Recently, A Twitter post has gone viral in Japan, sparking intense debate on social media. The post, which is addressed to the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles baseball team, reads as follows:

• «Dear Rakuten Eagles, For the next anime collaboration event, could you distribute the seats more evenly when selling tickets? Today, at gates 5 and 6, many people probably bought the special 'Love Live!' tickets. grouped together, and it somehow smelled like a card shop, which was unpleasant.».

The stereotype that anime fans, especially those of certain franchises, like to “Love to live!“, smell bad, has been perpetuated over time due to several factors.

• Otaku Culture and Personal Hygiene: Historically, some otaku have been stereotyped as people who spend a lot of time indoors, playing video games or watching anime, and who neglect their personal hygiene. This stereotype has been reinforced by the media and certain representations in popular culture.
• Mass events and odors: At large, crowded events, it is common for a lack of proper ventilation and the accumulation of too many people in a small space to generate unpleasant odors. This is not exclusive to anime events, but has been disproportionately associated with them.
• The notion of “nerd”: In many cultures, passionate fans of something considered “nerdy” or “geeky” have been ridiculed for their appearance and habits. Anime, being a “niche” form of entertainment compared to others, is no exception.

Online comments show a mix of reactions, from criticism to defense to self-identification. Some netizens criticize “Love Live!” fans for not taking care of their hygiene, while others defend the communitysuggesting that whoever made the comment on Twitter is also part of the same community, as they recognized the smell of a card shop.

This viralization and the resulting debate highlight the importance of addressing and challenging these stereotypes, fostering greater understanding and respect within and outside the otaku community. Collaborative events are an opportunity for different groups of people to enjoy their shared passion, and it is essential to foster an inclusive and respectful environment for all participants.

Source: Otakomu