In recent days, a statement made by a user on
Twitter has ignited an intense debate among Japanese Internet users. The
message in question stated: “ Otakus always say they want
to die because they assume they will live to be 80 years old, when in reality
they die at 40 or 50 years old .” This statement has resonated
strongly in the community, provoking a flurry of responses and reflections on
the relationship between the otaku lifestyle and health.
Several Twitter users have agreed with this
statement, sharing their own concerns and observations. One of the most notable
comments is that of an Internet user who stated: “ I am very
serious, many people between 40 and 50 years old related to the otaku hobby are
suddenly dying of illness. I feel like I myself will probably die around that
age because I lead an inappropriate lifestyle .”
The central concern of this discussion revolves
around the idea that the lifestyle associated with otaku culture could be
contributing to a decline in life expectancy among its followers. Factors
mentioned as possible causes include:
1.
Sedentary lifestyle: Many
otakus spend long hours sitting in front of the computer, watching anime,
reading manga or playing video games. Lack of regular physical activity can
lead to health problems such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes.
2.
Unhealthy diet: It
is common for anime and manga fans to opt for fast and low-nutritious foods,
such as snacks, instant ramen and energy drinks, instead of a balanced diet.
3.
Sleep deprivation: Anime
and video game marathons often result in poor nights of sleep, which can have
adverse long-term health effects, including weakening the immune system and
increasing the risk of chronic diseases.
4.
Stress and mental health: Although
being part of the otaku community can be a source of happiness and camaraderie,
it can also come with high levels of stress, especially when it comes to
balancing the hobby with work or academic responsibilities.
5.
Lack of regular medical check-ups: Intense
dedication to their hobbies can lead otakus to neglect their health, postponing
doctor visits and preventive treatments.
This discussion has opened a space for reflection on
the importance of maintaining a balance between hobbies and a healthy
lifestyle. While some otaku defend their lifestyle, others have begun taking
steps to improve their health, inspired by the concerns expressed in the
debate.
- « My
boss is also an otaku and he is as fat as a Snorlax. The other day he
fainted at work and since then he has had a series of physical problems
now at 50 years old, so they are probably right .
- « I
want to be like that. A life expectancy of 40 years seems more than enough
to me .
- « As
soon as I improved my lifestyle, I started to feel lighter and my stomach
started to feel better. It is important to start thinking about a healthy
lifestyle when you reach 40 years old .
- « I'm
only 32 years old, but I live with the mentality of “if I die tomorrow, I
don't want to regret it.” I don't mean that in a negative sense. I try to
enjoy every day to the fullest, so even if I die unexpectedly, everything
will be fine . »
- « I
am not a supporter of poor diet or chronic insomnia because that alone can
shorten your life expectancy. Especially if you don't have regular medical
check-ups .
- " I'll
be lucky if I live to be in my fifties ."
- " I
heard that the original life expectancy of a human being was until the
late 30s, and that if you didn't die until you were 40 or 50, you were
considered a long-lived individual ."
- « My
closest companions and friends have all died before they were fifty. I
still have some time left, but I can't help but sigh when I think about
how much longer I can survive .
Source: Otakomu