So, what are you doing with your life...?

[spacealien_vamp]

Yesterday, the evening news ran a story about Maid Cafes (cafes where the waitresses dress in maid costumes and address male customers as Goshujin-sama--"Master") and otaku in Osaka. If I had known in advance, I would have taped it. It was interesting to watch.

Earlier I talked about my visit to DenDen Town to buy a camera. Apparently the street Nihonbashi in this area is known as "Otaku Road" due to all the shops that cater to fanboys. Several otaku were interviewed for the report, and it gave an overview of Otaku Road, why girls in maid uniforms are popular, and how much money is made by catering to fandom. It even interviewed a few women who enjoy going to Maid Cafes for various reasons, including that they like being called Ojou-sama ("young lady").

The story ended with one of the otaku saying, "An otaku is simply someone who pursues an interest with all his might. If you have never been an otaku about anything--what the hell are you DOING with your life?"

Indeed.

Today I spent most of my time working on the yukata. I got the collar attached, which means I'm nearly done. I just have to attach the reinforcement collar and the sleeves and it will be finished.

Comments

Indeed!

[megory.livejournal.com]

One of the saddest things for me as a teacher was the day I realized that some of my students could find absolutely nothing they were interested in (learning). I remember wondering how they even get up in the morning.

Yeah for the yukata progress! Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Re: Indeed!

[spacealien-vamp.livejournal.com]

One of the saddest things for me as a teacher was the day I realized that some of my students could find absolutely nothing they were interested in (learning).

I overheard the teacher next to me trying to persuade a student in her homeroom to have an interest in school. It was really sad how totally apathetic the student was. She kept responding, "It's useless, I'm just not interested."

Since high school isn't mandatory, no one can force students to come to school if they don't want to. In fact, students refusing to attend school is a growing problem. This same teacher spent literally half an hour on the phone to a student who is apparently refusing to come to school because something embarrassing happened and she thinks all her classmates are gossiping about her.

[finabair.livejournal.com]

Have I mentioned how much I love these posts? I rarely have much to say but I read them avidly. I just find the culture fascinating, especially the way you present it. :-)

[spacealien-vamp.livejournal.com]

Thanks!

Hmm...maybe I should have also mentioned the other big news story of the night: Beetle Smugglers.

[finabair.livejournal.com]

*blink*

Um...some particular type of beetle?

Okay, now you have to tell us more...

[megory.livejournal.com]

about the beetle smugglers.

This time of year the orange Asian (ladybug) beetles are beginning to come indoors--they really are pests. I'm sure no one smuggles them.