I walk into an anime shop, "What a loser, still watching cartoons." The term "cartoon" I've grown to hate, and as a result, I watch almost no American animation. Maybe some of the better or more 'interesting' stuff available such as the new "Shrek" movie or the "South Park" television show. American animation isn't bad, but it's not anime. Anime just has a feel to it that I like, and I appreciate more than cartoons. Like an otaku should, I take anime far too seriously, but I still have my sense of humor when I watch it and can laugh at the thought of being another drooling fanboy when a short-skirted Sailor Jupiter cosplayer comes walking by. Hentai indeed.