Creating an Otaku Lounge is simply about bringing together all the good stuff related to anime, gaming, and Japanese culture. Anime and gaming are, by far, the most popular kind of entertainment for people of varying ages. Combining these two in an inclusive niche with the interesting Japanese culture, we get the Otaku genre. When we mention the word Otaku, it involves a deeper level of enthusiasm. The passion is so intense that some would start building their collection of related merchandise. Some would go as far as modifying their homes to get the geeky vibe they wanted. If creating an Otaku Lounge is on your list of upcoming home projects, we’ll be glad to be of assistance. We collected these ten fantastic items you would need to set up your future hub.
A Feature Anime Wall
While in the planning stage, think of how you could execute a feature anime wall. You could paint a chosen side or print some anime or manga wallpapers. This part of the lounge should be the center of attraction, so you also need to consider hanging items and installing gadgets. You may also choose a clean pre-painted wall where you can hang custom anime portraits. You may also fill it with posters, stickers, and Japanese postcards. Don’t forget to add some lighting to emphasize the feature wall further.
Anime Lamps
A side table needs a lamp, and it shouldn’t be a boring one. Anime lamps have been the craze in the past years. Though they are good purchases for some reasons, they work better in harmony with other anime paraphernalia. As such, take this as an opportunity to get a lamp of your favorite anime character. Those who would like to perfect this lamp would go as far as asking the manufacturer to come up with a heavily customized piece. Even so, what’s important is that it gets displayed at the right place and teamed up with other geeky stuff that you own.
An Origami Kit
If you frequently invite some artsy visitors, you must keep something in the lounge or activity table. One of the most appropriate crafts for an Otaku Lounge is an origami kit. Not only it’s a fun activity with friends, but it is also an excellent stress reliever. In Persona 4, the protagonist does pro-bono work of making origami cranes in his room. This activity is indeed a perfect sight when you have kids eager to learn about this art. Apart from teaching patience and calmness, it raises children’s understanding they do this for charitable causes. Yes, we’re still referring to the game!
A Tatami Setting
The vibe of making Origami won’t manifest without the flooring material often used in Japanese-style rooms. Furthermore, such ambiance adds to the otaku feel and would make a magnificent addition to your lounge. Apart from mats, consider getting short-legged tables (Chabudai) and what most people call a tatami chair (Zaisu). If you have a bigger space for your Otaku Lounge, consider converting a corner into a Japanese-style corner where you add these ensembles. This is where you will serve matcha, homemade takoyaki, and ramen to your guest. Of course, you need to learn how to cook them!
Turntable And A Vinyl Of Your Favorite Anime Soundtrack
If you’re a retro lover, you’d want a space where you can bang your head and sing along with the
best anime soundtracks on vinyl. There’s nothing more nostalgic than listening to a turntable and having a collection of anime songs as you feast your eyes on all these fantastic covers. Some real catchy hooks have emerged from anime, and let’s admit that Tokyo Ghoul’s “Unravel” and Attack on Titans’ “Guren no Yumiya” are on everyone’s must-listen list. Make sure that you take care of your turntable and vinyl records, so you can enjoy them for a long time. If you’ll invest in a record player, don’t forget to purchase cleaners and replacement styli for uninterruptible entertainment.
Golf Simulator
Mario Golf players and otakus who love gizmo can take sports gaming up a notch with a
golf simulator. Instead of going outside with Dad, convince him to stay at home and play with you in the Otaku Lounge. This device allows players to enjoy realistic golf games even if it’s no longer the golfing season. Although pricy, a golf simulator is an investment as it works for your entertainment and helps you break a sweat. With all these perks, you might convince your parents to donate a few bucks so you can complete this setup.
A Mini Library For Your Manga Sets
It doesn’t make sense for a home of manga readers without a manga library. Although most of us have embraced online readers, nothing beats collecting hard copies of our beloved series. Otaku collections must be tangible. This is not office work, so why keep this interesting stuff on our laptop? While the booklets should bring enough color to the mini library setting, you may customize the shelf to make it look more appealing. Consider a built-in cabinet or a mirrored shelf with clever lighting installed.
Arcades
Gamings consoles come and go, but the retro arcade is here to stay. Alongside the turntable, you might want a multi-player arcade unit in your Otaku Lounge where you can indulge yourself in a mix of contemporary and vintage games? You may also get some claw machines or UFO catchers to entertain your guests who burn their money just to get gachas, random candies, or nothing. We leave you with the decision if you’d ask users to drop a coin so you can pay to replenish the unit with more items and to the electricity bill.
Takeaway
Creating an Otaku Lounge is simply about bringing together all the good stuff related to
anime, gaming, and Japanese culture. The above should be enough ideas, though we understand that they’re not all! Visit Pinterest and IG for more ideas on setting up a geek haven, a man cave, or whatever you want to call this new otaku hub.