9 Types Of Anime Fans That Are Giving Everyone Else A Bad Name

Fandom Level: 10 Natsume Asahina dakimakura out of 10  

Favorite Shows: Angel Tales, Brothers Conflict, Nisekoi 

Key Characteristics: In the world of anime fandom, it's not uncommon to have an anime waifu or husbando, which are otaku terms used to describe your fictional wife or husband. However, there's one "special" breed of fan who are very devoted to their fictional anime relationship. In fact, they're known to carry around a dakimakura (body pillow) featuring their chosen waifu or husbando.

You may often see them walking around anime conventions with their pillow safely protected in their grasp. In extreme cases, these devoted fans carry their dakimakura everywhere with them, even to public places like cafés or amusement parks. While everyone is free to love whomever/whatever they want, and we shouldn't judge, the problem comes when the characters depicted on dakimakura are super young (as they sometimes are). It's insanely uncomfortable to see someone fondling an animated 12 year old on a pillow while you're just trying to grab a soft pretzel. 

Fandom Level: 9 Pocky sticks out of 10

Favorite Shows: Oreimo, Lucky Star, Himouto! Umaru-chan

Key Characteristics: These fans often denounce their own culture, and live for everything Japan-related. Because they learn everything about Japanese culture through watching anime, their pronunciation is often inaccurate and they generally have little actual knowledge of what life is like in Japan. For example, they often use the Japanese linking word "desu," resulting in the incorrect linking of words. They usually furnish their rooms/homes with Japanese-style décor, and may strictly eat Asian-style dishes and snacks. Any suggestion they're not actually Japanese or criticism of their plan to "move to Tokyo and finally fit in," will be met with derision and inarticulate cries of baka. 

Fandom Level: 7 out of 10 "Nico Nico Nii!" poses from Nico Yazawa 

Favorite Shows: Love Live! School Idol Project, Sword Art Online, Black Butler

Key Characteristics: These fans are usually well-seasoned or professional cosplayers. They generally spend loads of time, cash, and effort working on costume designs and props to dress up as their favorite anime characters at conventions. While cosplay is for everyone, these hobbyists have been known to mock other cosplayer's costumes based on their execution and accuracy.

They'll also ridicule fellow cosplayers for not being "authentic" if they don’t design and build their own costumes. The really mean ones will even bash other cosplayers by saying they shouldn't portray particular characters based on their weight, gender, or ethnicity. That’s unforgivably uncool. 

Fandom Level: 5 Totoros standing in the rain out of 10

Favorite Shows: Hanasaku Iroha, Tonari no Totoro, Desu nôto

Key Characteristics: These fanatics are faithful to Japanese subs, and are completely disgusted with any dubbed series. Even if a dub is great, they will still come out against it and argue why the Japanese subtitled version is better. They're often obstinate, close-minded, and generally exhausting to debate with.

They are also known for bashing anime newbies, who often get interested in anime through dubs, as well as anyone who enjoys or prefers dubbed series. They also tend to refer to anime by their untranslated Japanese names, which can be both confusing and frustrating.