Otaku Marries Video Game

[Josiah]

Silver and I are otaku by the American definition (people who like anime and manga). The Japanese definition, perhaps, but it could be argued either way. But that's besides the point. Do I like anime and video games, yes. But that's going nothing to do with the positions I've taken in any of your threads. I won't defend anime and video games just because they're anime and video games. I'll point out bad ones and am perfectly happy to discusses flaws with the mediums in general. They're hobbies, not my life, and I have no problem debating the merits of my favorite anime or games with people with different view points. Heck, I'll debate the merits of anime vs American cartoons or live action Japanese or whatever.

To be pefectly blunt (because, to be honost, I'm getting sick of this high and mighty attitude you've been taking in your last few posts) this is the way your threads usually go.
1. You make a thread about something or other. Sometimes it's an interesting topic (such as this one) other times it's just you whining about something (like the Haruhi thread).
2. Regardless of the topic, you whine about how you've been offended in some way, mention that you're part Japanese (for no real reason) and present an extremely flawed arguement for your point of view.
3. I come in and politely correct the mistakes you made in your initial post and point out the flaws with your arguement so that we can have all the facts straight before getting into any serious discussion on the matter.
4. You make a new post that completely misses the point of what I said, and usually whine about how I didn't agree with you.
5. Silver comes in and points out how you completely ignored what I said and restates some of the key points I made.
6. You whine about how we're ganging up you.
7. We point out that we're not and give more evidence to support what we're saying.
8. You ignore us, whine a bit more, then go start a new thread and repeat the whole thing.

Seriously, get over yourself. Everyone is not out to offend you or disagree with you. If you actually say something that's well thought out and makes sense, I'll agree with you. Or, at very least, have more respect for your opinion. So far, you've never really done that. I've been patient and polite but really, enough is enough.

On a quick side note, just because you can't get something at Gamestop doesn't mean it isn't available in English. Many Japanese games are available in English from certain online stores or fan translations. Speaking of which, I'd appreciate it if Silver or Colly could PM me a link to where they found their English translation for Love Plus. I've never played a Japanese dating sim before and I'm curious...

[Saber Knight]

Silver and I are otaku by the American definition (people who like anime and manga). The Japanese definition, perhaps, but it could be argued either way. But that's besides the point. Do I like anime and video games, yes. But that's going nothing to do with the positions I've taken in any of your threads. I won't defend anime and video games just because they're anime and video games. I'll point out bad ones and am perfectly happy to discusses flaws with the mediums in general. They're hobbies, not my life, and I have no problem debating the merits of my favorite anime or games with people with different view points. Heck, I'll debate the merits of anime vs American cartoons or live action Japanese or whatever.

To be pefectly blunt (because, to be honost, I'm getting sick of this high and mighty attitude you've been taking in your last few posts) this is the way your threads usually go.
1. You make a thread about something or other. Sometimes it's an interesting topic (such as this one) other times it's just you whining about something (like the Haruhi thread).
2. Regardless of the topic, you whine about how you've been offended in some way, mention that you're part Japanese (for no real reason) and present an extremely flawed arguement for your point of view.
3. I come in and politely correct the mistakes you made in your initial post and point out the flaws with your arguement so that we can have all the facts straight before getting into any serious discussion on the matter.
4. You make a new post that completely misses the point of what I said, and usually whine about how I didn't agree with you.
5. Silver comes in and points out how you completely ignored what I said and restates some of the key points I made.
6. You whine about how we're ganging up you.
7. We point out that we're not and give more evidence to support what we're saying.
8. You ignore us, whine a bit more, then go start a new thread and repeat the whole thing.

Seriously, get over yourself. Everyone is not out to offend you or disagree with you. If you actually say something that's well thought out and makes sense, I'll agree with you. Or, at very least, have more respect for your opinion. So far, you've never really done that. I've been patient and polite but really, enough is enough.

On a quick side note, just because you can't get something at Gamestop doesn't mean it isn't available in English. Many Japanese games are available in English from certain online stores or fan translations. Speaking of which, I'd appreciate it if Silver or Colly could PM me a link to where they found their English translation for Love Plus. I've never played a Japanese dating sim before and I'm curious...

ThankyouthankyouTHANKYOU Josiah! I was gonna post something, not quite this detailed, but then I got distracted by homework. You did a much finer job.

[Metalheadz]

You know, Saber. You could've just said it right in my face.

[NabMaster]

Sorry WS, but I feel the same way. I didn't want to get in on this, but so far almost every thread you've made has somehow related to how somebody Japanese is being shafted or are doing something ridiculous and are taking it as if everyone's judging you because of it. I mean really, I know lots of Americans who have done more than a few moronic things, but I don't think Americans in general are moronic (I may be an anime/video game lover, but frankly I know nothing about Japan or the Japanese so I can't really use them as an example). Not that many people make those assumptions about an entire culture, and chances are you don't want to be hanging around them if they are.

You seem like a decent enough guy, but that sorta thing irritates me.

[Metalheadz]

Sorry WS, but I feel the same way. I didn't want to get in on this, but so far almost every thread you've made has somehow related to how somebody Japanese is being shafted or are doing something ridiculous and are taking it as if everyone's judging you because of it. I mean really, I know lots of Americans who have done more than a few moronic things, but I don't think Americans in general are moronic (I may be an anime/video game lover, but frankly I know nothing about Japan or the Japanese so I can't really use them as an example). Not that many people make those assumptions about an entire culture, and chances are you don't want to be hanging around them if they are.

You seem like a decent enough guy, but that sorta thing irritates me.

Well, one thing is... The Japanese criticism thing is off-topic, and I only mentioned that just to let people know about all the hate comments on Youtube by trolls and such.

What I'm REALLY irritated about is this low-life loser who just so happened to lose his mind and marry a character off a game, Love Plus. It's really stupid, and really sad.

[SuzuTitor]

Hey now, I know and interact with people that are just like that. Most people use this as a recovery.
Yes, to most people it's an odd and sad thing, but it's a whole lot better than the usual alternative (killing themselves). The otaku don't really have that high of a self-esteem, and from the many statistics I've seen, it's hard for most Japanese men to even get a girlfriend. What they need some way to feel better about themselves. I honestly think 2D marriage can help end the high suicide rate.
Now to find a way to end the high hikki rate.

(I'm also amazed t how quick you turned the topic)

[Silver]

...Josiah, THIS is why I could never leave Pebble Version, and why I am continually honored to be a moderator. Thank you for winning at life. Couldn't have said it better myself, and White Samurai, I really hope I'm not going to have to point out how you've ignored Josiah's post once again... but it looks like you did, since you haven't said anything about it but responded to Saber's response to it. Ah, whatever.

Also, just for the record, yes, there are plenty of games that you don't see at Gamestop that are available in English (usually online)... but Love Plus isn't one of them There's no full English translation... but there are guides likethis that help with the important things, and a translation that's currently in progress. Plus, it's not bad practice if you try to understand the dialog.

[St0rMeR]

Agree

My Thoughts on this is i view Video Games and Manga and Anime as a hobbies and a good hobbies in fact

But i dont ever think i am really going to come super super addicted like marrieing a video game(which is really sad and dumb)

I respect Japanese culture alot and i hate when some things make Japanese people seem low-life....

[Josiah]

Japan and the Japanese culture has its high points and its low points. As I discussed in my travelogue when I was there, there are some parts of it that I really like and others that I really dislike. I could say the same thing about American culture, or any culture for that matter. None of them are perfect.

I think the whole "2D marriage" issue is actually more of a neet (or hikkikomori) thing than it is a otaku thing (though, admitedly, quite a lot of neet are otaku). Since neets are essentially suffering from a severe case of social anxiety disorder, they don't get out much and have trouble meeting and interacting with other people (while non-neet otaku have plenty of clubs, cons, and the like at which to meet people). And, if you have serious trouble meeting a real person, then a favorite fictional character could start to look like an attractive alternative...

While I don't really agree with Colly that 2D marriage can be a positive thing (though, since there's no real research on the subject, it's just my personal opinion), I also think WS is blowing it all way out of proportion. So a lonely Japanese guy wants to marry a game character (who he probably sees as the one girl who can understand him). Is it sad? Yeah, I feel sorry for the guy. But there's no reason to get mad at him or call him a low-life loser. Seriously WS, he's not hurting you in any way. He's also not affecting anyone's opinion of you and no one with more than two brain cells is going to start thinking negatively of Japan or Japanese people because of this.

[Metalheadz]

Silver: I replied to Josiah's really long post in a PM. The only reason I ignored parts of Josiah's post is because they were off-topic, especially the race issue, in which I only mentioned because of all the hate comments on Youtube and such.

Josiah: I didn't take this rather offensive, but really REALLY stupid. You don't see couples like this everyday because a lot of people are proper-minded.

Colly and Stormer: Well, yeah I've seen people do stuff like this, but not to this extent. Japanese culture? Sure, I agree there are some Japanese nerds, but I've also seen Japanese jocks, too. More people go to Japan because of their overall culture, video games and anime is just a rip-off of what Japan holds.

Everybody: Please stop saying I take offense in this issue, because I'm not. For crying out loud, I've mentioned 3 times already I was upset at this couple and feel sorry for this man who just so happens to be an otaku, who married this virtual character. Sure, there could be more of this crap happening every day, but this is the only thing I know of right now.

[Josiah]

Silver: I replied to Josiah's really long post in a PM. The only reason I ignored parts of Josiah's post is because they were off-topic, especially the race issue, in which I only mentioned because of all the hate comments on Youtube and such.

Yes you did send me a PM about my post. Though said PM pretty much ignored everything I said in that post and accused me teaming up with Silver against you because he's a long time member and you're not. Also, while good portion of my post wasn't about the 2D marriage issue, it was about your behavior in this thread, so it was still on topic. Finally, the reason we keep calling you out on the race issue, is that you bring it up in every freaking thread you make, acting as if it makes you an expert on whatever the subject happens to be. Which is doesn't. I'm half Jewish, but that doesn't automatically make me an authority on Isreal, Judism, or what types of Isreali TV shows are better.

Josiah: I didn't take this rather offensive, but really REALLY stupid. You don't see couples like this everyday because a lot of people are proper-minded.

Well, you sure are acting like it offends you. The fact that everyone else has said so should really clue you in on that fact.

Colly and Stormer: Well, yeah I've seen people do stuff like this, but not to this extent. Japanese culture? Sure, I agree there are some Japanese nerds, but I've also seen Japanese jocks, too. More people go to Japan because of their overall culture, video games and anime is just a rip-off of what Japan holds.

As I've said, this is hardly the first 2D Marriage (maybe the first legal one, but I still haven't seen any proof that this one is legal). No one ever said that this guy, or otaku in general, are the norm for Japanese culture or that there isn't a whole lot more to Japan's culture than anime and games. But calling anime and video games a rip-off is very off base. They represent a legitimate and popular part of Japanese culture. And not just for otaku. Heck, lots of major Japanese TV stations show popular anime during prime time, pretty much everyone has a manga or two they follow, and the entire country practically shuts down for the day when a new Dragon Quest game is released. Keep in mind, I lived and worked in Japan for 8 months so I saw first hand exactly how ingrained into pop-culture all this stuff is. Not entirely sure what you mean by most people go to Japan for their overall culture. If you're talking tourists, I think most of them are more interested in looking at the shrines and cherry blossoms than learning about the culture. BUt that's kinda the norm for tourists in general, the majority are out for sightseeing, not to learn a new culture.

Everybody: Please stop saying I take offense in this issue, because I'm not. For crying out loud, I've mentioned 3 times already I was upset at this couple and feel sorry for this man who just so happens to be an otaku, who married this virtual character. Sure, there could be more of this crap happening every day, but this is the only thing I know of right now.

As I've said, even if you say you don't take offense, you really really act like you do. That's why everyone keeps bringing it up. Secondly, there's no point in being upset at the couple. For one thing, one them doesn't exist, so how can you be upset at her? As for the guy, as I said, he's not hurting you in any way, shape, or form. You can feel sorry for him but there's no reason to be mad at him. I'm not mad at the Americans who named their kid Megatron or the guy who changed his name to Obi Wan Kanobi. I think both were kind dumb moves, but so what? They're not hurting me or anyone else so I'm fine with it. And just because you don't know about similar incidents doesn't mean they don't happen or aren't relevant to the topic, so stop getting so upset when we bring them up.

Stop acting like the victem. We're not out to get you, that poor Japanese guy isn't out to get you, no one is out to get you because of this, the fact you don't like Haruhi as much as some people, your prefenence for tonkatsu over anime, or any of the other topics you've made a big fuss about. If there's any victems in this whole thing, it's the rest of us for having to put up with your constant whining. Yes, that's not the nicest thing to say, but being polite and logically debating with you clearly isn't having any effect. If you can't realize your own fault in any of this, we're never going to get anywhere.

[Metalheadz]

As I've said, this is hardly the first 2D Marriage (maybe the first legal one, but I still haven't seen any proof that this one is legal). No one ever said that this guy, or otaku in general, are the norm for Japanese culture or that there isn't a whole lot more to Japan's culture than anime and games. But calling anime and video games a rip-off is very off base. They represent a legitimate and popular part of Japanese culture. And not just for otaku. Heck, lots of major Japanese TV stations show popular anime during prime time, pretty much everyone has a manga or two they follow, and the entire country practically shuts down for the day when a new Dragon Quest game is released. Keep in mind, I lived and worked in Japan for 8 months so I saw first hand exactly how ingrained into pop-culture all this stuff is. Not entirely sure what you mean by most people go to Japan for their overall culture. If you're talking tourists, I think most of them are more interested in looking at the shrines and cherry blossoms than learning about the culture. BUt that's kinda the norm for tourists in general, the majority are out for sightseeing, not to learn a new culture.

Since we've covered about the rest of your post in the PM conversation, I'll only read and answer this part of your post. Be happy.

Anime and video games are fun and all, but I wouldn't say they're the prime reason Japanese and the whole would want to go to/live in Japan. More people are acutally interested in the language, the actually culture, the way of life, the food, fashion. Heck, less than half of all the Japanese even bother with Anime. Sure, it's a country of business, but it's not 100% based on the anime and video game industry. People who only look at Japan as Anime heaven don't deserve to go there at all, because that would just mean that's all they hold in Japan, that's not true. Only low-life losers would think Japan is about their achievements rather than their culture and people themselves. I'm glad, however, Josiah, that you don't look at the Japanese that way. (I hope)

Me, I prefer the older Japanese art, which anime was inspired off of. Anime is amazing, but I admire the older arts of Japan just about as much as new manga. Video games are just entertainment, barely spend 1% of my time doing it, unless I'm playing with my friends, about 5% at the most. But what I most admire about Japan is their way of life.

[Josiah]

Anime and video games are fun and all, but I wouldn't say they're the prime reason Japanese and the whole would want to go to/live in Japan. More people are acutally interested in the language, the actually culture, the way of life, the food, fashion. Heck, less than half of all the Japanese even bother with Anime. Sure, it's a country of business, but it's not 100% based on the anime and video game industry. People who only look at Japan as Anime heaven don't deserve to go there at all, because that would just mean that's all they hold in Japan, that's not true.

Did you even read my post? I never said that Japan's culture is economy is completely centered around anime or games. All I said that they are a key part (though one of many) and you can't just dismiss them entirely the way you were doing. Also, I'm pretty sure that, at some point in their life, pretty much everyone in Japan has watched some anime series or another. That doesn't mean they become anime otaku, but, like manga, it's so common and features such a variety of styles and themes, that there's really something for everyone.

As for reasons for people going to and living in Japan... Most Japanese people live there because it's the place where they were born and moving to another country, even if they want to, it a very daunting task and also requires mastering another language. It's the same for every country. And I'm pretty sure the whole world (or anything close to it) doesn't want to go see and/or live in Japan. Heck, as much as I like Japan I don't think I'd want to live there permanently. Only a very small percentage of people in the world actually want to move to another country and even fewer of those people actually do so. As for tourists, there's tons of reasons to visit Japan including sightseeing, food, fashion, etc (which you mentioned). But, like it or not, lots of people these days want to see Japan because they love Japanenese manga, anime, and/or games. AND THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT! It's just like people wanting to visit Hollywood because lots of movies are filmed there. If there's what interests them, that's fine. Are they missing out on other things, yeah, but so what? I didn't take any classes on quantom physics in collegs because it's not something I need to know about and it just doesn't interest me. Everyone can't be interested in everything. You pick your interests and hobbies and if they're not the same as someone else's that's perfectly fine.

People who only look at Japan as Anime heaven don't deserve to go there at all, because that would just mean that's all they hold in Japan, that's not true. Only low-life losers would think Japan is about their achievements rather than their culture and people themselves. I'm glad, however, Josiah, that you don't look at the Japanese that way. (I hope)

And this is the type of stupid elitest attitude that's getting a lot of people mad at you. I mean seriously. So some people's main interest in Japan is from anime or games? So what? I'd like to go to Greece someday so I can see old ruins. Am I interested in Greek culture, food, etc? A little, but those aren't the main reason I want to go. My family is taking a trip to New Zealand because they want to go hiking there and that's probably what we'll be doing for nearly the entire trip. And, of course, there's my Hollywood example. There's absolutely nothing wrong with that. And it in no way makes people low-lifes or losers. Perhaps they'll go to Japan simply to visit Akihabara and, as a result, find that Japanese culture is interesting and decide to learn more about it. And maybe they won't. IT DOESN'T MATTER! I know lots of people, myself included, who eventually developed and interest in Japanese culture because we liked Japanese anime and games. I also know others who are content to enjoy anime and games without learning much about Japan, and that's fine too. There's nothing wrong or inferior about people like that. Yes there's a lot more about Japan that interests me than anime, manga, and games. Which you'd know if you'd read any of my traveloque from what I was there. But, once again, IT DOESN'T MATTER!

Me, I prefer the older Japanese art, which anime was inspired off of. Anime is amazing, but I admire the older arts of Japan just about as much as new manga. Video games are just entertainment, barely spend 1% of my time doing it, unless I'm playing with my friends, about 5% at the most. But what I most admire about Japan is their way of life.

And there's nothing wrong with you thinking that way. It's a perfectly valid opinion. The problem is that you seem to think that anyone who doesn't have the same view as you is a loser. Which is in no way the case. Sorry to break it to you, but your view on Japan, anime, games, life, etc is in no way the be all end all perfect viewpoint for everyone in the world. Get over it.

On a side note if your math is correct you only spend 14.4 minutes per day playing video games (or about an hour and forty minutes a week), unless you play with friends in which case you're at about 1 hour and 12 minutes per day. Nothing wrong with that if it's true. Just saying...

[Metalheadz]

Josiah, I'd rather read a few short responses rather than long, arguing, detailed responses. Just saying.

But don't you think it's kinda dissapointing that when nerds enter Japan, they think they will be in the Naruto or Bleach universe already? It's as if they don't observe the reality background and the true parts of the country, they already feel as if they were not on planet Earth anymore. I hear people say they don't want to go to countries in Europe and other parts of Asia because they don't have anime and manga. My point is, there's WAY more to Japan than just anime and video games.

Anime and video games can be one of the your reasons of going to Japan, and it is one of my reasons too. But if you think it's 100% that way, then that's just not cool.

[Josiah]

My responses are as long as they need to be to use logic and evidence to address the issues your brought up. I'm not going to make multiple small posts in a row when I can put everything in one post.

I already agreed with you that there's far more to Japan than anime and video games. But, as I said, that's no reason to discount them or the people who are interested in Japan primarily because of anime and video games.

I think most people are grounded enough in reality to know that Japan doesn't have super ninja or soul reapers in real life. Sure there's probably a few that think that way, but if they go to Japan they'll realize that they're wrong. And, as I already said, people can't be interested in everything. Everyone has their own interests and there's nothing wrong with that. There's so much to see and do in the world that it's impossible to cover it all in a single lifetime not matter how hard you try. Therefore, you just have to pick the things you like the most and focus on them. So some people don't want to go to parts of Europe and Asia because they don't have things that interest them. So what? I have no real interest in visiting Rhode Island or Iran, for example, because, as far as I know, there just isn't much in those places that interests me. So why should I spend my limited vacation time going to them when I could instead go to a place I actually want to see.

If you only want to go to Japan to shop at Akihabara you'll be missing out on lots of other things there but that's fine. If you only want to go to Italy to eat real Italian food you'll be missing out on lots of other things but that's fine. If you only want to go to the Alps so you can climb Mt. Everest you'll be missing out on lots of other things, but that's fine too. Looking down on people because they don't share the exact same interests, views, and priorities you do is what's not cool.