The revolution may not be televised, but in this case, it certainly will be blogged. Saturday’s Akihabara Kaihou Demo (Akihabara Liberation Demonstration, previously covered here) appears to have been a remarkable success. Our man Animaestro had this to report from the field:
Today Akihabara had the rare treat of experiencing the first ever Revolutionary Otaku Demonstration. Headed up by representatives of Revolutionary Otakuist Union, Revolutionary Moeist Union, and the Revolutionary Himote Union, a motley of cosplayers and otaku of various stripes marched through Akiba chanting revolutionary slogans and waving banners.
Full photo and video coverage inside.
The three armies of otaku organized this demonstration as a way to raise awareness for the otaku cause. For too long have otaku been treated as second-class citizens, and on this day they took to the streets demanding an end to discrimination and public ridicule. The message that otaku deserve the right to indulge in their hobbies without shame appears to have been broadcast loud and clear.
Possible Danny Choo sighting?
Taking it to the streets.
Looks like there’s at least one gaijin otaku participating.
Apparently participation exceeded what people were expecting.
Otakus of the world, unite!
(Could this become an annual event?)
There is something funny in that comment about the one gaijin otaku sighting—something along the lines of out of the ordinary or the amusingly unexpected. Or probably it’s the way it’s worded out.
Call me the pessimist, but I wouldn’t be surprised if public perception actually becomes more prejudiced towards otaku. But it’s good that they are bringing this out on the open and expressing themselves.
Uum, right. Look, I’m as much of a geek as everyone here, but really, come on. Hardcore geeks will always be ridiculed. Look at these otaku, they organize a “revolution,” march on the streets dressed as anime characters (some even wearing masks for fear of being recognized), and they expect not to be ridiculous in the eyes of onlookers? ^^;;
atleast there were some girls in that march…
ps. that robot is really creepy…
I can’t help but ask “where do I sign up?”
But yeah, this isn’t going to stop the ridiculing and it will probably increase it, but hey, comes with the territory.
I have this nagging feeling like maybe they are thinking along the lines of a opportunity to voice a collective opinion but still retain the reclusive nature of the otaku, even if it wont have any effect the idea still stands that at least they made an effort.
As oppressed minority in the United States we demand the following. A reduction in import taxes on dojinshi and manga. Government subsidies on the manufacturing of PVC.
hehe ;-)
[...] Akiba Liberation Demo is a GO! July 1st, 2007 This event has been covered here and here but I’m going to offer my thoughts on all of [...]
Viva Le Otaku Internationale!
“Full photo and video coverage inside.”
If you consider 4 photos and an 8-second video to be “full coverage…”
This sounds like one of those feminist movement protests. Always arguing that they feel like “second-class citizens”. :V
But yeah, interesting concept…
There is another white guy in the last pic.
The girls on the other hand looked either way ugly, or really disinterested. Meh.
[...] Link to post [...]
Apparently the Stormtrooper IS Danny Choo…
now this is funny, I would have love to be there !! It’s obvios it was more like a masquerade than a real “Revolutionary Otaku Demonstration” but i love the idea :D
This is awesome, I’m glad Animaestro could make it to the event. Wish I could’ve been there myself. ;_;
[...] Heisei Democracy: Akiba Liberation Demonstration 「6・30アキハバラ解放デモ」に超接近遭遇 秋葉原史上最大級規模のイベント！？アキハバラ解放デモ (A blow by blow account of the demostration) 6・30アキハバラ解放デモ 女装・やらないか・ハルヒいろいろ 400人？以上が参加 突如アキバで“6・30アキハバラ解放デモ”発生！ 彼らの言葉に耳を傾けろ！ アキバの路上で「6・30アキハバラ解放デモ」決行！ 三派系全学連、2ちゃんねる共斗委員会、「ハルヒ」SOS団支部など500人以上が参加 [...]
I second what The Geek said!
“As oppressed minority in the United States we demand the following. A reduction in import taxes on dojinshi and manga. Government subsidies on the manufacturing of PVC.”
Brilliant and truly needs to be done.
“Sir! The Otaku are revolting!”
“So what else is new?”
OTAKEN!
É a hora… essa é a hora…
Is the time… This is the time…
The first thing I thought of when I saw the headline, was of Yamazaki’s “revolution”. I’m afraid this one seems to be an equal failure. Cute, but noone’s going to take it seriously.
Whatever it is, I’m glad for humanity’s greatest invention for times like this: The AK-47.
There’s nothing like the the smell of freshly discharged 7.62×51mm to invigorate anyone with half a sane mind in the morning.
Well, anyone caught doing similar here will be crushed under the iron fist of the law here, fortunately.
Where are this you “here” Meu caro DrmChsr0?
*disregard drmchsr0*
OTAKING TATAGAU !!!
umm, eh, bringing democracy to heisei era ? >_>