How do non-Japanese otaku live? Interview with a Filipina cosplayer!

Photography: UNA
Interview/Editing: sakuma
Many Japanese people have probably wondered about this. How did otaku overseas become interested in geek contents? In which way do they enjoy them? Are there any events like Comiket abroad?
This column explores the life of the non-Japanese otaku people. In this article, we will cover a very special shooting event held at a Japanese temple. The protagonist? Well, there's Lunaru, a Filipina cosplayer and global otaku girl who loves Japanese anime and manga so much that she decided to move to Japan. And then there's me, Sakuma, a Japanese cosplayer and editor.
Through the event and this interview, we will find out information about otaku of Southeast Asia, and discover what foreigners find interesting about Japanese culture!
Cosplay photography in a temple? Only in Japan!
The Chofu Tourist Association made it possible to take cosplay pictures at this beautiful temple, and Lunaru looks very excited!





Southeast Asia boasts many event similar to Comiket!

▲ "Oishi Cosplay" in Thailand

The roots of Filipino otaku culture lay in... Japantown?


Yaoi (Boys' Love) is surprisingly popular in Southeast Asia!
"Japan is so great that I also came to terms with kanji"
"I love talking with friends that share my interests about their point of view!"

After an unexpected encounter with anime, Lunaru flew to Japan bringing with them a huge strength and an amazing love for Japanese contents. She is not scared of a new culture, and seeing her interest towards many different things was beautiful.
If you spot an interesting anime event outside of your country, why don't you try and visit it once? Nice encounters might be waiting, way beyond your imagination.

▲ Is it a fun memory that spilled shaved ice...?