Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu
Thoughts on Nogizaka Haruka 01-03: On Being an Otaku, Closet or Not.
Such reassuring words can easily save a soul from despair.
I was still on the verge of deciding whether follow this series, and episode 3 officially seals the deal for me. The more I watch this anime, the more I see myself in the closet otaku Haruka. She constantly reminds me of my past, present, and probably my would-be future otaku self. Her bitter experience of being shunned for her otaku hobby might have been portrayed to be a little extreme, but it really happens. I’d say it actually happened to me, in a less dramatic the entire school shuns me for being an otaku way, and more of the subtle ‘shunning’ treatment stereotyping ways.
*hugs Haruka*
Shunning adults (or teenagers) who are into cartoons and animes is a crooked mentality that remains ever present in our society. These close-minded people (and their forefathers) believe that being into cartoons and animes is a sign of immaturity. Yeah, like whatever. This kind of mentality runs through the veins of my family (and extended family), except my mom who can still enjoy a good dose of classical animes despite her age. Throughout the years, some of my cousins, my brothers and I have been criticized for enjoying cartoons and animes despite being full-fledged adults. They might not have disowned us for having that peculiar hobby, but we were frowned upon, and considered to be less admirable compared to my other cousins who are into news and politics (and real-life dramas?).
Not only my family had that kind of mentality, even those people around me in school way back elementary and high school. And honestly, I found it more downright insulting and saddening when they looked at me differently, compared to how it was with my relatives (who usually say the insult like a joke, which we can just laugh at, only my dad and grandma we’re deadpan serious).
NO, YOU.
Due to how I was brought up, I ended up being a geek, and it was actually by choice. My dad pressured me to excel in my studies, but hey, I also wanted to achieve that for myself. I’m not really sure whether I came to love anime while I was on the verge of being stressed out in school (as a means of escapism), or that I really loved anime from the start and did my best in school to prove that I can both love anime and excel in my studies at the same time. When I reached 6th grade in elementary, I became even more of an otaku as I was exposed to the wonders of the internet, which I primarily used for scourging in-depth information on animes (specifically, on bishies lulz).
Being the first one in class to have a dial-up internet connection made me all proud because it allowed me to have anime knowledge no one else in class knows about. But because of this unique hobby of mine, I was also treated differently by people. I never kept my raving fangirl self a secret from my classmates, and hence they know very well how much I admire 2D bishies. I have other classmates who enjoy animes and appreciate bishies, but not as hardcore as I was. I mean, I collect anime cards and pencil boards, draw fanarts in class, and design many of my school materials with anime stuff (printing label stickers on notebooks and books with anime designs, anyone?), and I flaunted it. My eyes glow the moment I see my classmates having any type of otaku-related thingamabobs, and my ears twitch with excitement the moment I hear them talking about anime (especially the guys, who are more into animes than the girls in my class).
Yes, they’re vile creatures who need to be punished for making Haruka-sama cry T__T
While there are those people whom I was able to get along with because they never held any prejudices against me despite my otaku self, there are those whose prejudices show in the way they interact with me. Call me paranoid, but I really felt it, the way some other people thought of me as someone who lacks a sense of normalcy. I was a geek and an otaku, and I was stereotyped to be the kind of girl who lives on books and animes alone (on top of the being involved in church activities and extracurricular activities in school), someone who doesn’t have the least bit knowledge about how the real world works, how to socialize, how to be a normal girl. Many of them still believe that I love 2D over 3D =__=”’
You go girl!!
Up until now, I’d look back at the time our pastor (and Values Education teacher) talked to me and advised me to act like the other girls in my class, hang out and interact with people, flirt with boys or something, and I realize how he lacked understanding for the introvert in me back then. I just laugh at it now, and wonder what he’ll think once he sees the real me (which I kept in my introvert shell because I wasn’t comfortable with them), the bookish otaku nerd girl in class who has come to enjoy her life more than ever, compared to those other normal girls, some of whom became lost sheeps as they turned out to be more naïve than I was thought to be.
Bawwww Q__Q I love you Yuuto!!
But like Haruka, I eventually found a group of friends who were able to fully accept me for who I am, my groupies in high school, batchmates and classmates in college, and my officemates at work 
The last few minutes of Nogizaka Haruka episode 3 became all the more heartwarming for me, because I was able to relate very well to the joy she felt the moment she found her place in this society, loved and accepted for the otaku that she is.
This post could very well be my late contribution to the 2nd R-R topic about otaku stereotypes 
P.S. I already watched episode 4, but I don’t think I can have anything noteworthy to say about that episode except for trashy comments and some bragging due to my guest appearance as a plushie or something lolz. Haruka’s Shana “urusai urusai! urusai!” was really cute, so was Yuuto and Haruka’s wedding “cosplay”. That’s pretty much about it 
filed under: Discussion
28 comments for “Thoughts on Nogizaka Haruka 01-03: On Being an Otaku, Closet or Not.”
Trackbacks
- Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu: Episode 2 « Enima Anime
- Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu: “Komatta wa, komatta wa, watashi no himitsu mo barechau wa?!” « Anime wa Bakuhatsu da!
- Anime Diet » Mike’s Summer 2008 Roundup, Part 2
- The Scrumptious Anime Blog | WordCamp Philippines 2008: On Being a Remarkable Responsible Blogger
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I’ll have to check this out! From reading what you wrote about it, it seems like it realates to me as well.
For me, being an otaku is quite different. Actually, it’s a commonly known fact (sort of comes with the job description). My entire school, including the teachers, knew that I watched an ungodly amount of anime regularly outside of class. I’ve never really been made fun of for it, apart from in elementary school by a girl in my class, but she got what was coming to her, if you know what I mean *wink* *wink*
I think it’s partly because outwardly, I don’t really look like the stereotypical otaku or fujoshi (apart from the mornings when I first wake up). Also, I had a lot of other extracurriculars like sports (ex. I was the captain of the volleyball team) so I couldn’t really be categorized as someone who spent all their time watching anime and drawing manga; only 95% of it. 
However, I can understand Haruka’s mentality though in terms of some of the awkwardness it can bring.
“compared to those other normal girls”
normal people are overrated…
Wow–I hope I don’t become that kind of pastor like the one you mentioned. I can relate to some of this story (though in high school it wasn’t anime; it was reading and writing sci-fi and fantasy) and can remember the pain of being excluded…yeah.
BTW Hinano made your story arc real cute in that blogger game.
I am already crazy, so here’s a modified quote from another crazy man:
I make up my mind from facts and reasoning, and not to suit any body but myself. If people don’t like my opinions, it makes little difference as I don’t ask for their vote or solicit their opinions. If the people raise a great howl against my barbarity and nerdy ways, I will answer that life is life, and not popularity seeking.
Live your life the way you see fit if your are wrong a crazed grunt like me will be kicking down your door and putting the fear in you. For you see fear is the beginning of wisdom my good dojikko.
Must put on my watch list ^^
I can understand your experience since it’s the same with me. Except that, in my school, people tend to have a thing for being either, or a combination of being vapid, fashionista, unadventurous, or simply being holed up in a comfort zone.
So I tried fitting in, trying to get into the nightlife and trying to get fashion-hip. Unfortunately things didn’t work out. Apparently my reputation before university still caught up with me, and with the nature of the school I’m in, it looked unavoidable. On top of that people looked at me as some wannabe guy.
So, with system against me, I decided to just drop the act and come clean with my hobbies. Sure, there will always be people who don’t accept what I do, but there are people who will treat you nevertheless with respect. I find that to be liberating in a way (Somehow the idea of no longer depending so much on those people factors in).
It feels liberating to just come clean with yourself.
Luv this anime so far and wow u had it hard its good that people actully appected ur otakaness & liked it wen i told my friends there like wow ur a freak but thats y we love u so i knew rite then and on i might as well have it out rite so i did ! lots more people come 2 me for anime stuff its funny
Modern mainstream entertainment is having a taste of their own medicine. I mean, fantaseryes (fantasy soap operas)? Worthless reality/idol shows? Who’s childish now?
Those crap are all the rage in my part of society, and yes I sometimes feel left out and outraged of their double standards and hypocrisy. But whatever, this is my whoever-throws-the-first-stone (don’t ask, don’t tell) policy at work. Whoever criticizes me would have an equal amount of criticism from me.
Fortunately, I’m introverted too so I don’t participate in their miscellaneous (Idol/PDA/Asero) chit-chat. A bit sad that I don’t often see people with even remotely similar hobbies as mine, but that’s what the internets are for. Although I’d want/wish to befriend (or date?) the rare ones out there who come talk to me about anime and stuff.
I’m really glad that someone posted on this topic, because i was thinking almost identical things as i watched those first 3 episodes. I remember thinking about showing it to my family (who are cool with my otaku hobbies, but can’t understand why i am so worried about what others wil think of them), so that they could understand a bit of what this feels like. I’m kind of reconsidering after the part in episode 4 where the 12-year-old sister is trying on sexy undergarments…i think my point might be lost/forgotten a bit. o_O
Normally when otaku are portrayed in anime, they’re really hardcore, life-consuming, “Welcome to the NHK” style otaku - SO hardcore that they don’t really care what others think. i can’t really identify with those guys. However, Haruka goes to school, does many other activities, has lots of friends (well, kind of…not very good friends, but…XD) - it’s a good look at what the “normal” anime fan thinks and feels.
As far as my personal activities, i don’t actively hide my hobbies, but i’m sure not going to great lengths to make them known, either. My bag has an anime key-chain on it, my mP3 layer is full of anime music, and that’s about it!
I almost never read manga outside my house or wear my anime t-shirts out, because i think it’s just pointless to invite comments/criticism. I’m not ashamed to be seen checking out the Evangelion box set at the store, but you sure won’t hear me talking about how cool it is the next day. I’ve got a set of close (otaku) friends who i can discuss stuff with, and i’ve got the blogosphere and the internets…that’s really all i need. 
I remember this one time, a great friend of mine started discussing a debate he had with some in another class. The person was arguing that anime was the greatest medium, and of course I wasn’t there for it. My friend pressed that this view was unjustifiable, but I didn’t go along with it, just that it is a fair opinion.
Ironically, this was 4-5 years before I started enjoying the media. I’m glad I kept an open mind at the time, otherwise I may have shunned it the same as those around me.
Liked the read, time to work
I dunno if I will continue Nogizaka Haruka (it’s a bit sugary), but it has it’s moment.
They are just jealous of your passion! Not everyone is able to find something they really love and enjoy, so don’t let the haters ruin your fun. Plus it doesn’t sound like you are using anime as an unhealthy escape from reality.
Anime/Manga fans will feel for Haruka since they might be experiencing what she has or is going through. Otakus need to have more confident in themselves and their friends; if their friends avoid them because of their love for anime, they’re not friends worth keeping.
“compared to those other normal girls,”
I have no interest in normal humans, etc.I guess Haruka’s interesting, but what about Yuuta? It’d be kind of interesting to see this genderbent (ungh), but, like, I have the strange feeling that the “damsel in distress” thing Haruka has going for her is impossible to “implant” in a guy. Maybe that’d be like a KoutaxChizuru/ShinjixAsuka/ or relationship or something.
lelangir does bring up an interesting point: Would we able to feel the same way if it was a guy in Haruka’s shoes? Would we relate to him more? :/
bigN: It’s funny because isn’t Yuuta supposed to be the main character? He was the first one introduced (I think) and so, to an extent, we’re getting a Kyon-esque narrative through the cynicism of another Average Joe.
I guess Haruka was too ‘moe’ for me to relate to her otaku secret related troubles, but that’s just me being superficial. I honestly dislike it when people are ‘encouraged’ to do something that’s perceived as ‘healthy and wholesome’ just because everyone else is doing it. Yea, because we’re such rotten individuals who don’t have the sense of mind to judge what’s good for ourselves. Pfft.
@kuzon234ray: it’s cute, fun and sweet, and sure to be a hit for moe fans
@flou: I do think that the stereotypical geeky otaku who doesn’t socialize well with people are the ones who usually get this treatment. Those like you who grew up to have quite a self-esteem is less likely to encounter these problems because you’re well endowed with non-otaku talents alone
@EvilDevil: true indeed, if only I realized it way back then and showed those people what I was really made of
@Mike: I doubt you’ll be like our pastor back then, from what I can see
For one, you know how it is to be an otaku, and whatever issues that comes with it. In the end, what matters most is the positive changes that happened after those bitter experiences. It makes me all the more grateful ^-^
@Crusader: aye aye, Cap’n
Over the years I managed to learn just that. And so much more~ Life is good~
@Danny Choo: yes, definitely, if only for moe moe Haruka~ X3
@soloista: Glad to hear that. Hurray for freedom!!!
@Tam Tam: that’s what happened in the later years of my life, so it’s all good ^^
@bluemist: I’ve had my own share of those experiences and I can easily brush them off now. I’m just really thankful that I blend in well at work because many of my officemates have the same interests as I do. Many of us are otakus, drama or game fanatics. The ones watching local TV are the minority, it seems. Feel free to apply to our company or something, though I’m not sure if that’ll work for you
@Enima: it’s great that your parents are the open-minded ones!
Well you could just not let them watch episode 4 or something, episodes 1-3 would be great for everyone (except for the fanservice scenes every now and then :P) I’m such an otaku that I usually spend much of my time on the train reading mangas/novels/JLPT textbooks lol. It’s amusing to see the varying reactions of people. And when they look at me with ridicule, I just to stare back at them which silently says ‘what are you looking at?! :twisted:’
@Ryan: That’s fate for you. As for Nogizaka Haruka, it’s a pretty short series and Haruka x Yuuto is enough to sustain me it seems
@Kabitzin: I think my classmates back then thought it was becoming an unhealthy escape for me, though they never really bothered finding out what I was escaping from, the complexes and melodramas of my life~ Over the years my family realized the positive effects of this hobby/passion, so they’ve become quite open to this now
@Hynavian: Those are the words that every weak otaku with inferior complex need to hear. Life would’ve been so much easier for me if someone told me that sooner, but everything still worked out in the end
@lelangir: interesting, though hmm… isn’t the impossibility being referred to here simply preconceived and stereotyped against guys? The concept of an Alpha males and Beta males comes into my mind. That, and the complexes and double standards in our gender which usually frowns guys who are emo or something. But I guess someone who had firsthand experience on this would be the best person to tackle this issue?
@N: I’m trying to imagine this issue genderbent, and although I want to think that the ideal reaction to this would be that we’d treat the guy and empathize with him the same way we do with Haruka, gender complexes implanted in our minds and the society as a whole will always play a role in shaping how we think about them. Still, guys and girls alike have issues of acceptance and identity like Haruka, in varying scales and way of dealing with the situation, I guess.
@issa-sa: I didn’t find myself relating to her until episode 3. That’s when it really struck me.
And down with those people! Pfft! Close-minded meanies 
Everyone has said what I want to say.
@The Sojourner: It won’t hurt to join in the chorus, with your own thoughts :3
Yuuto is too damn AWESOME. He makes Haruka so happy! THEY BELONG TOGETHER!
I laughed SOOOO hard when Haruka threw that asshole against a tree. EPIC WIN.
And…WTF it disgusting about watching anime? ANIME, for gods sake. All kids do it…aparently, middle school kids are dumb and should be smacked 300+ times
Too many meanies in the show. They need to go away
Also….Yuuto is just awesome. I HAVE to say that again
Haruka and Yuuto FOREVER!!!!
Miko_Miku_Desu_Yo!: rofl, they’re just narrow-minded people, don’t mind them
Haruka x Yuuto FTW!
Oh wow, we were brought up in roughly the same manner. I was groomed by my dad to excel, and I did for the most part of my scholastic life, except now in college where I learned that biology was shit and I hated thinking of studying it for the rest of my life. But I still excel in individual subjects, and I still have never hidden my appreciation for anime. Although my batchmates are more accepting, it’s quite a solitary hobby, as most people prefer to spend their time perhaps studying, I don’t know.
I’m with more accepting friends, and I’ve never been in doubt with who I was, so being an otaku wasn’t really much of a big deal for me.
@Michael: well Chinese people are competitive and all that cheese. If I studied in the city, I believe I would’ve gained more friends who are otakus, or at least, open-minded enough not to stereotype them. Studying in the province, with not much students in school, leaves me as one of the few minorities. You’re lucky you had that blessing early on, and I’m thankful I’m blessed with it now