Otaku culture

Otaku culture

Maids in Akihabara
Otaku culture in Akihabara represents one aspect of the people who shop and 'hang out' there in the recent years. Some people there have unique lifestyles, centered on technological enterprises and an obsession for Anime/Manga, that have made them outsiders in other sections of Japanese society. These otaku are given the chance to gather here and to meet others who share their specific interests. Akihabara is currently seen as one of the shopping districts that represents a 'mecca' of sorts for otaku, as well as to the term Akiba-kei, or Akiba-type.
Recently, with increased exposure of "otaku" culture in the Japanese media, new buildings, and the opening of another new railway line, Akihabara has seen a boom in popularity and is a popular destination for many young people interested in its unique atmosphere. Like many urban neighborhoods, Akihabara has drawn criticism for gentrification, particularly for the expansion of chain retailers such as Yodobashi Camera and Starbucks into the area.[1] On June 30, 2007, an "Akihabara Liberation" protest was held, attended by over 400 self-described otaku.[2]