During Anime NYC, one of
the largest manga and anime conventions in the United States, which took place
from October 17 to 19 November, the unusual presence of stands
belonging to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the United States
Army Marine Corps stood out. This military incursion into an event
known for its focus on manga and anime culture has left many attendees
perplexed.
The Marine Corps explained its participation in the
convention through a statement that read: “As a military partner, the
United States Marine Corps invites you to discover what powers Marines. Stop
by Booth #373 to compete in our Battle Dome and let's talk about what it takes
to become a Marine and what it means to fight and win like one. Perhaps
you have the perseverance, the will to win, and the indomitable fighting spirit
we are looking for. Let's find out at Anime NYC 2023!“.
A Misato Katsuragi cosplayer from Neon Genesis Evangelion was even shown at
their booth:
Judging by the statement and images of the booths, both
the FBI and the Marine Corps attended the convention with the clear purpose of
recruiting new members. This strategy can may seem strange to many,
especially considering the stereotype that anime fans do not usually show
interest in physical jobs such as the military.
The presence of these government institutions at an event dedicated to otaku culture has generated surprise and some controversy among attendees, who wonder about the appropriateness of this recruitment strategy in such a specific environment. While the convergence of seemingly opposing worlds has sparked debate, the FBI and Marines booths left an undeniable impression at Anime NYC 2023.
And of course, this did not go unnoticed on the forums in
Japan:
- «I'd
like to see what kind of guy would go to an anime convention just to
enlist in the United States Army».
- «Were
there any specific requirements? I would like to join the FBI».
- «In
Japan there are also some people who join the Self-Defense Forces just
because they saw it in an anime».
- «The
world finally seems to be aligning».
- «So
the US Army is so short of manpower that they are now trying to recruit
otakus?».
- «I
want to be part of the FBI too! I want to scream and knock down doors to
arrest many members of this forum!».
- «Mmm,
if I'm not mistaken, the United States Army is usually present at any type
of convention, it is not something unusual to see».
- «But
isn't the FBI an agency that only a certain elite enters?».
- «But
the FBI focuses on investigations within the United States, I think only
the CIA has an international presence».
Fuente: Yaraon!
