In Japanese the word Otaku literally means "your home," but it's also come to describe someone who is deeply interested in comics, manga, video games or something similar.
Sometimes these collectors go to extremes and dress up like their favorite character.
In Japan this is called cos-play.
Author Patrick Galbraith met many die-hard fans of Otaku in Japan.
The result are these images taken from his book "Otaku Spaces."
(Slideshow Photos: Androniki Christodoulou)
At The World, we believe strongly that human-centered journalism is at the heart of an informed public and a strong democracy. We see democracy and journalism as two sides of the same coin. If you care about one, it is imperative to care about the other.
Every day, our nonprofit newsroom seeks to inform and empower listeners and hold the powerful accountable. Neither would be possible without the support of listeners like you. If you believe in our work, will you give today? We need your help now more than ever!