Reki-jo

Reki-jo (歴女) are Japanese female history buffs, who may also use the speech and mannerisms of pre-industrial Japan in their social gatherings.[1] Reki-jo are a kind of otaku, people obsessed with a particular interest.[2] Economic activity relating to the fad generates US$725 million per year.[3]

Etymology

Reki-jo is a contraction of "girls who like history", more literally "history-loving girls" (歴史好きの女子 rekishi-zuki no joshi).[4]

Persons of interest

The Shinsengumi are a common interest of reki-jo.[2] Other historical figures commonly of interest to reki-jo include:

Notable reki-jo

Model Anne Watanabe, daughter of actor Ken Watanabe, is a notable reki-jo.[2]

In fiction

The manga and anime character Rika Yoshitake (吉武 莉華 Yoshitake Rika) from the Genshiken franchise is an example of a reki-jo in popular fiction.

In the series Girls und Panzer, one of the tanks is controlled by a team of reki-jo.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Hawking, Richard (January 2010). "reki-jo". ELP web. Retrieved 2010-05-20.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Kuhn, Anthony (April 13, 2010). "For Japanese Women, The Past Is The Latest Fad". NPR.
  3. ↑ Joe, Melinda (7 May 2010). "Make a date with Japan's fanatical 'history girls'". CNN.
  4. ↑ "Yahoo! 辞書 - 歴女" (in Japanese). Yahoo!. Retrieved 2010-05-19.

External links