Preface

“I’m Alone, But Not Lonely” explores the rise of the ‘otaku’ as a phenomenon of 1980s Japanese youth culture. Originally written in 1990 by sociologist Volker Grassmuck, the essay is published here for the first time as a beautifully designed and illustrated book. It includes a Preface by Paul O'Kane, a specially written introduction by the author, and original illustrations by manga artist Kengyuan Qiu.

The book was launched at two events organised by eeodo co-founder Paul O'Kane:

Thursday 17th November
Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation, London, UK
Author Volker Grassmuck discussed the book and answered questions, along with Dr. Griseldis Kirsch, an expert in modern Japanese culture at SOAS, University of London, chaired by Paul O'Kane.

Thursday 24th November
Waterstones, Tottenham Court Road, London, UK
Video work by artists Katya Gargi and Shinji Toya joined an ambient otaku soundscape supplied by musician Christopher Smith. The event opened with a screening of a 30-minute film by Bong Joon-Ho alluding to the Hikikomori lifestyle, after which Paul O’Kane discussed the book and answered questions with Hayato Fujioka, a specialist in modern Japanese Art History at Central Saint Martins.

• http://www.dajf.org.uk/event/im-alone-bu...
• http://www.aicauk.org/2016/11/09/book-la...