Over one in three Japanese self-identify as otaku

A recent survey by Dip, conducted to promote their anime holy ground (seichi) site, looked at otaku (geek, hard-core fan)-related matters

Demographics

There were actually two surveys conducted. The first had a sample of 1,843 men and women aged from their teens to 49 years old, and the second involved a subset of 335 people from the original sample (I think – it is not too clear) who had identified themselves as otaku in Q1.

An otakumobile:

Although the demographics are confusing, there does seem to be an indication that the eldest child is an otaku. There is perhaps a reason involving Japanese family structure, but what that might be I have no idea! I welcome any wild speculation from my readers!

These holy grounds are the real life locations represented in various anime and manga; for instance, here is their entry for the hot springs and hotel in Sprited Away/Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi.

Research results

Q1: Do you consider yourself an otaku? (Sample size=1,843)

Yes (to SQs (sort of))	37.4%
No	62.6%

Q1SQ1: What position are you in the order of your siblings? (Sample size=335)

Only child	16.4%
Oldest brother, oldest sister	59.1%
Second brother, second sister	14.3%
Third brother, third sister	3.3%
Youngest overall	6.3%
Other	0.6%

Q1SQ2: Who of the following have found out you are an otaku? (Sample size=335, multiple answer)

Friends	67.2%
Parents	62.1%
Brothers, sisters	51.0%
Acquaintances	32.2%
Work colleagues	22.1%
Other relatives	20.3%
Other	4.8%
No-one	9.6%

Q2: What image do you have of an otaku? (Sample size=1,843, multiple answer)

Get lost in their favourite hobby	61.9%
Love anime	50.4%
Know a lot about a single subject	47.9%
Have their own little world	46.8%
Akihabara	45.6%
Determined	41.5%
Love manga	38.8%
Love computer games	37.8%
Wear a rucksack	23.5%
Female otaku numbers increasing	18.9%
Wear a bandana	14.5%
Wear check shirts	13.9%
Carry paper bags	13.7%
Recently stylish	6.0%
Trousers with lots of pockets	4.8%
Other	2.0%
Nothing in particular	6.2%