Catch Him If You Can: America's Greatest Otaku, Christopher Wanamaker

He wants to be the very best, like no one ever was

In 2010, Christopher Wanamaker competed with eighteen of the biggest Japanese pop culture fans in the country on America's Greatest Otaku and took home the title. We caught up with the the man himself to talk about being the Otaku Laureate.

TOKYOPOP: Tell us about the selection process. Were you confident that you were indeed America's Greatest Otaku? 

Christopher Wanamaker: To be honest I did not expect to even win. I was up against a voice actor, fans with huge collections and a girl who sang the opening theme song of Gurren Lagann beautifully to a group of master cosplayers.

TP: How was your subsequent trip to Japan? What was the best thing you ate? Did you experience any culture shock? 

CW: Going to Japan was a learning experience. I enjoyed takoyaki, octopus on a stick, the most. 

TP: What are you currently watching? What's your favorite new anime?

CW: Currently, I’ve been watching older titles like Project AKO or The Heroic Legend of Arislan. My favorite anime of all time is Afro Samurai since I relate to the character not just because he is African American, but also because he is the strong, silent type.

Support your local anime club and click through for the full interview with Christopher about spreading Japanese pop culture, his trip to Japan and what it means to be an otaku.

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