Otaku Hunting
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107)
Tue 2007/06/12 00:58
I know that for many of you will want to make a dash for Akihabara as soon as you arrive in Tokyo. But when you do, please be careful as our otaku heaven is becoming a dangerous place...
"Otakugari" (オタク狩り(おたくがり)) means "Otaku Hunting" and is something thats been around for a while. Its common knowledge that otaku carry around quite a bit of cash and are a prime target for muggers. Japan is strangely still a country where the credit card adoption rate is low. Everybody seems to carry around wads of cash and stash it at home. Some bloke had over 100,000,000 yen stolen from him which he kept in his house!
There are news reports that many people are starting to carry knifes around Akiba. The knife carrier claims its for protection but it could be that they are hunters. This is the reason why there are now random spot checks in place by the police. One of my friends was stopped once and had his belongings going through (no he wasn't a gaijin ^^;)
I found an interview with an Otaku Hunter who speaks about the reasons why he does it, who he targets and where he targets them.
The interview can be found here and some highlights of the interview translated below.
The hunter waits for his prey outside Messe Sano (doujin shop) and places like Sofmap (eroge). He usually tries to get them before they go in - before they spend their cash. What he then does is put his arm around their shoulder and drag then into a side alley. The arm-around-shoulder is supposed to make them look like friends. He then says "can you lend me some money?" where upon his victim hands over the cash...
The photos at the end of the interview are of alley ways that Akiba otaku should be familiar with - this is where much of the otaku hunting takes place.
While the crime rate is low in Japan, we do get our share of crime - like these cases of otaku hunting and people putting ice cream in a post box (which made the 6PM news slot).
The photo in this post is taken on the first floor of Gamers just outside Akiba station filled with otaku goodies such as Moe, Bishojo and Ero anime/games/figures (8 floors of it) - I love this shop!
"Otakugari" (オタク狩り(おたくがり)) means "Otaku Hunting" and is something thats been around for a while. Its common knowledge that otaku carry around quite a bit of cash and are a prime target for muggers. Japan is strangely still a country where the credit card adoption rate is low. Everybody seems to carry around wads of cash and stash it at home. Some bloke had over 100,000,000 yen stolen from him which he kept in his house!
There are news reports that many people are starting to carry knifes around Akiba. The knife carrier claims its for protection but it could be that they are hunters. This is the reason why there are now random spot checks in place by the police. One of my friends was stopped once and had his belongings going through (no he wasn't a gaijin ^^;)
I found an interview with an Otaku Hunter who speaks about the reasons why he does it, who he targets and where he targets them.
The interview can be found here and some highlights of the interview translated below.
Q: How much can you get in one catch?
A: From about 3,000 yen to 30,000 yen. The most I have got in one catch was 130,000 yen. That was last year though.
Q: Who do you aim for?
A: The ones who seem to be wandering around - the weak ones. I dont go for the ones who have dyed their hair brown or have a good build.
Q: And why is that?
A: Its not as if I'm scared of them. Just want to be able to get my money easily without hassle.
Q: Why do you hunt otaku?
A: Its easier to steal money from otaku than my dad or others on the street. Besides, otaku have loads of money.
Q: Dont you feel guilty?
A: Not an ounce (laughs). I sometimes feel bad when stealing money from my dad though. Otaku are dirty and smelly. They should be exterminated. Its just like Dragon Quest where you beat the monster and take the gold.
Q: Why do you hate otaku that much?
A: No reason. Well they are like cockroaches. They have the same smell.
Q: Have you had victims retaliate?
A: Not once. Thats why I cant stop doing it.
Q: Dont you think about what happens when you are arrested?
A: No. I'll leave it to then to think about it. I try hard not to get caught you know.
A: From about 3,000 yen to 30,000 yen. The most I have got in one catch was 130,000 yen. That was last year though.
Q: Who do you aim for?
A: The ones who seem to be wandering around - the weak ones. I dont go for the ones who have dyed their hair brown or have a good build.
Q: And why is that?
A: Its not as if I'm scared of them. Just want to be able to get my money easily without hassle.
Q: Why do you hunt otaku?
A: Its easier to steal money from otaku than my dad or others on the street. Besides, otaku have loads of money.
Q: Dont you feel guilty?
A: Not an ounce (laughs). I sometimes feel bad when stealing money from my dad though. Otaku are dirty and smelly. They should be exterminated. Its just like Dragon Quest where you beat the monster and take the gold.
Q: Why do you hate otaku that much?
A: No reason. Well they are like cockroaches. They have the same smell.
Q: Have you had victims retaliate?
A: Not once. Thats why I cant stop doing it.
Q: Dont you think about what happens when you are arrested?
A: No. I'll leave it to then to think about it. I try hard not to get caught you know.
The hunter waits for his prey outside Messe Sano (doujin shop) and places like Sofmap (eroge). He usually tries to get them before they go in - before they spend their cash. What he then does is put his arm around their shoulder and drag then into a side alley. The arm-around-shoulder is supposed to make them look like friends. He then says "can you lend me some money?" where upon his victim hands over the cash...
The photos at the end of the interview are of alley ways that Akiba otaku should be familiar with - this is where much of the otaku hunting takes place.
While the crime rate is low in Japan, we do get our share of crime - like these cases of otaku hunting and people putting ice cream in a post box (which made the 6PM news slot).
The photo in this post is taken on the first floor of Gamers just outside Akiba station filled with otaku goodies such as Moe, Bishojo and Ero anime/games/figures (8 floors of it) - I love this shop!
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Web Developer/ウェブデベロッパー, Photographer/写真や
I have seen it while watching Akihabara @ Deep! It's pretty crazy how they lure the otakus easily. Guess I'll have to be careful myself when I did visit Akihabara. Maybe grab a Lightsaber or BB Gun to fire at those hunters ^^;
(ID #49493) Posted on 2007/06/12 01:26
high school student
lol i agree
(ID #501074) Posted on 2009/02/25 05:09
Student
The trick to not get mugged while traveling is always walking in groups, it seems these guys are chickens and go for the weak guys as he says like most Otakus won't fight back. Still I don't get how such a high-tech society like Japan is and people don't walk around with credit cards, here almost everyone has one or even two or more depends on how many bank accounts you possess. Still here there is a difference, we call credit cards to those cards that the bank gives you an extra amount to spend then you'll have to pay it later in other words it's the banks money, only people with somewhat good month payment has them. Normal people have what we call Cartao Multibanco, its a card that you go to a bank machine and take your money or go to a shop and buy stuff with your "magnetic band " plastic card" lol freaking great (I have two of them ^^). But its not that simple when you go to another country that uses different "coins" and you try to use these machines you always need to pay a tax because of the money difference exchange. So when I travel I always walk with money of course not to much since we disperse the money with the group, let them try and take the money from 4 or 5 guys with a knife they won't know what hit them ^^
(ID #49494) Posted on 2007/06/12 01:34
I hope that does'nt happen to me when I go to Japan for a holidy (which is somewhere near). Then again, I'm not a Otaku... hell' they catch me in a alley, I'll be bursting out laughing haha. Always laugh when things like that happens to me... it normally confuses the attacker too..and me @_@
(ID #49495) Posted on 2007/06/12 01:53
kiseki gurl
That's actually pretty scary. I went to Akihabara a year ago and I thought it was perfectly safe then. *shudders*. Oh and to answer your poll question, I live in the safest city in the US. So no.
(ID #49496) Posted on 2007/06/12 02:08
Good thing I don't look like a weakling. I workout 6 days a week and besides, I don't carry more than $20 in my wallet. I charge most of my purchases unless it's for food.
(ID #49497) Posted on 2007/06/12 02:26
You'd have to be a pretty dumb to get caught by scum like that. Luckily I've never been mugged in my life, could be because of my build though I'm very tall & stocky. A kid called me a giant once. ^^;
(ID #49498) Posted on 2007/06/12 02:27
I live in California. In the San Francisco Bay Area. There is a whole bunch of crime hear. The dealings of Akihabara seem almost insignificant compared to around hear. Although it is still a shame that this happens. That "hunter" in the interview has a problem.
(ID #49499) Posted on 2007/06/12 02:44
IT Developer
nice info, i'm going to japan on august, I'll be careful. it's sad to hear that most of them don't accept credit card.
(ID #49500) Posted on 2007/06/12 02:54
System Administrator and full-time Otaku
Five years ago, credit cards were still relatively rare, but this has largely changed by now. Many businesses, including Gamers, *DO* accept credit card nowadays, but the take-up rate by people is still pretty low. Credit cards seem to be more a thing to use on overseas trips and for online purchases. People in everyday life don't seem to use them much yet. I think it's to do with the hassle of having to swipe a card, sign a slip of paper, etc. It slows down the queues somewhat, and people are wary of inconveniencing others. Far more frequently used are the Suica/Edy cash IC cards that you can just swipe across the reader at the cash register to pay for your purchases...
(ID #202757) Posted on 2008/06/02 19:33
Dog of the Country
er...wat? otakus are like cockroaches? DAMn him, he is the cockroach himself...otakus are friendly ppl going after things they like LEGALLY while those cockroaches are doing it ILLEGALLY!! RATS and cockroaches to them! :P
(ID #49501) Posted on 2007/06/12 03:02
I just hate that kind of guy who boasts about himself, doing criminal stuff. He deserves to be stoned (and not high). I don't carry much cash either on myself. Here we go with the general mental image that otakus are weak physically and unable to counterattack when threatened... I would have never thought that those kinds of criminal activity would exist. After the pantsu thief, the mugger. Certain places of Japan aren't safe anymore?
(ID #49502) Posted on 2007/06/12 03:07
TatsumiSaiga in right behind you....
When I make it out to Akihabara I almost hope one of these otaku hunters tries to pull a fast one on me so I can show them how we do over here. Most muggers don't really want to hurt or kill anyone. If you throw down, chances are they will just run off and look for an easy target. What kind of losers would only rob otaku. That like stealing candy from a baby or something like that.
(ID #49503) Posted on 2007/06/12 03:12
Sorry to say, but I'm a huge, huge Otaku. In that my muscles bulge out more so than any type of fat. I don't think it'll only inconvenience a thief. More like they'd get curbstomped by me instead. Funny because I was mugged once in the past. I seriously doubt that'll ever happen to a bunch of people aiming for fat, smelly, unwieldy, streotypical Otaku. Sorry to say, Otakuhunters..
(ID #49506) Posted on 2007/06/12 03:24
The place I live has a highly developed debit card system (I'm pretty sure that Cartao Multibanco mentioned by CrazyAnimeTuga is the same thing). Most stores and many restaurants accept debit so I'm never really in a pinch if I forget to bring cash. It's quite convenient since I don't have to deal with pesky change or worry about paying off my balances like credit cards. I read in another japan blog that many stores accept Suica as cash but I guess not enough do. Kinda surprised by the Otaku Hunting problem but not worried for my visit to Akiba next month since I dont dress like otaku, I'm above average height and I work out.
(ID #49507) Posted on 2007/06/12 03:35
Link Cosplayer, Video Gamer, Amatuer Programmer, and Artist
That hunter seemed to really contradict himself seeing as he robs Otaku yet calls them roaches. He sounds more like a bully than some savior of the people... -_- He's sounds more like the roach. Luckyily for me, I've taken martial arts so I can go to those places without problem with those bullies er I mean hunters.
(ID #49508) Posted on 2007/06/12 03:57
Troubleshooter, Universal Exports
Sometimes muggers can be bad news, but this guy is just a young punk. He's just crying out for someone to kick the you know what out of him. Probably stare him down and he would go hide in the alley. Yes I know that sounds cocky of me. I'm assuming that those of us here living in large cities probably grew up in them as well. We've all learned that one's best defense it not to look like a target. Unfortunately, some of the otaku that I've seen in Japan just scream target.
(ID #49509) Posted on 2007/06/12 04:11
All Im going to say is I wish they would try to rob me when I come to Tokyo and but my anime goddies. They may think its going to be a robbery and turn into a stright ass wumping on my behave!!!
(ID #49510) Posted on 2007/06/12 04:13
I get it a lot around my store. I try not to bring as much but sometimes i worry how much i should carry. If it comes to worse, just run really fast or take out your key and whoop ass.
(ID #49512) Posted on 2007/06/12 04:37
I live in a college surrounded by homeless people, less than 10 miles from Downtown LA, and pretty much near Beverly Hills. Yeah, there are muggings.
(ID #49513) Posted on 2007/06/12 05:01
anime/cosplay events organizer
lolz @ Dragon Quest statement. from that he thinks like an otaku heard of the rampant Otaku Hunting before and to think that Akiba was once a safe place to buy some otaku stuff i'll remember to bring some self-defence weapons like a tazer or some pepper spray just in-case i get mugged when buying stuff in Akiba Otaku = cockroaches? does that mean we'll survive for a million years even after a nuclear explosion? :3 hehehehe
(ID #49515) Posted on 2007/06/12 05:09
Student Engineer
Generally speaking, in a rural/suburban environment no, your chances of being mugged are low around here. Head to any large city such as Philadelphia or Baltimore,and you are asking to be potentially mugged. It doesn't happen like the plague, but it IS out there. Our area is very safe; I never go out on the roads without seeing a police cruiser patrolling, it makes me feel safe. I use plastic instead of carrying around loads of money: I made a wise choice the other day to deposit nearly $1000 USD instead of carrying it around all day. In terms of build, I would not be a prime target ^^. To the gushing point of blood I would fight back and not make it easy.
(ID #49516) Posted on 2007/06/12 05:12
ColdFusion Developer
Something like this doesn't surprise me very much. Though when I went, I was with friends so we didn't come across anything like that. Though most people don't watch their backs, I have a tendency to do this wherever I go. Just a force of habit since I'm not exactly big.
(ID #49517) Posted on 2007/06/12 05:34
五〇一軍团 TK8316 Singapore Garrison Public Relations Officer
Singapore is pretty safe as over here it is a cashless society. Most of us do not carry large amount of cash since we make majority of our payment using ATM card for costly items.
(ID #49518) Posted on 2007/06/12 05:54
Asuka in Toronto
The Otaku Hunter they interviewed must have a severe case of low self-esteem to regard otaku as such inferior beings. I suppose getting money from them and skillfully avoiding the police boost his self perception. He's actually justifying his deeds with the physical traits of otaku? That's far more disgusting than any of the reasons he had listed.
(ID #49519) Posted on 2007/06/12 06:24
"Its just like Dragon Quest where you beat the monster and take the gold." LOL! Too bad to see stuff like this happening in one of the safest countries in the world, but from a muggers view, it makes perfect sense. If there was an Akiba in the UK, this would have been happening many, many years ago.
(ID #49520) Posted on 2007/06/12 06:51
Hrm, well, in South Africa muggings must happen every few seconds if you're in the wrong place at the wrong time. =( Can't say it's ever happened to me, but I'm not exactly someone who wanders around town a lot. ~-~
(ID #49521) Posted on 2007/06/12 07:02
Student
Didn't think this stuff actually happened when i saw the first episode of Akihabara@Deep but now i can see it does. To think that these guys prey on Otaku because they have certain hobby's they dont agree with.Going to Tokyo in August and while in Akihabara,if an Otaku Hunter comes up to me i'll be sure to tatakai him XD
(ID #49522) Posted on 2007/06/12 07:03
pirogoth
i was in japan just last month in May for a few weeks during golden week. Was in Tokyo, Akiba for a few day, wandering all over the place aimlessly carrying a good amount of cash to get me some stuff. but didn't see anything dodgy or dangerous while i was there except for the crazy guy playing the drums at the arcade :) very fun, loads of dodgy store ^_^;
(ID #49524) Posted on 2007/06/12 07:40
It certainly makes you think about things when such a subject arises. Thankyou for posting it, atleast i can be aware when i go in August ^_^
(ID #49526) Posted on 2007/06/12 07:54
Self-employed
The Dragon Quest comment was pretty funny. I also live in the Bay Area and the crime rate is terribly high here. I rarely go out into the city, especially at night.
(ID #49527) Posted on 2007/06/12 08:12
slam in Jakarta-Indonesia
I was mugged when i was in 3rd grade elementary school. But now, since i'm quite big (i'm so thin when i was in elementary school), no one ever messing around with me anymore, may be because i always wear "non fancy" clothes and didn't care about "new fashion style" or whatever they call it. I mean i still carry my ripped off (i fill it with thick college books and use it to smash a pick pocket head in train when he try to run away with my bag along @_@)) when i go out. May be bad guys think "this guy don't have load of money", ehehehehehe...
(ID #49529) Posted on 2007/06/12 08:28
part time illustrationist, doll clothing seamstress
When I was in my teens and still living in Singapore, I got flashed at before under my apartment block at the lift area (ugh). And you think Singapore is supposedly a safe country :P I was so pissed off I gave chase for a short bit and couldn't bring myself to call for help just in case the passer-bys were accomplices :P Unfortunately the flasher was not caught and when I went to make a police report I was made to feel like a criminal instead (shudder)... And I'll be careful when I go to Aki :P thanks for the warning!
(ID #49530) Posted on 2007/06/12 09:27
LoboBrancoTimido (Registered on 2007/01/14 23:03)
In my area crime rate is getting higher, they don't use only knives these days...Like I said to the police commander in my area if someone tries to hurt me or my family I'll just have to brake their arms and call you guys later XD...Now with guns it's different, it's better not to fightback specially with amateurs, one can be strong but in life one doesn't have a second chance... People don't mess with me even if they are in groups. Like my father says "you just need to hurt them a lot in the first punch or kick" my old guy was in the MP and with him I learned to use anything to defend myself and the ones I love. Anyway to the guys/gals that aren't strong enough is better not to resist and go to the police. It's only money after all...Like a funny friend of mine says "it's better to be a living coward than a dead hero" XD...I don't agree but his words make me laugh a lot.
(ID #49531) Posted on 2007/06/12 10:37
in hk you get some money hunters tat steal ur stuff especially in a place called mong kok in hk
(ID #49532) Posted on 2007/06/12 10:45
IT, Programmer, Otaku, ...
My opinion is that it's the Otaku hunters that are the cockroaches, goddamned. They are still thiefs none the less, so they should be arrested. If it's really becoming a sport, then I think it's okay to have a bit more police in the streets there. But I wouldn't like to get searched though. P.S.: yeah, Gamers is also one of my favorite shops ;p Also like Animate a bit further down Chuo Dori.
(ID #49534) Posted on 2007/06/12 11:04
Policy & Research Officer
That so reminds me of Akihabara@Deep. It just feels so strange that in such a modern society like Japan, people dun use credit cards. I'm sure your darth vadar or stormtrooper suit is mean lookinng enough to prevent you from getting mugged.
(ID #49535) Posted on 2007/06/12 11:09
Mandalorian in training + Otaku...
Around here people get mugged as well. The crime rate is getting higher, sigh. There must be something wrong with otaku hunter. I guess it they do it cause they reckon got an easy prey.
(ID #49536) Posted on 2007/06/12 11:23
it dangerous to mug ppl here, why? because when the mugged realize he/she been mugged he/she scream "maling!!!!!!!"(thief/muggers)" which many ppl will gather and kill the muggers 'not intendedly' if he/she got caught. yep, stupid brute law in my own country and in other case... otaku rarely borrow a lot of money as there are rarely any store here and in the worst case they rather kill you and take it than mug, so if any of you intended to go here and got caught by black mailers just give what they want, run and squeaaalll
(ID #49537) Posted on 2007/06/12 11:52
Hmm... I've thought of something. "The arm-around-shoulder is supposed to make them look like friends. He then says "can you lend me some money?"" At this precise moment... "Boom!" A good elbow blow in the gut or face and all is set.
(ID #49538) Posted on 2007/06/12 12:12
Kyoji in UK
What if you knew a martial art like Aikido? You won't have to worry about this guy then since you look like you have a good build, Danny. And I'm sure he won't mug someone trekking around in a Darth Vader/Storm Trooper suit because it's too attention catching. Who knows... Your gun could be a lethal airgun or your light saber can do some real damage! That aside, I read you can actually pay by mobile phone over there now such as in McDonalds... I guess the Otaku shops don't support it!
(ID #49539) Posted on 2007/06/12 12:17
Student
Well, muggings and hold-ups are pretty common in most urban areas, so I guess it's not a problem that'll be easily solved. lol at the ice cream in post box thing though; I never read that yet.
(ID #49540) Posted on 2007/06/12 12:53
Anime viewer, Manga Reader
It's rather sad that otakus get pick on just because they are mostly stereotype as being weak. Some even get discriminated. Wonder what happen if the otakus group themselves up to help help other whom being rob? :)
(ID #49544) Posted on 2007/06/12 14:25
H/R Type person
I think someone might get a surprise with some otaku. Being 2m & 120 kilos tends to scare people off . . . .
(ID #49546) Posted on 2007/06/12 15:25
hmmm well the only mugging that you can find in Singapore is the mugging for exams. And in Singapore there's not reallie a district or street that can be an otaku haven, oh well i guess the govvernment does not allow it anyway even if there were to have one.Dark ages of anime history in Singapore currently.
(ID #49547) Posted on 2007/06/12 15:59
did this guy say something about dragon quest and he hates otakus? so he's a nerd that hates otakus then?
(ID #49548) Posted on 2007/06/12 18:21
Re interview: If I was the person who did that interview I'd so give away his identity & location to the police. Why protect the criminals?
(ID #49549) Posted on 2007/06/12 18:25
This is interesting; however, looking at the rest of the web site content does make me wonder regarding the reliability of this information.
(ID #49550) Posted on 2007/06/12 18:54
interestingly enough, i just read a similar post a kotaku regarding the crime rate going in akihabara from the yomiuri shinbun. that interview is hilarious.
(ID #49553) Posted on 2007/06/13 00:34
I live just down the road from Hackney, so I suppose by default I must answer yes!
(ID #49554) Posted on 2007/06/13 01:06
.NET/Web Developer
Woah! 8 floors? Sweet! When I get to japan I'll be visiting that place first. heheh!
(ID #49560) Posted on 2007/06/13 01:51
Hobby Store clerk guy thing...
Wow, I never knew... While I was in Akiba I was always witha friend, so I guess I was pretty safe... not that I'll just hand my money over, I RATHER GET INJURED THAN NOT BE ABLE TO BUY MY FIGURES~!
(ID #49579) Posted on 2007/06/13 03:40
Freelance Translator (anime, games, etc)
Wow. I had heard about this, but this guy takes the cake. Not that I've ever been in any 'official' fights when I lived in Japan... >.> But if someone pulled that on me, I'd try the 'gaijin defense' (since I look Japanese to some), and when that didn't work, kick the dude in the groin. I'm not advocating violence, but man, otaku/geeks/etc. everywhere need to stand up for themselves. 'like cockroaches' really annoyed me. >.
(ID #49585) Posted on 2007/06/13 05:03
ecchi student
When I go to Akiba next yar, I'll be sure to watch out for those shady guys...
(ID #49588) Posted on 2007/06/13 05:43
Windup Weeaboo
If you live in RPV, I'd have no problem taking lots and lots and LOTS of money from you. ^_- (Note: I don't really live in Pasadena)
(ID #49608) Posted on 2007/06/13 22:41
CEO MIrai Inc
Subaruhess, The interviewer is just a journalist and guarantees the Hunters anonymity in return for a scoop. Hummy, Yep!
(ID #49612) Posted on 2007/06/14 01:39
Project Manager, Engineer
Muggers, thieves, or whatever.. those are the real roaches... they say otaku are smelly (i really dont know about that) but i thinks the muggers are also smelly. criminals are trash of society. My father always says that, its better to kill them rather to let them live.. i know he was making a joke but when i think about it, and with the crime rates going up, capital punishment isn't a bad idea for those lowlifes.
(ID #49636) Posted on 2007/06/14 05:11
These hunters primary purpose for doing what they do is to steal money. Otaku have money and are generally easy targets. The cockroach comments to me seem more like a way to justify what he is doing. Along the lines of, "Sure I'm stealing but they're only otaku so don't feel bad for them." It is not right no matter what kind of person the target is.
(ID #49644) Posted on 2007/06/14 06:17
Wow, thats pretty low, especially considering these otaku work their low paying jobs just to purchase otaku stuff. This guy knows dragon quest and what cockroaches smell like, seems a bit like an otaku to me lol
(ID #49694) Posted on 2007/06/15 00:57
GabrielNYC
Exploit the weak. And I agree with the mugger's assessment of Otaku. I work at a comic store with my brother in NYC's Forbidden Planet and the majority of modern anime fans are filthy, rude, immature weirdos. I don't have ANY sympathy for modern american otaku because they think they know all there is about Japan.
(ID #49749) Posted on 2007/06/15 14:58
Kousaka
I agree with Gabriel. Many so-called American "otaku" do not look or behave at all like what you would expect from a true otaku and their insight of Japanese culture is, in short,limited.
(ID #50000) Posted on 2007/06/20 01:49
Miserabike in Ditch
Beating up nerds for cash is good business, as many of you know from the receiving end. Beating up nerds who spend hundreds of dollars on anime, though, is a public service.
(ID #50106) Posted on 2007/06/21 09:51
Well i have lots of experience with local comic book/game shops in my time. Sadly this sterotype of the smelly unsociable fanboy is rooted in truth,like most sterotypes are to some degree. Oddly enough the less desirable people from that shop would also be the types that would steal from others, or mug someone. These people were very "gothic" looking, full of anger and lacking respect. All they did was play magic: the gathering all day long. So its a slightly different picture around the cities i go to. Either way it gives me a bad name, and i have many friends who share some of my interests and they all take bathes, ahve jobs, are quite sociable, and far from all these negative connations that go along with being a serious follower of any hobby. And i don't appreciate anyone else on here agreeing with the mugger, saying they should have it happen for spending their money in a way they choose.Whether it was in jest or not, its uncalled for. Thats absurd. Preying on the weak, if i saw that happening, i would grab the nearest blunt object and lay into the guy. How pathetic can some people be.
(ID #50379) Posted on 2007/06/26 04:40
I have no respect for people who encourage crime. Stereotypes? If you people get out & see what the world is like beyond your computer screen you'll in for a shock. How sad.
(ID #50572) Posted on 2007/06/29 00:22
RoZioN in Sweden
Ok, im going to akiba in a couple of days, but im a bejin, approx 190cm and has some piercings so hopefully that will scare them off, if not, I will let them taste their own medicine. But from wieing some blogs and stuff to prepare myself for the trip I stumbled accross some pretty sick stuff. There is more to life than to live it through Manga and other virtual medias. I actually feel sorry for the guys who live to watch the latest anime shows and go to maid cafes =/
(ID #50973) Posted on 2007/07/05 00:56
It's really ridiculous that anyone would take such a retarded attitude towards an entire sector of society, just because of their interests. And to anyone who posted here decrying otaku and their hobbies, two things: 1) if you are in fact an otaku-hater, then why are you reading a site like this one? Only to post hateful, spiteful comments on it? Doesn't that make you more "pathetic" than them? and 2) so just because someone enjoys a hobby, that should make them lose all of their money and be a target of such things? Methinks you have a problem as well (sociopath?) if you wish bad things on people just because they spend an inordinate time at the computer, or reading manga, or whatever their obsession may be. What's the difference? You and the person you're deriding will both be dead eventually, so why not enjoy life while you're living it, and not try and make other people feel bad about their lifestyle choices so long as they aren't hurting anyone else? I think that 90% of the otaku out there are probably not the hikikomori, jobless, caught-in-fantasy people that everyone would have them be. I consider myself a very to-the-core otaku and I work out everyday and keep myself abreast of social/political/newsworthy goings on and have a well-rounded battery of hobbies as well as have quite a few friends. The only thing I read that I DO have agree with is the comment made about american otaku/comic book/sci fi fans. Most of the friends that I've had that are ameri-comi fans are very cynical about a lot of things, have very downbeat attitudes and a few have had really bad hygiene as well. And american otaku? Don't even get me started, americans consider themselves otaku if they know what Naruto is, or like girls that have Kuroneko-sama backpacks and a Hagaren shoulderbag. As a student of Japanese for nearly 15 years, an otaku for just as long, a voracious reader/watcher of Japanese history and culture for almost as long, it sucks to be lumped in with those people when you're reading manga or listening to J-音楽.
(ID #52777) Posted on 2007/07/28 03:35
wavehawk in Melbourne
I might be...tempted to go out and maul a few Otaku Hunters myself for their haul. >) There was this one incident when some guy with a knife tried to hold me up at Makati Cinema Squre (back when I lived in the Philippines). Unfortunately for him, I was in a ticked-off mood. Kicked him right between the legs (yes, there). He went down, then I kicked him in the head. End of discussion. If I read these muggers correctly, they operate with a knife and are working on the theory that otaku are going to be too timid to fight back. My recommendation is to make life miserable for them. Simplest solution is to carry a much bigger knife. >)
(ID #56221) Posted on 2007/09/03 05:02
I wouldn't advise that at all, if he pulls a knife on you, and you pull a bigger weapons/gun/gunpla on him. You're forcing him either to run, or actually take a swing at you. The latter is usually the case. I wouldn't draw, or even bring a weapon with me at all. If someone has an advantage over you(which would be the knife) they'll be in an eased state of mind(thinking it's an easy mug, not expecting too much resistence), making it easier for you to kick em in the groin, and then your other leg in the head ^^ Violence attracts violence.
(ID #202842) Posted on 2008/06/02 22:44
andoba
Bah, that is crap. Go here and see the real stuff. If some of those idiots came here and tryied to do that here, I guess he would end in an hospital. And what the hell is up about japanese not using credit cards? We use them everywhere.
(ID #58589) Posted on 2007/10/06 10:58
Kokoro Kotonoha's personal trainer
I wanna visit Akihabara someday before i die. As for "Do you get muggings where you live?" I'm from Los Angeles so that's pretty much a silly question. We got more than just muggings anyway. Fortunately for me i don't look like an otaku so walking in the streets of Akihabara would be no different from walking down the block in my hood.
(ID #59540) Posted on 2007/10/15 07:23
Anime Store Owner, artist, Web master
lol, I guess otaku hunters will piss their pants when they find the hard way that I am an otaku that knows martial arts, played football and baseball and of course, doesn't smell. As for the other otaku in the Selden/Stony Brook Area... I can't say the same. ~_~
(ID #60864) Posted on 2007/10/25 03:26
Bounty Hunter
I'm pretty sure almost any major city in the U.S. has muggings (not to mention other crimes).
(ID #63057) Posted on 2007/11/10 18:07
Rin in Toronto, Canada
When I'm going to Japan (which is in August), I'm going as a group with a couple of friends (8 people or more). They are strong friends by the way. I wonder how would they react or would one hunter go mug a group of Canadians. Me and my friends work out alot and I know karate and a bit of brazilian jitsu. I wonder, would all otaku hunters attack or mug weak people or even strong people. It depends, plus, do hunters travel in groups too?....
(ID #66128) Posted on 2007/12/06 07:15
News like this makes me glad I have been taking karate for 5 years, lol
(ID #66866) Posted on 2007/12/14 00:20
Done a couple of years of judo and am 2 meters tall, wonder if they'll do anything when I show up in akiba next summer :o
(ID #69259) Posted on 2008/01/10 16:13
i hope it dosn't happen to me i´m going in august and staying for 10 months ^^
(ID #182966) Posted on 2008/05/07 18:30
People where I live usually just kill their victims, then steal their stuff...
(ID #195126) Posted on 2008/05/24 02:50
Designer
Try bringing a katana when you visit Akihabara. lol
(ID #202564) Posted on 2008/06/02 15:21
In Dallas (Texas) there's plenty of crime. But they pull guns on you, not knives. Or bite you and give you their AIDS (seriously). I think it's despicable to steal someone's hard earned money or belongings.
(ID #202608) Posted on 2008/06/02 16:04
I take a shower and have a full-time job (hey, a casual anime fan has to pay the bills, rent and help out with his family). Including other interests like 80s cartoons and sci-fi. In my city, particularly in the downtown area and some metros/subway stations there are muggings and other unsavory incidents which only occurs at night (gets worse late at night). So yeah, I do my anime shopping during the weekends (daytime obviously). If I was to get mugged, I'd beat the hell outta whoever tried to pulling such a stunt with my fists or something blunt. (even though I don't wanna fight, but that's how life goes. Sometimes you just have to fend for yourself)
(ID #202615) Posted on 2008/06/02 16:22
That's sick... how can anyone think of human beings that way...
(ID #202692) Posted on 2008/06/02 17:56
It's shame ! Let's do a anti-otaku hunter squad!
(ID #202751) Posted on 2008/06/02 19:05
It is just surprising how that guy in the interview compares the hideous act that he is doing to a video game, seriously he is in desperate need for some psicological aid. All in all, although stealing is despicable, otakus are lucky cos they don't get hurt. Here in Argentina is common news to see that a teenager got stabbed or shot cos he/she refuse to give his/her belongings or what makes matters worse, they got injured even if they do what they are demanded by the robbers
(ID #202770) Posted on 2008/06/02 20:20
I thought that something like this is in Japan, but never was sure because never heard anything like this. They're really disgusting, but they're normal robbers in a way, just their main target are otaku. But make a merit of doing this is really disgraceful. And I agree whit D Blade, we should protect ourselfs, not just give them the money. And why do people fall for that? I would say "Sorry pal, but I don't know you so buzz off!" or something like that. But whit so many problems like Otaku Haters and Otaku Hunters, is it safe to be an otaku is Japan? I really wonder... Well, maybe the best idea is that group plan, so they won't attack a group.
(ID #202843) Posted on 2008/06/02 22:46
He's just projecting his own miserable self on Otaku, and robbing them to feel good about himself. Pa-thetic
(ID #202844) Posted on 2008/06/02 22:46
Part trooper, part -timer, 100% loser...
Where's this b@st@rd?! Imma gonna kick his @ss!!
(ID #202881) Posted on 2008/06/02 23:56
Well, I guess one of the good things about living in Singapore is the strict penal system: jailtime and caning. Our street is safe enough that you can walk about at night. Except for that embarassing case about the top terrorist walking out of detention, I think we are doing pretty okay. I think we need to put into perspective that Japan has one of the lowest crime rate in the world, if not the lowest. People read about all this otaku hunting stuff and start thinking it's all over Akihabara. It's like reading about a recent plane crash and suddenly getting all paranoid about taking a flight.
(ID #202892) Posted on 2008/06/03 00:17
We have this kind of scum here to, and much time they target are tourist... For me, this thing never happens to, thankfully because my aspect sure isn`t weak...
(ID #203114) Posted on 2008/06/03 05:59
Wait, I've had to fight off a few muggers before, does that count as getting mugged?
(ID #216507) Posted on 2008/06/19 04:54
Web monkey, coffee addicted cerberus, Chef Vader
My college was located in a hot spot for muggers and such. It's probably because there's a nearby shanty town/squatters area/
(ID #225780) Posted on 2008/06/30 12:15
Working Otaku mom
That store looks like my kind of heaven!:D And yes, I do know that we get muggers here also, just not quite as frequent as some places, here it's mostly vandalism and unsolved murders...
(ID #265408) Posted on 2008/08/14 16:21
What a F******* D*** Im going to find that guy and rip his head off!!
(ID #269807) Posted on 2008/08/19 11:23
Unemployed Dollfie enthusiast
"Its just like Dragon Quest where you beat the monster and take the gold." That is insane logic o_o
(ID #343102) Posted on 2008/10/23 06:35
wow, I was just roaming about Akiba just yesterday, alone. If it ever happens to be I definitely won't just give in to his requests
(ID #432247) Posted on 2009/01/01 22:05
Anime Figure Collector
Lucky for me I won't have that problem. Strong build, A natural in sports. No One has yet to beat me up or even tried too. lol. Maybe I should go to Japan and be an Otaku's bodyguard for a day. Either money or an anime related item would be my fee. =)
(ID #432706) Posted on 2009/01/02 11:17
OMG Gatta want to be there.
(ID #439919) Posted on 2009/01/08 12:29
Should start working out before I go there! ..and dyed my hair brown XD
(ID #444742) Posted on 2009/01/12 05:39
If I was a prey, I would sure beat them to a pulp.
(ID #456986) Posted on 2009/01/22 06:32
Grocery Store Clerk
The cops in my town pick favorites.
(ID #460459) Posted on 2009/01/24 17:16
Grocery Store Clerk
The cops in my town pick favorites.
(ID #460460) Posted on 2009/01/24 17:16
a mangaka that never sent any scripts to publisher
wow. wonder if there's any to-love-ru there........-_-
(ID #504183) Posted on 2009/02/27 22:26
if i was makin a b-line for akiba i would watch my back every where i would go.
(ID #546935) Posted on 2009/04/03 02:26
Programmer Trainee
That's horrible. Well here there's not much of a criteria. I think here people can steal from anyone. >_<
(ID #563983) Posted on 2009/04/15 13:07
miscellaneous
A friend of mine worked out an ingenious plan to deal with hentai - he is bi and went with his wife, and when a hentai grabbed his wife, my friend 'grabbed' him back. AWESOME! Bet that was a shock to him! I wonder if there's a similar response u could give to an otaku hunter... hunter: "gimme your cash!" otaku: "No. Gimme YOUR cash." LOL
(ID #590825) Posted on 2009/05/04 17:20
lol at darklyss How scary though, I guess a good deterrant is maybe to change your clothing style and look tougher...
(ID #636309) Posted on 2009/06/06 22:14
WHAT KIND OF SICK PERSON WOULD DO THIS!!! im hunting that guy down! and when i find him... well im not gonna say it!
(ID #652563) Posted on 2009/06/22 06:47
to answer the poll, no where i live you don't get mugged. however.. where i go to school (and mind you that's only 4-5 miles from where i live) you have a pretty decent chance of getting mugged. and to tell you the truth .. i have NO idea what they understand as a "target" i myself.. never get mugged while i'm only avarage. i'm not fat, i'm not athletic. i'm .. like i said avarage. yet this guy named "joe" got stabbed (read: killed) cause he refused to give up his ipod and joe was .. big.. from what i've heard on the news he was at least a head bigger then me. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Van_Holsbeeck so yeah .. i have no clue what they base themselves on. it's gotten my mom a bit weary when i got out and i listen to my mp3 player but .. that's what the damn things are made for, am i right ? as for the otaku hunting, i don't think they'd pick me XD i got brown hair and don't look weak so i -hope- i'm in the clear if i go to japan xD
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