/jp/ - Otaku Culture

It isn't. In fact I feel kind of bad. All of /jp/ seems to have this deep-rooted connection to Touhou but I just enjoy it as a fun series with interesting characters and lots of great fan works. I mean, I've read all the same doujins and listened to all the same music and played all the same games, but I haven't developed the same attachment the typical /jp/er has (though that's not say I don't thoroughly enjoy it).
Maybe I need to be a shut-in for another couple of years.

I like to see people being happy for reasons, Touhou have these and it warms my life, also it's filling and fitting in several ways.
Music=arranges/games official
Literature= official and fan
Cute girls/sex= Doujin.
Games= potato.
Also the huge, active and passionate community.

>>8436799

Maybe you already got something filling the hole that touhou does for me.

As a shut-in, Touhou got to me first. So I don't see the problem of you not being as attached to it as me. I'm glad you shared your post, I enjoyed the insight you gave.

>>8436787
I know its you again, I recognize the filename.

Please stop posting the lower res version of this image, I would slap you if I could.

>>8436835


But... my monitor is only 1440x900!

its good to know that other people feel the same way. its so fucking weird to think of touhou that way but there is some truth to it, at least for me.

i hope thats the case, and not that we are all fucking hideous losers obsessing over a fantasy land

>>8436878
Both, correct

For socially awkward people, the "Other" is seen as a threat- other people, societal pressures, and what have you. Additionally, that's why many of you dislike sports- you see these huge, sweaty people, and recognize them as the "other."

Now, that's where anime/cartoons come into play. You see, anime has very simple design for its characters- it's easy to draw. However, this simplification has another effect- the viewers see whatever they want to see, because they can subconsciously project what they find fulfilling onto these simply drawn characters.

Do you see where I'm going with this?

For you shy people, anime isn't perceived as "other." That's why you like it. It's safe, because it's whatever you want it to be, on your own terms. It is subservient to your whims, unlike the real world, which is unfailingly rigid in it's "Otherness." Joe McDood is Joe McDood. He looks like him, acts like him, IS him. A simple anime character is more mutable, however. They have some features that don't change, like hair color, or whatever personality is portrayed. But since these personalities and distinct features are so vague, it's easy to mentally redefine them to something you find appealing without experiencing dissonance and rejection.

The simplicity of cartoons makes it into a mirror that will show you whatever you desire, without imposing the restriction of expectation on you. You can imagine Ran being a loving, snuggly mother figure. But doing the same thing to, say, Sarah Palin seems ridiculous, don't you think?
Anyway, I hope this has been useful to you. I know it's hard to understand why you feel the way you do sometimes, but knowing yourself is the first step to happiness, and I think this explanation of the concept of the rigid "other" compared to the soft "Reflection" of yourself that anime creates may be very helpful to you.

>>8436896

So I am projecting myself, or parts of myself, or something like that onto Touhou?

I can definitely see that as a reality, I am ashamed to admit that I sometimes think I have some of the characters inside me. But your explaination does talk about that and makes sense to me. I am definitely more happier projecting myself onto fictional characters and living through them in a sense. Much happier than when I wasn't doing such a thing.

I don't agree with your generalization of shut-ins and shy types, everything else is spot on.

>>8436912
>I don't agree with your generalization of shut-ins and shy types, everything else is spot on.

I'll be honest, I AM trying to troll /a/ with it

But I do think there's merit to the bit about simpler characters being easier to identify with because of the inherent flexibility with them

I don't often post here, but you guys are interesting from an intellectual standpoint, and I like playing armchair psychologist

Touhou gave me my dream, to be the little girl. I love it for the cute outfits. I also like the lack of men. The lack of drama. There are many other things but it's hard to say from my iPod. I am layed up in bed because of my back.

>>8436931

It's ineffective to throw a subtle troll that can just be waved off in a reasonable theory.

Why not just change your theory to that you are projecting into little anime girls because you want to be one and you are repressing your homosexual urges by projecting into a female that can safely suck cocks?

I find little-to-nothing interesting or of value in the real world. Touhou, on the other hand, fills my hobbies, thoughts, leisure, etc. Believing that the Touhou characters are closer to me than they actually are (from a normal person's perspective) helps me sleep better at night, helps me look forward to tomorrow and gives me some motivation. The fanworks and the games take up most of my leisure time. Most of the time when my mind is at ease, it's just daydreaming about, well, Touhou. To the normal person, this just probably seems like too much of an obsession more than anything else, but I find it to be close to mental ``tranquility.''

>>8436948
Because If the thread turns into a reasonable discussion I'd also be happy, but I think making it vaguely insulting would incite more initial responses on /a/, since the board is so speedy only threads that catch the eye immediately will prosper

I dunno, It's very late and I'm probably not thinking straight

I feel ashamed whenever I'm browsing through the images by an excellent artist on Pixiv, but I only bother to look at pictures with Touhous in it.

>>8436960
I do this a lot too. Though it has made me grateful that just about every good artist on Pixiv has drawn Touhou artwork.

You know that Assassin's Creed slogan, "Nothing is true, everything is permitted". Kind of like that, infinite reimaginations of characters, SDM, and all that. And the music can really manipulate my mood

You know, it really wouldn't suprise me if one of these days one of you guys tries to set up a Touhou religion.

>>8436995
Put Touhou as your religion in the next census.

>>8437011

I would but after the Jedi fiasco I don't think it'd be such a good idea.

There are several reasons for me. I mean, in my heart part of me might think, yes there are better technical bullet hell games out there.

The thing about Touhou games for me though, is a package. Without even considering the fandom each new game brings with it a wonderful tone based on the event ZUN went with, be it the Winter-come-Spring feeling of Perfect Cherry Blossom, the Autumn of Mountain of Faith or the dark paths of Imperishable Night. Each stage has a tone the music sets and then each bosses danmaku attempts to follow. It makes the game very enjoyable.

I mean, for all the faults we found when Mountain of Faith came out, which was something of a shit storm at the time, now we all look back on it fondly for the characters introduced and how well the game presented them in both theme and style.

The music is easily my favourite part of Touhou, it fits each character or each stage well and paints a image of that stage in the admittedly limited story.

The rest of it, like the fandom is all extra, frankly. I still play Mountain of Faith or Perfect Cherry Blossom at times just to go through the music for that same feeling you get when you naturally go through the stages and it lines up perfectly with the gameplay.

That's Touhou. The characters are nice and all, but their real characterisation is in their playful music.

>>8436995
I have been wanting some kind of organized Touhou religion for years but it probably wouldn't be acknowledged unless Japan was the one to set everything up.

i always love these kinds of threads.

>>8438299

I love touhous with guns

>>8436835

I wish Hatate was more detailed and actually doing something in this picture.

>>8436835
thanks for posting that

I only like Touhou because it's popular--lots of people produce content about it that's easily findable.

Gensokyo depicts a perfect world, an unattainable paradise in this gray life of mine.

Well, unattainable as long as I live anyway...

>>8440491
>I only like Touhou because it's popular

Get out of my sight.

>>8440925

>Get out of my sight.

I thought I was the only one that thought this

>>8440925
I don't think I would have gotten into Touhou if fanwork didn't exist even if I somehow knew it existed.

>>8441000
Dude please spare us of your secondaryness. Just leave.

>spiritually fulfilling

OP, I don't think you realize how accurate that is. It's the reason I started studying both eastern and western magic, as well as talismanic magic, in earnest.

Speaking of which, there were a few other anons that were the same way.

>>8441314
Same here. I wanted to search the astral plane for a way into Gensokyo.

>>8441314

I dunno why you guys practice magic when it obviously doesn't work.

Is it some form of a prayer to you? If so then i'm cool with that. But if you actually think its working then I don't know what to say

>>8441314
I'm that anon collecting rare spiritually important objects. I think we might want to talk.

>>8436787
I bet she isn't even holding a Leica. amateur.

>>8441433
>doesn't work
Have you even tried? If you haven't, then you can't know that. I suggest that you try being open-minded for a while. Study and practice. Magic isn't all flashes and explosions, despite that portrayal being popular in many media.

>>8441435
Talisman anon here. I agree. Might be good to get an irc channel or something.

>>8441433
Shouldn't speak of what you don't know bro, makes you look ignorant like you do now.

I'm thinking of starting the Abramelin Operations, it's a little rigid but after reading up on different ways to go about it I think I can follow through with it all.

>>8441435
That sounds fun.

I had a friend who used to collect dirt.
As in, he had all these little glass bottles with labels of all the states he went to, and dirt from the area.

I thought it was kinda stupid back then.

>>8441462

Well, enlighten me then. I am curious

>>8441874
My first recommendation is to go to a metaphysical bookshop. Look around, see if anything catches your interest. Read up and go from there.

I'm a magic user, I've been to Gensokyo, ask me anything!

>>8441900

Hows it feel to be depraved of attention?

>>8441909
Don't you mean deprived?

Mastery of magic requires mastery of language. Study your English if you wish to learn magic!

I want to study magic too, but don't know where to start.
Maybe I'll just make up some stuff on my own and relate it somehow to touhou

>>8441936
Here's a simple magic ritual,

draw an Eye of Horus in a place where you will frequently see it. Preferably on your own body. Every time you look at that symbol, will something amazing to happen. Eventually, it will!

>>8441948

Heh, now I see the attraction to magic.

>>8441948
Oh cool I get it!I'll chant a spell everday which is supposed to kill you and someday it will work!

>>8441948
Normally I'd correct you, but you seem intent on shitposting.

Carry on.

>>8441948

You know, you could get the same `something amazing happening' without the `magic' bullshit. If you ignore all the times you fail and just point out the times you succeed, it's easy to delude yourself into thinking it works.

>>8441936
My earlier suggestion applies to you as well - look for metaphysical bookstores in the area, look around, and be sure to keep an open mind. There's a small store near here where you can sit down and do some reading in the store, actually.

>>8441977
Willpower alone isn't enough, and the person you're responding to isn't being serious. Manipulation of physical things is rather difficult in general, and just writing stuff on a piece of paper isn't going to do anything on its own (generally).

Touhou is a series about passion, fantasy, wonder, and relationships. There's no way something like that couldn't inspire strong feelings in those that care about it.

2hu a shit

>>8442007

I suspected she was trolling; just needed to blow off a bit of steam since Megaupload got taken down.

What do you mean by manipulation of physical things? Does that even work?

>>8442047
>What do you mean by manipulation of physical things? Does that even work?
Not him but I would say generally no. At least, it would take a very long time if you are trying to change something by magic alone. It would be far faster to just do it yourself in the real world.

Assuming you/he meant manipulation of physical things such as other people.

>>8442050

So would you consider magics practicality to be more of an empowerment tool?

>>8442047
>>8442050
>At least, it would take a very long time if you are trying to change something by magic alone. It would be far faster to just do it yourself in the real world.
Exactly, that's what I meant.

>>8442107
There are many practical things to do other than manipulating the physical world. For example, fading out of someone's perception - they won't notice that you're there (which, by the way, is sometimes called invisibility. It's not actual physical invisibility though, just making other people unable to perceive you). Machines can still detect you, obviously - the effect isn't on yourself so much as on the minds of people nearby. There are other ways to manipulate a person's mind, but I'd rather not go there.

>>8442155

have you ever succeeded in any of these endeavors? And are there any beneficial manipulation you can do on others, rather than essentially incapacitating them?

>>8442166
Yes, actually, I have. I've located a friend who went 'missing,' read images from a few different people's minds (granted, they were also actively trying to send them to me), and consistently annoyed my parents by calling them the instant they turn on their oven (clairvoyance - focus a bit and I can see when my mom is about to start cooking). Clairvoyant images aren't an exact representation of the physical world, though - they need to be interpreted. Along the lines of "Okay, in a building... Kinda squat, wide... Dull orange light (from the parking lot lights, it turned out)... Some sort of wide, flat object nearby (it was an apt. complex sign)..."

Actually, one of the people I successfully read was a former /jp/ denizen.

>>8442107
Hmm. I suppose you could look at it that way. I'm not sure I ever looked at it as a means to power, or at least, I don't now.

To me, and let me just say the extent of my studies in the occult is generally western magick and a little bit of more esoteric systems and ideas. I don't actively practice at this time. To me, magick is sort of like adding grease to the wheels of your own life. It can make things flow smoother if you will, make things in life go your way more often, that is what I consider magick's practicality to be. Yes, you can (with a lot of practice) do nifty perception tricks like the anon above has said but to me they are just that. That's just my opinion mind you.

>>8436787
I was on my way to Gensokyo and bought the portal.
But once I opened the box I only smelled onion and found a non working portal.

I will kill him for it, 30 thousand dollars wasted.

>>8442166
>>8442194
Part 2

There are a lot of beneficial things you can do, yes. Locating missing persons (like I mentioned previously), for example. Honestly, I lack the imagination to think of many, plus it's 0130 - I'm tired - and my research into manifesting and binding a small world is taking all of my research time.

And with that, back onto the topic of creating/accessing Gensoukyou... I'd very much like to get an irc channel or something going so that those of us working on this can discuss our research.

>>8442107
>>8442200
I miss interpreted your post a little it seems.

No, I don't see magick as simply an empowerment tool. It can be, yes but I don't view it as such. Think of magick as actively manifested luck. Of course you can use it for many other things as well. To be clear though, I don't consider clairvoyance, telepathy, astral travel and more far out things like telekinesis to be magick, simply abilities one might possess I suppose. I dunno, this post is long and completely off topic for the thread. Find a book or do a google search if you're really that interested.

>>8442245
Magicians have always existed, they are tricksters and illusionists that abuse their knowledge of physics, chemistry and engineering, with this I'm not trying to say that their magic is fake, is as strong as the illusion they cover it with, this requires huge investment of time and money, mostly materials to build, and it's more secure and powerful than any spell in any metaphysics book .
Greek fire was at some point the highest level of magic and was used in wars and not even today its formula is totally clear. Also you should be careful and not dwindle your chances trying to access sorcery, sorcery is basically magic seen in another existence where physical laws are different.
TL;DR If you want to be a magician learn physics, chemistry and ingenieering and don't let people see how your magic work or you are fucked.

>>8442267
Talking about two completely different ideas here.

>If you want to be a magician
I don't and never implied I did.

>>8442267
There's a difference between internal knowledge and external knowledge. Both have their applications, but knowing, understanding, and controlling yourself has much greater strengths than it'd seem.

>>8442245
Hmm, nicely explained.

Personally I see it all as magick in some form, since (in my view) it all operates using the same medium (maybe 'force' instead of 'medium'). Like how a PC, a TV, an infrared remote and a microphone all operate using electricity. I also don't see it as a way of obtaining 'power,' personally.

Alright, I'm going to get some sleep before I end up testing my laptop's drool resistance.

>>8437186
Nice words, saved

If you practice magic, then how are you going to deal with anti mage?

Please, someone make an IRC channel @ Rizon and let's talk about magic.
I know next to 0 (only read an old alchemy book once), but I'm extremely interested. There seems to be some knowledgeable people around here, I want a master.

>>8443911
You probably wont find any of that here. Google and a bookstore are your best bet.

I'd prefer it if these threads were used to discuss our relationship with Touhou and not practicing magic.

Does anyone cross dress as touhous? Legitimately? Do you actually have the outfits and crossdress?

I want to crossdress, but I want to make my own outfits. Does anyone have anything like my pic?

>>8443911
>IRC

>>8444030
Don't you understand?
By practicing magic we get one step closer to them.
How are you going to impress your waifu after going to gensokyo if you don't even know basics?

>>8444063
But the thread wasn't made to discuss that...
I wanted to make a post, but it's sorta discouraging now.

>>8444094

If it helps I am the OP and I like talking about how emotional and spiritual attachment enhances our quality of life.

I love hearing stories of these kinds of things. Especially if they relate to a mutual hobby like touhou. I really like the Yama and I relate to her.

>>8444030
I agree, which is why I originally suggested making an irc channel earlier.

>>8443911
As another anon pointed out, bookstores are probably your best bet - especially if you live in the US. Just look for metaphysical bookstores in your area.

>>8444030
Magic IS my relationship to Touhou. Like I said before, it's the reason I began studying as much as I do.

Up ya go!

i pretty much just like that all the characters in tewhew are strong, intelligent and enjoy high culture (tea-drinking, amazing dresses etc.). basically it's everything good about human civilization that separates us from the slime

What books on magic would you reccomend for beginners?

I view Gensokyo and its inhabitants as individual pieces of myself. The environment is my mind and there are all these individual forces that mingle and interact with each other. Some have relationships and others don't like each other very much. Although for me, there are much less hostilities when I came to grips on certain aspects of myself, so there is relative peace. These individuals usually take a form of a touhou character, it may or may not have any relation to that character, but for some reason my mind is gensokyo and its inhabitants are touhous. It is hard to pinpoint what exactly each character represents because theres no real differences between them. I believe that they represent different traits and values, such as willpower, forgiveness, discipline and such. They all are the same personality, but they have different strengths and weaknesses and ultimately strive to make the environment flourish

In the end, they all live in the same world and essentially are the same entity, regardless of differences. They all strive for one end goal. What that goal is, is what everyone yearns to learn in their lifetime.

Probably why I love crossdressing as touhous, makes me feel so much closer to home. Also Koishi is a fascinating character to me. So is Eiki, I love the combination of emotionality ultimately consisting of logic and objective reasoning.

As a student journalist, I find Hatate's background to be very inspiring. While Aya and most of the other crow tengu spread gossip under the guise of news, Hatate is one of the few journalists in Gensokyo who is sincerely committed towards objective reporting; she spurns Aya's paparazzi style as insulting to her subscribers and (correctly) believes that proper news reporting must be built first and foremost upon solid writing. She has given up any chance of attaining a notable number of readers as a result, but has retained her dignity as a professional.

It isn't much, but it is something that I can look to for aspiration. Whenever I go to the office, all I see are my colleagues planning on jumping ship or going through the motions, many of them regretting their chosen career path. Thus I am thankful for anything that can help me walk the line.

If my house still had a wood stove I would be burning ritual sacrifices of kneesocks and hair ribbons to her on a weekly basis.

>>8447417

Journalism sounds great, everyone despairing that they are journalist.

Either be poor forever or suck that corporate cock and tell the people everythings fine

>>8447443
Personally I do not consider material enrichment (beyond what is required to sustain and secure my own life and belongings) to be of terrible importance. Journalists are ultimately servants of the public; we allow them to see the things they need to see and speak the things they cannot say by themselves. Sometimes that involves saying things which are disconcerting, things that make many people change the channel.

Well, so be it. To do otherwise would not only be unprofessional of me, but would be a major ethical failure on my part.

>>8447468

Good man, i'm sure Eiki has a special place for you in Heaven, or if you choose, the reincarnation cycle.

>>8447488
My only wish is for a Hatate doujin that doesn't end in mindbreak ahegao semen everywhere double peace sign bullshit.

Because that's all I ever see on fucking exhentai.

I like the friendship (or at least comical antagonism) among characters and the setting, especially the reverence for nature, gods, and harmonious systems that comes out more in the non-game works. I like when girls hang out and drink while talking about supernatural mechanics.

I've started doing some research into Taoism thanks to Ten Desires. I find the core philosophy really appealing, but the religious side of it (searching for immortality and worshiping various deities to aid you in living forever) is kind of retarded.

>>8447361

>In the end, they all live in the same world and essentially are the same entity, regardless of differences. They all strive for one end goal. What that goal is, is what everyone yearns to learn in their lifetime.

Neat.

OP,
If there is a game that changed my life(for good, of course) that is Xenogears. I first played it when it was released and I was in middle school, but only actually went through it seriously in my last year of high school. Thanks to it, I realized how shit my life was, studied hard, left my backwards country for Japan, and am now a successful PhD student in brain sciences and medical engineering, have an excellent job at a venture company I helped build from scratch. All thanks to Xenogears. I still play it every year.

However Touhou has a huge place in my heart because it's my main form of digital entertainment since I came to Japan. I also love the storylines and looking at the big picture of Gensokyo. But I have 3 reasons to really fell attached to Touhou:

Continues ...

Continuing from >>8447582

1) As I said before I work with brain interfaces. In other words, I make devices that read other peoples minds(to a certain extend of course). Because of that I name all my device prototypes Satori, making the creation of a real Satori my life's work ultimate goal. I always liked Satori as a character, but when I made this connection, working became a hobby. Part of my success I attribute to this.

2) I dream lot with Komachi. That feels good and I always have great days after those dreams. If I had a spiritual connection, that would be with Komachi. But I guess that is because my favorite game is PoFV. But probably because it's the only game I finished 100%(All extras and lunatics, no continues). And I always though Komachi's stage the hardest. Maybe all my rage turns into friendship when I sleep.

3) Zun himself is an inspiration of an individual. His passion and dedication for his work is an example I try to follow everyday.

>>8447582
>>Xenogears

Aww yeah.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWReooXNBRo

I gotta remake this with my newer VSTs. As for a connection with Touhou I don't really have a big one. But ZUN's heroes are also my heroes, so I feel a connection with him there. If I ever meet him I'd just want to talk to him about video games, music, and MIDI creation and such.

>>8447524
Wait what? Taoists are after immortality?
That's what I'm after!! I'll need to look into this...

>>8447641
Google "wu wei"

>>8447361

I loved this post, thank you for posting!

If magic actually worked, science would be investigating into it.

I don't see much research into magic.

Are any of the Touhou OVA's worth watching, and which ones?
I can't find any concrete information about them anywhere.

Touhou fans= Bronies

Except you don't have a funny name and you stay indoors

>>8452321

Nah.