Are you just dipping your toes into your first manga, or are you already saving for an anime box and your trip to Japan? No matter where you are on your path to weeb-dom, we’re here to guide you, Senpai. 

If you’re ready to devote yourself to the art of cosplay, the praise of all things anime, and totally embrace Japanese pop culture, you’ve come to the right place. This is the ultimate guide on how to be a weeb. 

Because it’s more than just interest—it’s a lifestyle. 

 

Step 1 – Speak Fluent Weeb

If you don’t have time to devote yourself to the mastery of the Japanese language, you should, at the very least, master the key terminology of Weeaboo life. Being a true anime-lover means understanding things that go right over casual fans’ heads.

To help you familiarize yourself with the terminology, here’s a quick 101 on the five most frequently used terms in anime:

• Kawaii – Kawaii is a Japanese term that means cute and can be applied to a person or object. Hello, Kitty is kawaii. K-On! is kawaii. Nichijou My Ordinary Life is very kawaii. Get it?

• Baka – Stupid. No, not you! Baka is another Japanese term that is also a swear word that means stupid, and if you’ve watched almost any anime, you’ve probably already heard it a lot. Use it sparingly, as you wouldn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings.

• Sugoi – On the opposite end of the spectrum—sugoi means great or amazing. When a character is totally impressed, they might use this word. Just learned a new fighting technique? Totally sugoi!

• Tomodachi – Meaning friend, Tomodachi is a great word to know. Japanese anime is best enjoyed with good company, and weeb culture or fandom offers plenty of opportunities to bond with your tomodachis.

• Otaku – We assume you already know this one. It’s the first word any anime lover learns to describe themselves. If you’re a weeb or an anime enthusiast, you’re totally an otaku—meaning you’re deep into anime. However, there are some key differences between a weeb vs. otaku. While the term once had a negative connotation, we’ve taken it back, and now weebs can wear the term with pride.

Step 2 – Get an Anime Education

The cornerstone of any weeb or anime enthusiast lifestyle includes a full education in Japanese animation. 

Stay contemporary by keeping up with Horimiya, Laidback-Camp, and My Hero Academia, but don’t ignore the classics either. Anime like Cowboy Bebop and Neon Genesis Evangelion, are absolute staples of the genre and cannot be ignored.

There are plenty of options for streaming Japanese anime, and even more on DVD and Blu-Ray. Stock up your collection every chance you get, and soon you’ll be able to list the best anime characters and anime fight scenes.

Enjoy your anime, and remember—subs, not dubs!

Step 3 – Unleash Your Otaku Fashion

Capes, hats, school uniforms, and samurai-style robes—there’s no limit when it comes to your weeb wardrobe. 

Part of being a true weeb or anime lover is dressing the part, so consider customizing your wardrobe to match your favorite anime.

• If you’re more cyber-punk—try a drapey, all-black style
• If you’re feeling kawaii—we recommend soft pinks and delicate whites
• If you’re into school-style anime—a white shirt, tie, and plaid shirt is the perfect look

 

Your fashion is a way to communicate your anime interests to fellow weebs, so don’t be shy and always dress to impress.

That Includes Cosplay

Whether you’re into shounen, shoujo, seinen, josei, or kodomomuke—cosplay is a big part of the anime lover or weeb lifestyle. 

Become your favorite character through hand-designed costumes, impressive props, and an otaku attitude. You could be a fierce Hanji or a charming Rem—or go classic, show off, and spike your hair into an impressive Goku.

Step 4 – Enjoy Your Bento

What are you eating? If you’re still chomping on western food, you’re not living up to your weeb lifestyle. Sushi’s okay, but to really live like your favorite anime characters, you should be chowing down on a daily Bento box.

If you don’t know, Bento boxes are multi-compartment Japanese meal carriers including things like:

• Shumai (Dumplings)
• Spring Rolls
• Fried Gyoza
• Ginger Salads

 

They’re the perfect way to enjoy some Japanese delicacies, in a convenient and easy-to-carry box.

Step 5 - Embrace Your Inner Weeb With an Anime Box

Now that you know how to become a weeb, remember, it’s not just a hobby—it’s an identity.  There’s no better way to represent yourself than by decorating your space with collectibles from your favorite anime. 

If you’re ready to bring the weeb lifestyle into your home, look no further than Culturefly for the best anime subscription box.

Culturefly is the ultimate subscription box service, offering awesome apparel, decor, collectibles, and more. We’re anime fans ourselves so, you can rest assured that our boxes are otaku approved.

Visit Culturefly today and start upping your anime game every month.

We also offer a wide range of exclusive anime merch from your favorite anime character from My Hero Academia merch, Naruto, One Punch Man and more.

Sources: 

Paste Magazine. 30 best anime series of all time. https://www.pastemagazine.com/tv/list/best-anime-of-all-time/ 

Owlcation. The epic list of 250 anime words and phrases. https://owlcation.com/humanities/250-anime-japanese-words-phrases