adminAaliyah Zadok
Last week I wrote generally about passion and hobbies without going deeper into detail. I believe that being told something by someone who isn’t doing what they’re talking about is meaningless.
So today you’re going to hear all about my passion and hobby (if you read my bio after the article last week you should probably already know it).
My passion and hobby is animé and manga.
Animé is NOT cartoons. Animé is specifically Japanese style animation that is meant to entertain all age ranges.
That means that animé can be for both kids and adults (it even has ratings and some anime is not for anyone below 18).
Animé has many different genres just like shows such as anger management or revenge. Some of the most commonly known anime genres are shoujo (anime for girls) and shounen (anime for boys). Mangas are Japanese style comics.
They are different from the usual Marvel style comics we see. Firstly, they are read from back to front and from right to left.
I’ll admit that is confusing at first if you’re used to reading from front to back but you get used to it.
Mangas are usually the books that animators derive their ideas for anime from.
Popular animes like Bleach, Naruto, One Piece and Fairytail all started off as manga.
By now you must have realised that I’m totally an otaku (someone who is an anime lover; the urban dictionary lies when it calls an otaku someone with no social life so they compensate by watching anime and reading manga. That is the definition of a hikikomori).
You might also be thinking that I spend all my time watching anime and reading manga. The truth is that I’ve discovered a lot, become more social and realised a lot of new talents that I never knew I had because of my passion.
As I became more interested in anime and manga I began to want to take part in its production. Unfortunately I do not live in Japan and that is not something so easy.
But anyway I hunted for things I could do and found out about groups called scanlations that translate and fix up a manga and anime so that non-Japanese speakers can also read and watch anime before the official English version comes out.
I joined one called “Last Chance” as a typesetter and cleaner (it’s voluntary work so I’m not paid) and learned to use photoshop and developed a typing speed of 60 words per minute. Through the scanlation group I have met many wonderful people who have made a positive impact on my life. Since most otakus are very tech-savvy I’ve also developed a love of technology that I never knew I had.
I’ve learnt to create application and can almost make software now. This has opened up doors of opportunity that I never knew existed.
Being an otaku has also taught me many languages like Japanese and Spanish (there is a huge base of Latino otakus in the world). My passion for anime has opened up doors of opportunity and friendship that I never knew existed. Well, I hope I’ve enlightened you on the wonders of anime and inspired you to pursue your own passions and hobbies.
I can say that I’m happier and more fulfilled because I can do what I like and still go to school and work. Till next time have fun, be creative and ciao!
Aaliyah Zadok is an 18-year old writer with a passion for health, wellness and anything creative. She has an insane obsession for anime and manga. She loves interacting and meeting new people.
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