I gathered Einshine (half-Japanese/half-American) and Sharla (Canadian cosplay enthusiast living in Japan) to discuss the differences in otaku culture between Japan and America! Hope this helps answer some questions! ヽ(° ▽ °)ノ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Pw-uRt_g_A
The Japanese comments on our video give a lot more insight into how Japanese society views otaku, too!