サブカルチャー

さぶかるちゃー
noun
subculture
cultureentertainment
1. subculture
A cultural group or movement within a larger culture that has distinct interests, styles, and values. In Japan, often refers to manga, anime, games, and other otaku-related interests.
サブカルチャーに詳(くわ)しい。
To be well-versed in subculture.
Akihabara is a mecca of Japanese subculture.
Japanese subculture is gaining high popularity overseas as well.

Forms

Often shortened to サブカル in casual speech.

Common collocations

  • サブカル系(けい): subculture-type, subcultural
  • サブカル好(ず)き: subculture fan/enthusiast
  • 日本(にほん)のサブカルチャー: Japanese subculture

Usage

When people talk about Japanese culture abroad, サブカルチャー usually means manga, anime, games and other pop culture. The short form サブカル, and サブカル系(けい) for a person or style, lean toward indie and alternative tastes (indie music, art-house film, zines) and are often set against オタク culture.