The most remarkable explanation of this week’s readings is Moe. The first generation of otaku enjoyed grand narrative stories such as Atom or Gundam. However, the third generation of otaku people, who were born in the 1980s, preferred entertainments which include Moe. For example, the characters of Evangelion were not based on political stories as otaku were more interested in characteristic features rather than social issues or messages. Because of this phenomenon, the importance of characters grew.
<Lucky Star>This manga is full with the characters who cause Moe.
Moreover, it affected the database of Moe, which is an important part of the character based entertainment. For instance, there is no message in Lucky star. It only contains different characters that cause Moe. Another distinctive feature of this animation is that it has a lot of parodies of other animations that are beloved by otaku.
The reason why people study otaku culture is because it’s happening everywhere in the world, though it is shows differently. I’m not sure if it can be an appropriate example. The reading of this week reminded me of the television program Big Bang Theory. Absolutely every episode has a different story. Directors or writers might have a message for us, however I am more emotional drawn to the characteristic features than their stories. Each character’s distinctive features cause the stories to have entertainment value. For example, Sheldon is the smartest guy, but not really a social person except his few friends.
<Big Bang Theory> They all have distinctive features, and it is consistent
Moreover, he has a lot of weak points even though he is a genius. These features are played upon again and again in the stories, which causes Moe from people.
I don’t think otakus are different from us. Their Moe is just different. Based on Hiroki’s book, I might consume a specific genre of entertainment in order to fulfill certain emotion myself.
This is the part of Big Bang Theory, and it shows well how characters make fun.
Aiden D. In 