in japan, "otaku" has generally regarded as an offensive word, due to the negative cultural perception of withdrawal from society. however, the otaku philosophy of living has gained traction among japanese youth and adolescents, likely as a reaction to the established culture of intense work and academic studies. under 30’s have developed a neo-otaku identity with more positive associations of being a geek or . in the west, the word usually describes an anime or manga "fanatic" and is not typically perceived as derogatory.