Of Otaku and Fansubs: A Critical Look at Anime Online in Light of Current Issues in Copyright Law

Abstract:     
The advent of digital technology and increased global connectivity has, to put it mildly, caused some ripples for the entertainment industry specifically and copyright law generally. In the aftermath, many are searching for new ways to incorporate the benefits of digital copies and the internet while minimizing the harms. To some, the anime industry and its fans offer examples of how an industry can benefit and even grow from allowing copyright infringement. This article examines the anime industry in-depth with this suggestion in mind and places the industry among current copyright policy debates, such as those suggested by Lawrence Lessig.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 28

Keywords: anime, otaku, Lessig, copyright, fansub, p2p, free culture

JEL Classification: K19, K40

Accepted Paper Series