Hey everyone,
I’ve been interested in Japanese culture for a while now — both the popular side (like anime and games) and the more traditional aspects like history, war, language, and daily life. But to be honest, I’m mainly more curious about the pop culture side, especially because it's so unique and influential.
The thing is, I’m not from Japan, and where I live, people tend to mock or ridicule anyone who shows too much interest in another culture — especially Japanese culture. So I’ve always been cautious about how I express this interest because I don’t want to come off as obsessive or cringey.
I want to learn and appreciate Japanese culture in a balanced, respectful way — not treating it like some aesthetic or exotic obsession. That said, I’m also genuinely interested in anime and Japanese games. Strangely enough, I don’t really play games or watch anime regularly. The only anime I’ve actually watched is Initial D, which I enjoyed a lot.
I’ve also been curious about K-pop. I haven’t really listened to it yet, but I want to give it a try — not to become a fan, but to understand why it’s so popular and impactful. I truly believe we shouldn’t judge or have prejudice against any culture. But at the same time, I feel a bit embarrassed to even explore it, especially because I’m a guy. Where I live, guys listening to K-pop or enjoying cute or romantic things are often seen as weird or soft, and that pressure kind of gets to me.
To be honest, I like sweet, romantic, “soft” things — and I think that’s part of what draws me to Japanese culture too. But it makes me feel conflicted, like I can’t fully be open about the things I like without being judged or misunderstood.
So, I’m wondering:
– How can I dive deeper into Japanese (and maybe even Korean) pop culture without being seen in a negative or cringey way?
– And do you have any anime recommendations for someone like me, who’s just starting out but doesn’t want to go down the typical overhyped route?
Thanks in advance!
by soumaperguntaman