While we here at RocketNews24 have no shortage of stories on geeky men in Japan, it should be noted that there are plenty of women that fulfill the otaku stereotype of being obsessed with anime, manga and video games. The recently published photo book Corrupted Rooms gives readers a peek inside the cramped living quarters of 50 self-professed otaku and shows the extreme level of dedication these women have to their hobbies. From rooms packed with action figures to racks of cosplay outfits, click below to catch a glimpse into the world of the female otaku!
Shiori Kawamoto, author of the 160-page book, said that she came up with the idea of a photo book after hearing stories of Japanese idols’ rooms that were filled to the brim with manga collections or video game accessories. Other idols living in the same dormitories would call these rooms “Corrupted Rooms” because the hobby had consumed and “corrupted” the woman’s life. Kawamoto began visiting these rooms and was amazed at the length some of these women went to in pursuit of their hobby.
▼Who wants to sleep on a bed full of stuffed Gloomy Bears, the pink, cute and cuddly man-eating bear?
The book, which went on sale for 1,995 yen (US$19.95) last month, shows the rooms of 50 different women in Tokyo and Osaka who have all dedicated their very limited living space to their personal obsession. The women represent all walks of life such as the unemployed living in their parents’ home or regular white-collar workers. And true to the somewhat murky definition of otaku, these women show an extreme obsession with just about every kind of hobby from railroads to eyeglasses.
▼Ever heard of an “eyeglasses otaku?” Well, now you have.
In the afterword of the book, Kawamoto explains that she was taken aback by how happy these people were to live their lives this way. Even though some of us might enjoy video games or manga, few of us would fill our rooms with action figures and anime collectibles. After observing these people so content to live their pleasant lives, she wondered if people would better off to to allow ourselves to be “corrupted” by our hobbies.
▼This megafan may lack adequate living space, but she seems perfectly happy in her idol-obsessed life
According to some of the reviews on Amazon Japan, some readers thought this book was just a cheap way for lecherous men to peek inside women’s rooms, while other readers thought the pictures gave a fascinating look into the secret lives of everyday people.
Take a further look below at some of the pages from the book and let us know what you think in the comments below! Do these otaku shatter your stereotype of the Japanese otaku by showing that women can be equally as dedicated to their nerdy hobbies? Do you have any geeky pleasures that you love to collect and display at home?
▼ Video game fanatic and Japanese idol Mirin Furukawa of the otaku idol group Dempagumi.inc plays a video game at home
▼The room of a NEET absolutely packed with anime and manga memorabilia
▼ A woman sits in front of her wall plastered with posters from the video game Persona 4
▼Despite not having room for a proper drying rack, this otaku knows her priorities: action figures
▼ Who needs art on the wall when you can have an assortment of maid costumes at your disposal?
▼This room’s impressive manga collection is accented by cute dangling figures
▼No, that isn’t the result of a urban decay, this is the room of an art fan who creates her own work inside a cramped Japanese apartment
▼This gamer isn’t content to handling guns in her favorite first-person shooter, so she’s got a collection of model guns on her desk
▼A display recommending Corrupted Rooms for customers at a store in otaku mecca–Akihabara
Source/Images: Akiba Blog
Never been into a girl’s room before? Then this reference photo book is for you
Japanese women rank the otaku obsessions they can most forgive in a partner
Men with ‘Nerdy’ Hobbies Describe Their Ideal Marriage Partner (And it’s Not Princess Zelda)
Anime vs. idols? Latest annual otaku survey shows where fans are spending their money
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Japanese overnight sightseeing train returns for summer with ramen stops and ocean views
Sleep at Hoshinoya Nara Prison, one of the most unique hotels in Japan
Japan’s Mocchurin donuts declared too popular to exist by creator Mister Donut, will disappear soon
Live-action Spirited Away stage play announces world tour with first-ever U.S. and Canadian dates
Japan’s new pettably fuzzy cat-shaped earbud chargers meow to let you know their status[Video]
Tokyo has only two barley tea makers, and we visited one to see how mugicha is made
Why you shouldn’t feel guilty about using manga for studying and the top series for learning
Studio Ghibli mini towels add anime flair to a Japanese cultural tradition
Mos Burger opens fancy burger shop and bar in Ginza, Tokyo
Family Mart Japan installs red-eyed “Monster Wolf” to keep bears away from convenience store
Starbucks Japan reopens Shinkansen platform store after redesigning it for speed
Pikachu brings electric style to brand-new Pokémon G-Shock watch featuring every stater trio
Blind Tokyo commuter explains the easiest place for him to stand while riding the train
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Japanese man’s gross conveyor belt sushi social media prank video gets him a 500,000-yen fine
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Japanese sweets brand creates new drinkable Cigare and we’re totally here for it
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Could you marry an otaku? Japanese people rank the geek hobbies they’d let slide for love
Nearly 70 percent of young Japanese women self-identify as otaku in survey
No boys allowed! Take a look inside Japan’s first cafe for female otaku ONLY
Otaku fashion guide teaches nerds how to dress to impress
State of the otaku union 2017: Idols booming, boys’ love flat, erotic games drooping
Elitism divides otaku culture as the popularity of Japanese pop idols expands
Language of the otaku has infiltrated our Internet forums
Otaku in Western Art: Hilarious viral hashtag finds geeks hiding in classic masterpieces