More like Yah-oh-ee. Definitely not "Yow-ee". I've taken three years of UofO Japanese classes personally, and I've consulted with a 4th and 5th year Japanese student friends as a quadruple check to make sure I wasn't making a complete fool out of myself.
Fun fact! Did you know that "otaku" isn't necessarily a good thing in Japan? Back in the 80's or early 90's, a serial killer was caught and found upon examination of his living quarters to be an "otaku" anime fan. Since then, the label of "otaku" has had a somewhat negative connotation, but, from what I can tell, the label has become more acceptable in society again. Many Japanese who were once cosplayers or in doujin circles would later deny that they participated in any such activity once they had "real" jobs (for lack of a better term. I'd reference the documentary I saw in my History of Japan class, but I forget the title. Sorry!)
So if you go to Japan, it's fine to be a fan of anime, just... don't call yourself an "otaku". It might come off bad. (then again I really wouldn't know all the way. I just remember being told when I was around 14 years of age that wearing a Sailor Moon shirt in Japan was a bad idea).
In America, though, have at!
People might think we're weird, but so long as we're not killing people, it's perfectly awesome! Huzzah! Personally, I think if I were to go to Japan and told someone I like anime and cosplay, I would definitely get some funny looks, as would happen here, but I don't think anyone would immediately consider me a serial killer. I'm pretty sure that the entire murder connection has blown over.
That's your weird factoid of the day from one, lychee-twist!
G'night!
PS: Hope this post didn't offend anyone ^^; Didn't mean it to. I was kind of shocked when I originally found out so I figured other people might find it interesting.
