Denpa

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For the publishing company, see Denpa (company).

Denpa (電波), also denpa-kei (電波系) or denpa-san (電波さん), is a Japanese term for people who may feel disconnected from reality or dissociated from the people around them. Individuals with schizophrenia may experience vivid fantasies, persecutory delusions, or other intense beliefs. Their speech and actions may appear odd or confusing to those around them. This societal perspective is similar to the way Japanese culture views otaku who suffer from maladaptive daydreaming disorder, paranoia, or schizophrenia.[1][2]

Background[edit]

"Denpa" literally means "electromagnetic wave", and the original sense of denpa-kei and denpa-san was of someone who thought they were receiving voices, thoughts, or instructions directly to their mind via electromagnetic radiation.[3] The term was originally tied to the Fukagawa series of killings in 1981, in which a man killed four people (women and children) due to paranoia and resentment of his employers. The man later claimed to be influenced by radio waves, saying that they caused him to commit the murders.

Philosophy[edit]

Those who are into Denpa are described as people detached from society and reality, and who are absorbed on their daydreams and delusions, often losing their grip on reality. In Japan, the term Denpa was used to designate insane and quirky people who were thought to be controlled by electromagnetic radiation which can be found in pretty much any electronics. Existentialist theories are common among Denpa, wondering if the people around them are real or even themselves. Some similar philosophical subcultures of Japan are Chūnibyōs (young Japanese teenagers who are delusional and attention seeking, and believe they might be superior beings with superior knowledge or magical powers), Hikikomoris (loners who are nearly or fully withdrawn from social interaction) and Jouhatsus (a Japanese social phenomenon of people who completely disappear from their social lives without leaving any sort of trace).

Denpa media[edit]

Denpa media, which includes manga, anime, light novels, visual novels, and video games, typically feature characters who are socially disconnected and inhabit mundane environments. Their odd or unfamiliar attitudes often stem from their situation. The genre frequently depicts technology that uses electromagnetic or radio waves, such as antennas and telephone poles, and often explores themes of paranoia, anxiety, delusion, madness, trauma, stress, depression, and suicide. Additionally, it often portrays life in urban or suburban areas. Denpa Moe is mainly associated with Denpa music and Japanese Doujin circles, often incorporating with Moe and Kawaii aesthetic.[4]

Examples[edit]

This genre is closely linked to the otaku culture and often references otaku media. While it is mostly associated with horror fiction that has psychological elements, it can also be found in drama, action, or thriller stories that share similar characteristics. This genre is often credited with popularizing horror in Japanese anime, manga, light novels, visual novels, and video games, including:

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Kyarakutā Sekkei Kyōshitsu [Characterization Classroom] (in Japanese). Light Novel Etiquette Research Center, Shūwa Systems. 2009. pp. 247–248. ISBN 9784798023397. Retrieved March 10, 2012.
  2. ^ "Jisho.org: Japanese Dictionary". jisho.org. Retrieved September 27, 2019.
  3. ^ Kazuhisa Fujie; Sian Carr (March 15, 2007). Fruits Basket Uncovered: The Secrets of the Sohmas. DH Publishing Inc. pp. 80–81. ISBN 978-1-932897-21-0. Retrieved March 27, 2012.
  4. ^ Toadette (June 29, 2019). "On Denpa: A Guest Article by Kenji the Engi". on the ones. Retrieved August 14, 2022.
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