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Arts & Entertainment
Otaku Cafe
2009
Through this project we wish to enlarge upon the otaku culture. We first started with four different approaches: otaku (terminology and development in human society), manga (Japanese comic books), anime (Japanese animations) and martial arts, but then the project extended to other domains of this subculture (like Origami, J-Music, Kakuro and games).
Essential question: What is the Otaku sub-culture and what are its implications in society?
Expected outcomes: We hope to offer a platform for those interested in such subjects and wish to learn more or for those who haven’t even been exposed to these subjects. We also hope to become a great source of not only information, but of entertainment too and to be able to raise awareness of this subculture that has gained a lot of ground all over the world in the past years.
This project contains 59 images, of which more than 85% were either photos taken by team members or their drawings. It also contains 3 videos made by team members and several articles that are 100% original.
We started this project first of all because all the team members spend a lot of their time with otaku-related activities, so we saw in this project an opportunity to put some light on it, and show that it is something that shouldn't be seen as weird, strange or useless. It is an opportunity to raise awareness and try to create a better society that is more united and understands all its components.
Team
AncaLiceul de Informatica "Tiberiu Popoviciu", Cluj, Romania
IoanLiceul de Informatica "Tiberiu Popoviciu", Cluj, Romania
IrinaLiceul de Informatica "Tiberiu Popoviciu", Cluj, Romania
AiraLindsey International Studies Magnet, CA, United States
NikiLindsey International Studies Magnet, CA, United States
TylerLindsey International Studies Magnet, CA, United States
Age Range
19 & under
Coaches
Kari MiltonLindsey International Studies Magnet, CA, United States
Diana VezentanLiceul de Informatica "Tiberiu Popoviciu", Cluj, Romania
Category
Social Sciences & Culture
Audience
All ages
Language
English
Team Collaboration
We managed to divide our tasks to each individual, everybody receiving a certain page to do. The ones that could draw were able to show their drawings. We have also used our knowledge about our different hobbies and were able to compel original ideas about the subject. We had to learn to use the Thinkquest tools in order to communicate and collaborate as we live in different parts of the world. Still though, We didn't have much trouble in the team because we are all inspired by the same ideas and our interest in the project managed to unite us all.
Team Diversity
The team is very diverse. Students age varies between 11 and 18 years (Tyler is 11, Niki is 14, Aira is 15, Anca is 15, Irina is 17 and Ioan is 18). There are members from Romania and the USA, with different cultural backgrounds. Ioan, Irina and Anca are Romanian, Aira is Filipino-American, Tyler is African American and Filipino, Niki is Guatamalan and Armenian. We also share different cultural beliefs. Through this project, we have been proved that people who have extremely different aspects and come from different places can share the same hobbies, and interests, and can work together. I think it is proof that we are not far away from obtaining a much more united world, to defeating prejudice and create a better society.
