Japan's 'nerd culture' almost mainstream

Cause for concern?
The phenomenon is seen by many as a troubling deviation, reflecting a loss of confidence among youth and a Japanese aversion to personal conflict — typified by the estimated 1 million social recluses known as “hikikomori.” Some critics link the fascination with female characters to crimes targeting young girls.

“Because of fear of being rejected or disliked, people turn to anime characters or idols that pose no personal conflict,” said psychologist Rika Kayama. “But there is a danger. ... Otaku who live in the fantasy world of anime often give little thought to how they may look to others.”

Masa, however, is concerned about the way he is seen by others, and he resents any suggestion that otaku are deviant. But he doesn’t let those concerns get in the way of his expensive hobbies.

In addition to Konoha and Iris, which together cost $6,030, his tiny living room is stocked with dozens of smaller dolls, robots and comics.

Masa’s dolls are well-cared for. Their clothes take up more room in his closet than his do: a Chinese-style dress with deep side-slits, blouses with bows, outfits of all kinds. He has also bought lace-up boots, sneakers and other footwear for the dolls when he goes driving with them in his van, mainly to take pictures.

He carefully combs Konoha’s brown hair with a wooden comb to cut down on static. Concerned that her mini-skirt is a tad too immodest, he folds her pale hand demurely over her lap.

He has no intention of ever getting married or finding a girlfriend.

“Konoha looks straight out, as if she is talking to you,” Masa said as he adjusted the angle of her head. “She has a face that makes her my dream girl.”

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