181: A problematic otaku dictionary and the Japanese approach to sitting

An “Otaku Dictionary” has Japan’s subcultures upset at an attempt to define them. Thu-Huong Ha and Yukana Inoue join us to explain the linguistic scandal before discussing whether or not Japan has mastered “sitting.” 



On this episode:

Shaun McKenna: Articles | X 

Thu-Huong Ha: Articles | X 

Yukana Inoue: Articles



Read more: 

How a dictionary came to spark outrage among the web’s otaku (Thu-Huong Ha and Yukana Inoue, The Japan Times)

Test your otaku vocabulary, from 'oshi' to bacon lettuce’ (Thu-Huong Ha and Yukana Inoue, The Japan Times)

Let the gaming begin: A guide to Tokyo’s video game landmarks (W. Tanner Kirk, The Japan Times)

Has Japan mastered sitting? (Thu-Huong Ha, The Japan Times)

Bedbugs are spreading in South Korea and China. Is Japan next? (Karin Kaneko, The Japan Times)

Japan to start trial of over-the-counter sales of morning after pill (Kathleen Benoza, The Japan Times)

Get in touch: Send us feedback at [email protected]. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. For a transcript of the show, visit japantimes.co.jp, and don’t forget to follow us on X!  



Photo: Pages from a new Otaku Dictionary catalog the lexicons of Japan’s various subcultures. | TAIDGH BARRON