I saw this while I was in Japan and made a huge "D:" there. I feel ridiculously elitist for saying this, but this is the image I /never/ want to project
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I agree with the disgust toward people who think they're Japan experts because they've watched anime. I never considered myself an expert, but looking back on the stuff I thought I knew and it's a bit embarrassing. Anime represents Japan about as well as Cartoon Network represents the U.S. I did cringe at the cosplaying in Akihabara, but then I remembered the people in Harajuku and didn't feel so bad anymore
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Maybe I have been a bit too harsh at the people featured. I do understand the excitement/happiness of going to Japan for the first time --the land of dreams and anime. And I think you hit it really on the mark describing them with the Disneyland mentality. Going on a limb from that, I feel that most of these people behave the way a lot of people do for conventions: loud fangiggling/shouting random anime catch-phrases/etc. While I personally feel that their behavoir is annoying, it's not exactly what makes me irked. What gets to me is that they seem to be viewing Japan, as a whole, with this mentality --as if Japan itself was a convention to squee and fanboy over. And that makes me a bit miffed, because in between the Tokyo Animefair and Akihabara, they've probably had to interact with people who didn't want to be a part of their Japan-Con experience
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What gets to me is that they seem to be viewing Japan, as a whole, with this mentality --as if Japan itself was a convention to squee and fanboy over
Ahhh, I understand now. Yeah. I mean, my first trip to Tokyo had me squeeing over buildings I recognized and random things like police boxes, but I did it quietly. Maybe the cosplayer girl and "Rick" are beyond hope, but maybe the visit helped them appreciate Japan outside the context of anime. Because, sure, Tokyo Tower is a CLAMP fan's Mecca, but don't forget to check out Zozoji Temple that's right beside it.
And ouch. I wonder if it's the conformity thing. You don't look like everyone else, or you don't come from here, so we have free license to mock you on national television. :(
It would be nice if these people did go back to Japan, and enjoyed some cultural activities too. Not that anime isn't great, but I feel that Japan has loads more to offer than that. :D
I know what you mean about Tokyo love though. I took so many pictures the first time I went to Odaiba and saw Rainbow Bridge. XD Truthfully, I've never actually been to Tokyo Tower, despite living in Tokyo for half a year. *shamed* I've seen it from far away, but never got around to planning a trip for it. The next time I go though, I'd definitely like to go to that temple. :3 (Pinwheels? ;o;)
I think I agree with the conformity issue. And sometimes, the people they ridicule aren't very different at all. I know my host-father hated teenagers just because they sat on the sidewalk. :
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Ahhh, I understand now. Yeah. I mean, my first trip to Tokyo had me squeeing over buildings I recognized and random things like police boxes, but I did it quietly. Maybe the cosplayer girl and "Rick" are beyond hope, but maybe the visit helped them appreciate Japan outside the context of anime. Because, sure, Tokyo Tower is a CLAMP fan's Mecca, but don't forget to check out Zozoji Temple that's right beside it.
And ouch. I wonder if it's the conformity thing. You don't look like everyone else, or you don't come from here, so we have free license to mock you on national television. :(
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I know what you mean about Tokyo love though. I took so many pictures the first time I went to Odaiba and saw Rainbow Bridge. XD Truthfully, I've never actually been to Tokyo Tower, despite living in Tokyo for half a year. *shamed* I've seen it from far away, but never got around to planning a trip for it. The next time I go though, I'd definitely like to go to that temple. :3 (Pinwheels? ;o;)
I think I agree with the conformity issue. And sometimes, the people they ridicule aren't very different at all. I know my host-father hated teenagers just because they sat on the sidewalk. :
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