UlasanAnime.com – Industry pundits, insiders, and academics frequently discuss the notion that there’s a finite number of “core otaku.” This term specifically refers to individuals in Japan who consistently purchase limited edition Blu-rays of anime across various genres each season. The estimated number of such individuals ranges from 10,000 to 200,000, with some margin of error.
This definition can also extend to a fixed number of non-Japanese otaku, particularly within the English-speaking overseas community.
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This analytical approach is employed to examine the rise and fall of anime blogs, treating blogging’s novelty as a constant. It suggests that blogging has become a standard medium for self-expression, reflecting population size. As noted by Rabbit Poets, the 2010 trend represents “the real normal,” with the core otaku demographic remaining relatively stable, albeit with some participants withdrawing and new ones emerging. At its center is a consistent group of long-term bloggers.
This indicates that the core blogging group likely reached a plateau around 2007-2008. This is further supported by the idea that by 2008, the initial fascination with social networking and blogging had subsided, leaving only those genuinely passionate about writing about anime.
A potential critique is that Anime Nano might be losing its effectiveness as a blog tracker, with a growing number of anime blogs not being indexed. Many anime blogs are now visible on Twitter but not listed on Nano. Ideally, a similar study to Rabbit Poets’ work would be beneficial, one that accounts for this potential discrepancy.
As English-speaking anime fans from the 90s and early 00s mature and advance in their careers, a demographic shift similar to Japan’s economically empowered otaku market might occur. High-priced Blu-ray box sets could become a profitable venture. While this market is niche and carries inherent risks, it remains a factor to consider.
PS. Playing the Catherine demo over the weekend was a striking experience. The game is remarkably clever and daring, precisely targeting its intended demographic.
