ALTRALANG Journal
Volume 8, Numéro 1, Pages 321-328
2026-06-05
Curating The Transcultural Fandom Through The Otaku Craze: Case Of Japanese Manga And Anime
Authors : Ghezzal Sihem .
Abstract
Transculturalism originates from the desire to identify mutual interests and universal values transcending cultural and geographical boundaries. Fandoms serve as spaces fostering camaraderie and interaction among individuals sharing common interests, often facilitating connections with people one might not encounter otherwise. Hence, considerable research in transcultural fan studies explores the junctures of different national cultures and their respective customs. These worldwide shifts are significantly impacting local communities. Research on fan communities that cross borders is as varied as the subjects they investigate, stemming from various academic interests. This diversity makes it challenging to define precisely what falls under the umbrella of "transcultural fandom studies." This research aims to investigate this enigma and examine how fans' specific cultural backgrounds influence their selection of cross-border fan objects. It focuses on examining the culture surrounding anime enthusiasts, commonly referred to as "otaku." Several factors contribute to the selection of this particular cultural group for analysis, including the increasing popularity of Japanese anime and manga in recent times, and the limited existing research on this specific fanbase, and its personal relevance to the life experiences. As a result, fandoms that cross borders are pushed to the margins of fandom studies, along with the valuable perspectives they provide on how fans understand and engage with both media and each other in an increasingly globalized media environment. This suggests that a passionate interest in fandom can sometimes transcend national, regional, and geographical boundaries.
Keywords
Japanese Anime/Manga ; Otaku ; Transculturalism ; Transcultural Fandom
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