Why do some die hard anime/manga address themselves as "Otaku?"

Question

Why do some die hard anime/manga address themselves as "Otaku?"

Answer 1

Otaku is the Japanese word used to describe someone who is a die hard anime/manga fan.  

Answer 2

It's a Japanese term that refers to someone who is obsessed with anime, manga, or video games.

Answer 3

"Otaku" is a Japanese loanword which usually means "anime/manga geek" in casual conversation. While often negative, it is sometimes used as a reclaimed word by those die hard anime/manga fans, much in the same way that some people refer to themselves or their friends as "punk,"  "thug," or racial slurs that I will not mention here. Given that, your answer is in the question. "Otaku" manga/anime are so die hard that they aim to appeal mostly to otaku fans. :-)

Answer 4

Because labeling themselves as "Otaku" show their pride in being anime/manga diehard fans. It shows that they have reached the high heavens in anime/manga fandom and geekiness.

"Otaku" is a Japanese word that could translate as "geek," or someone who obsesses over something. However, in Japan it has a negative connotation since otakus are deemed somehow deviant, weird, and maybe even antisocial. (In fact, the stereotype of this in MANGA is that of a fat, sweaty, repulsive looking male wearing thick glasses). This nuance is somehow lost in English which is why a lot of English speakers have no qualms of of calling themselves "otaku."

Tip: Never call yourself an otaku in front of a native Japanese unless you want to be thought of as being really weird.

Additional information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otaku

You can also try watching the live-action drama Densha Otoko in which the main character is a stereotypical Japanese otaku.