アニメ：子供の漫画 (Anime: a children's cartoon)

ok, so this post is to shatter the dreams of otaku in america.

first point:  when I say "お宅(otaku)" here in japan, it is to draw smiles as a joke, because everyone knows an otaku is a nerd.  the word means "great house" and is actually derived from referring to the people who never leave their house, and therefore are not good with day-to-day interactions and socially awkward.

second point:  the only people who watch anime are children; maybe 13 years or younger.  some adults read manga.  manga is just a comic book.  some people will argue "how can KIDS watch anime if there is so much blood sometimes."  well, it's a different culture, idiot.  and the kids who watch the bloodier ones are around the age of 10 to 13.

anime is NOT considered a great and all mighty "art form."  on the other hand I have heard it referred to as a children's cartoon.

japan is NOT all about anime.  most people don't like you if you say you love anime.  in fact, I guarantee you that if you talk to a girl about how you love anime so much, you will NOT get laid, because she will be laughing at you inside.

so congratulations, you made yourself socially awkward in your own culture, and also in japan.

just a side note;  if you go to japan, do it cause you are interested in the culture or language.  these are very highly and respectfully viewed reasons for coming here.