Japanophile
|
Lafcadio Hearn, aka Koizumi Yakumo, a notable scholar and author well known for his strong interest in Japanese culture and books on Japan. |
A
Japanophile is a non-
Japanese person with a strong interest in one or more aspects of
Japan or
Japanese culture. The word is sometimes used in a
derogatory manner to denote a person with an excessive or misguided interest with Japan (though, a very definitely derogatory variation of japanophile is "weeaboo"). Most often used to describe fans of
anime and
manga.
"Japanophile" is also less commonly used to alternatively describe individuals who fall into one or more of the following categories:
* Scholars on the
History of Japan :* Students of the
Japanese language:* Scholars on the
Sociology of Japan:* Politicians seen as particularly favourable to Japanese interests:* Fans of a particular aspect of Japanese culture (such as
kendo,
sumo wrestling,
Japanese cuisine, and so forth):* Anyone seen as (or believed to be) knowledgeable regarding a particular aspect of Japan, its culture or its influence.
Notable Japanophiles have included
Lafcadio Hearn,
Steven Seagal.
Japanophilia is recently on the increase around the world, with the popularization of many Japanese cultural exports and Japanese pop culture, such as
Zen Buddhism,
sushi,
J-Horror, and
anime among others [
1]. Once esoteric, many of these exports have gone from purely an
otaku pastime to the mainstream, with sushi being
de rigueur in some circles. However it does not always translate into political like of Japan itself.
Some Japanophiles have been criticized for having a limited perception of Japanese culture, and many of their interests of Japan are based on Western perceptions of an idealized or romantic view of Japan. Fans of anime and Japanese videogames are sometimes criticized for this and are known as
otaku.
*
"Japan's Empire of Cool", Washington Post
*
Asiaphile*
Japanese pop culture
