Daigenkai Otaku Dictionary Will Release This November
Sanseido, one of Japan's leading publishers of textbooks and dictionaries, has announced the launch of Daigenkai, a comprehensive dictionary featuring terms from the otaku and geek subcultures. This news has sparked various reactions within the Japanese community.
The otaku dictionary is the result of a project led by Japanese university students, encompassing approximately 1600 words spread across 14 chapters that explore various themes related to otaku and geek culture, including K-Pop fandoms, ya*i, Pokémon, and more.
In contemporary Japan, the presence of otaku individuals and otaku culture, in general, is becoming increasingly common. However, the news of this dictionary has elicited a range of responses.
While some otaku finds the idea of the dictionary amusing, they commend the meticulous curation and authenticity of the definitions and usage presented in the provided samples. It is emphasized that, given the rapid changes and replacements in terminology, this dictionary could become a crucial testimony of the era, akin to a relic, in just a few years.
Despite the general approval, voices of dissatisfaction have emerged, particularly from otaku belonging to the fandoms included in the dictionary. Concerns have been expressed about potential misunderstandings and the use of specific names in examples, especially in terms related to pairings.
The terms and jargon of fandoms and geek culture are known to evolve rapidly, making the creation of an otaku dictionary an ambitious challenge. Daigenkai, described by Sanseido as containing "interpretations analyzed by otaku themselves," seems to have done a commendable job. This dictionary is scheduled to be released on November 21, 2023. The e-book version will be available starting November 22, 2023.
Source: Prtimes JP