What is Otaku Magazine?

Anime has become the new alternative entertainment media to the next generation of youth. To fully understand what Otaku Magazine is, you need to know what Anime, Manga and Otaku are, as it is these three subjects that form the basis of the publications focus.

Otaku:

Otaku, said “aw-tah-koo”, in the western sense refers to a person that likes Japanese media products such as Anime or Manga. In Japanese, the term refers to a person who is a “Fanatic” or a big “Fan” of something. Otaku are usually interested in Japanese music, language and culture as well. Anime fans are usually also attracted by merchandise that relates to their favorite series, such as figurines, fashion and soundtracks.

Anime

Anime, said “ah-ni-may”, is an English word loaned from the same Japanese word. In English, it refers specifically to cell animation and animated motion pictures from Japan, whilst the Japanese term refers to any and all animation. In Japan, Anime is a huge industry, representing a sizeable market of fans who eagerly watch and buy Anime as well as its related merchandise. Recently, the U.S.A as well as the United Kingdom have seen huge growth in the Anime industry in their respective regions, with more and more titles being exported and translated for western audiences. The typical Anime title in the west sells approximately 1.6 million units.

A key point to the massive success of Anime lies in its approach both to the production of its animation, as well as the meaningful content of the animations story. Anime is very different from “Western animated shows” that are primarily aimed at children. Japanese animation is more detailed in its visual representation, and uses a semi-realistic style that is distinctly Japanese. The storylines of Anime, whilst covering almost all genres, contain depth and are not single stories each episode, but rather, each episode is a small piece of a greater story. Whilst certain Anime do cater to a younger audience, it is primarily focused on providing entertainment to a broader public, and is, and can be watched by varying age groups – depending on the content within the Anime. Simply put, Anime can be compared to western television shows and blockbuster movies, only that they are animated, and are highly influenced by Japanese culture.

Manga

Manga, said “man-gaa”, is the Japanese equivalent of western Comic Books, and often forms the basis of Anime productions. Manga is essentially a Japanese comic, but unlike western comics, does not only feature super heroes and monsters. Manga is usually released in volumes, with each volume representing a sizeable chunk of a stories universe. Manga are also much larger than western comics, and tell stories covering all genres – from romance, to science-fiction, to everyday social problems. A precursor to Anime, the Manga industry in Japan is absolutely massive, with millions of titles sold each year. Anime is drawn in the same distinct style as Manga, and it is from Manga that the animated style was born. It is necessary to say that the content of Manga varies in depth, from simple comedic productions, to deep and epic story arcs.

The Magazine

Overview

Otaku magazine is a publication that focuses primarily on Anime and Manga, bringing our readers the latest reviews, news and information on the Japanese mediums. The magazine also covers related subjects, such as Asian video games, Live-action films, Asian Music, Asian fashion as well as Japanese language and culture.

Anime and Manga

This section is the primary focus of the magazine, and it is here that Anime movies and television series are reviewed, as well as Manga titles. This section looks at all genres of both mediums, and makes up the bulk of the publication.

Live-Action refers to films made by, and starring real people (as opposed to Anime or Manga representations of people). Also highly influenced by Japanese culture, Live-Action films cover a plethora of genres. The term Live-Action is also used to refer to the re-telling of an Anime or Manga story – only this time with Live-Action film.

Most of the Big-hit games today are produced in Japan, such as Final Fantasy, Metal Gear Solid, Gran Turismo and Super Mario. This section in the magazine is aimed at Otaku that also like video games, and features reviews and previews of the newest Japanese-to-English translated games, as well as games that have not yet been licensed in the west (also called import games). Two of the three biggest games console manufacturers are Japanese, these being Sony and Nintendo.

Asian Music

The genre’s of J-Pop and J-Rock (J for Japanese) are the publications primary focus in terms of Asian music. Like popular bands and pop-stars in the west, Japan has its own superstars of music. Most people learn about J-music from the introduction and ending sequences when watching Anime, where it is not uncommon for animation production houses to invite music artists to showcase their songs during these sequences. In the magazine, we review music albums and soundtracks, look at current as well as up-and-coming bands and interview J-music personalities. As part of the music section, we also look at the Voice actors behind the characters in Anime.

Gadgets and Otaku Buyers Guide

The Gadgets section is aimed at showcasing and reviewing the latest in technological Anime or Gaming related products. The Buyers Guide gives readers the location and pricing of Anime or Manga merchandise, as well as details about the products.

The latest local and international news relating to Anime, Manga, Live-Action, Gaming, Fashion and J-Music appears in this section.

Japanese Language and Culture

The magazine features a double-page of Japanese Lessons, which teach readers new words, phrases and underlying principles behind the Japanese language. Japanese Culture is often shown in special feature pages, which highlight anything related to Japanese Culture, History or contemporary trends.

The Asian fashion section brings readers the latest news and trends on Asian Fashion. Asia can be seen as a fashion trend-setter, as many fashions in the western world begin in Asia first – especially among youth fashion. This section is also used to showcase Anime or Manga related fashion merchandise, as well as Otaku Magazines’ fashion merchandise.

Otaku Traveler

The Otaku Traveler is a feature section that deals with overseas travel. This section is used to tell readers about Far-Eastern destinations relevant to an Otaku Lifestyle, as well as destinations relevant to Otaku in general, such as large Anime and Manga conventions.

Otaku Art

The Otaku art section has three sub-sections, these being Art Class, Fan-Art and the Local Artist Profile. The Art Class shows readers methods to start as well as to improve drawing skills, whilst the Fan-Art showcases readers’ art that they have sent in to us. The Local Artist Profile is a platform for local contemporary and comics artists, and shows readers the talent prevalent in South Africa.

 There are many smaller sections in the magazine, including the Letters page, the Otaku Glossary, the editorial feedback page and various competitions. The magazine also has an accurate video-games release schedule (on all platforms) as well as a Ster-Kinekor Home Entertainment release schedule.

Special feature articles vary, from double-page spreads on Anime and Manga production houses, to exclusive interviews with directors, to profiles on Manga creators and artists. Special features also include interviews, profiles or histories of Japanese video games companies or influential persons within the video games industry.

Prepared by:

Otaku magazine Team

Tel: +27[11] 678 1288

Fax: +27[11] 678 1008

E-mail: info@otakumag.co.za

Internet: www.otakumag.co.za