Google Trends: Ranking The 50 States in America That Identify As Otaku From Least to Most (PART 2) 40-31

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NOTE: This is Part 2 of The Article

Last year, I made an article that covered the ranking of all 50 states based on the popularity of anime from worst to best, on Google trends. As a result, that article was one of my very firsts. As I was starting, I noticed that although it received a positive fanfare among readers, I made quite a bit of mistakes in regard to the info and resources that I wrote in that article. In fact, I missed out on a lot of important info that should have been said during that time. Now, here I am with a new article of the same subject, but now added with a nicer layout, updated info, better research, and custom descriptions said by me that is based on my research.

The popularity of anime has grown incredibly for over the last decades. While the medium itself always had an American presence between the 1960s to the 1980s. However, it was not until the 1990s when the medium began to knockdown the mainstream audience thanks to the introduction of anime on children’s television channels. When the 2000s dawned, the popularity of anime increased only more tenfold thanks to the advancement of the internet and the availability of forums, websites, fan subs, and social media. Throughout the 2010s and 2020s, the medium has enjoyed unprecedented growth thanks to the rise of streams, social media, and more websites and forums that make it easier for otakus to access too. Now, anime has become so popular now that you can pretty much find fans of anime in the middle of nowhere. Even in those middle of nowhere places, goodies for otakus exist at every corner of the map, and all 50 states have anime conventions or some kind of ComicCons with anime and manga stuff located.

Continuing on from my previous article. I used Google trends to see which state searches up on anime the most, and the results were interesting. However, instead, I wanted to see which state identifies most as otaku by simply seeing which state looks up the definition as the most. Not only that, but I will also be using sources and research backup to explain the possibility of the question on why the state is ranked on that number. This list, unlike the previous one, makes a lot more sense now, and some of the states that you will see ranked will probably surprise, and number 1 may surprise you the most. Also, unlike my previous article of the same topic which contained all 50 states in one article, instead, I have decided to publish separate articles by adding only 10 states to the article ranked from least to most. So that way, readers won’t be turned off by the horrific TL;DR issue, by scrolling through a long page with nothing but texts, and instead, enjoy reading the article with a moderate amount of reading and waiting in anticipation for the next article of the same topic. Without a further a do, let’s get started!

40. North Dakota

Nickname: The Flickertale State
Population: 774.948
Region: Midwest, Upper Midwest
Capital: Bismarck
Abbreviation: ND
Number of Conventions: 3 (As of 2024)
Number of Shops: 16 (As of 2024)

Here we have another state that has a population below 1 million, and our first visit to a state with a population below 1 million since Wyoming. North Dakota is a state that is mostly famous for its rural and farming life. On a more surprising note, even as the state is mostly made up of rural life and partially not really known to be a hub of entertainment, the state surprisingly has some otaku life to it. So the final question that comes in? How does North Dakota rank the highest on the 40s list, and yes, higher than states that were typically expected to do better, like Wisconsin, or Kentucky. Here’s what North Dakota has. The Flicker tale State’s anime convention scenery is typically small, which is expected for a state like North Dakota. The state has three anime conventions. This is the first time, on this list, there is a state that has more anime conventions than general pop culture conventions. That is VERY impressive for a state that is seen as empty and just rural. Perhaps the biggest highlight of North Dakota’s anime convention topic, is the famous Anime Fargo. It is North Dakota’s largest anime convention, and although not one of the biggest in the country, it still has a niche presence and reputation by otakus instate and outer state. Another nice part is it enjoys media coverage from North Dakota media outlets. While not the largest, it’s still an impressive amount for a state like North Dakota. When it comes to shops with anime and manga stuff, the state has an impressive amount. With at least 16 of them. Not too bad at all for otakus in North Dakota.

Overall, North Dakota, despite not being the biggest inside and outside, seems to be the most passionate out of all the states that were ranked in the 40s. If we are to talk about the states that are in the 40s, then North Dakota is the most passionate of the ten, and it identifies as the most otaku since this list started with Wyoming. The only difference is it ranks lower than its southern neighbor, South Dakota. For a state’s size and reputation as an empty rural lifestyle like North Dakota, its otaku landscape should definitely serve as great wonders for otakus in North Dakota. It’s small, but the mild amount of anime conventions in the state should serve as good use for those in North Dakota who are wanting to invest their time into the anime conventions in North Dakota. The good amount of shops should be considered a good thing for otakus in North Dakota, and no doubt that the shops will guarantee the otakus in North Dakota to be heavily occupied and invested in collecting more otaku goodies. While not among the highest or the best, North Dakota definitely serves as a decent state for otakus.

39. West Virginia

Nickname: The Mountain State
Population: 1.783 Million
Region: Mid-Atlantic, Upland South, Southeastern
Capital: Charleston
Abbreviation: WV
Number of Conventions: 3 (As of 2024)
Number of Shops: 17 (As of 2024)

Country roads, take me home To the place I belong West Virginia, mountain mama take me home, country roads. That, what you just read is West Virginia’s most famous song, and it’s well known nationwide, but back to the topic here we have West Virginia, and our first state on this list to be from the 30s. The Mountain State’s love for everything otaku seems to be quite decent, and its resources for otaku aren’t too bad at all, in spite of its size and reputation. The state has a total of three anime conventions, Although that not sound a lot for a state, it definitely is for a small and rural state from the Apalacha like West Virginia. Amazingly, Tsubasacon, is West Virginia’s most famous anime con and is the biggest in the state and one of the biggest in the country. It opened twenty years ago in 2004, and it is one of the most well known anime conventions in the country. The con enjoys having visitors both in state, and outer state, and even some of the biggest names of the anime and manga industry have attended Tsubasacon. West Virginia enjoys having a good amount of anime and manga shops, with at least seventeen of them, in spite of the state’s size, it undoubtedly enjoys having a decent amount of resources for otakus.

Overall, while West Virginia isn’t the highest when it comes to the otaku identity, it definitely fares well for the amount of stuff that is available for otakus in the Mountain State. West Virginia is not the most ultimate, but can absolutely be described as a state with amazing and infinite potential. Otakus in West Virginia can be glad that the state hosts one of the biggest anime conventions in the country, and with the amount of shops available, it’s not all too bad either at all. Of course, West Virginia still ranks moderately low when compared to other states, and obviously its older and bigger sibling, Virginia, has a strong flare for the otaku passion. Nether the less, there is potential.

38. Vermont

Nickname: The Green Mountain State
Population: 645,570
Region: New England, Northeastern
Capital: Montpelier
Abbreviation: VT
Number of Conventions: 2 (As of 2024)
Number of Shops: 4 (As of 2024)

Another state from the New England region, Vermont is a state that seemingly stands out as more of a passionate state for the otaku passion than compared to its other New England neighbors that were listed earlier. Vermont’s landscape for everything otaku is about the same as its New England neighbors, but it does hold some slight edges over the others, most specifically neighbors New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. Owning itself as a small state with a low population, The Green Mountain State’s anime convention scene is extremely minimal as Vermont has only one anime convention that exists. It is Bakurestsu Con, Vermont’s sole anime convention, the oldest anime convention in the state, the New England region itself. It was inaugurated in 2001, and so far according to research, it seems like it’s Vermont’s mecca for all things otaku. Notably, it is very famous in the New England region and parts of the northeast itself and enjoys getting some media attention and popularity in the country. Bakurestsu Con is well known both in state, and outer state and the con itself enjoys a large amount of attendees both domestically and international. Aside from that, unfortunately, there aren’t any other anime conventions that live in Vermont. To make the matters more difficult on a less positive note, the state lacks having a decent amount of anime and manga shops, with just four located. The otaku vibes in Vermont are definitely small and far from being among the highest in the nation.

Overall, Vermont stands out as more otaku than compared to the other New England states. It ranks higher in terms of otaku identity, but still ranks modest when compared to other states. As stated before, Vermont’s landscape for otakus in the Green Mountain State is similar to those of New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Maine. The only difference is Vermont’s anime con is older, and has had an original anime con of its own for more than two decades now. It’s still behind its other New England and Northeastern neighbors. While Bakurestsu Con, and it’s few other cons exist, most Vermont otakus will indeed find themselves attending other anime cons from other states.

37. Mississippi

Nickname: The Magnolia State
Population: 2.95 Million
Region: Southern, Deep South
Capital: Jackson
Abbreviation: MS
Number of Conventions: 3 (As of 2024)
Number of Shops: 4 (As of 2024)

Introducing Mississippi, a state that bears strong infamy nationwide, and the state is often remembered by many for being ranked worst in nearly everything. In fact, Mississippi is so poked fun of, that there’s even a slogan that says, Thank God for Mississippi. A slogan that is used to symbolize that another state will always be the second worst, behind Mississippi, at pretty much anything. While not ranking the highest at identifying as otaku, for once, the Magnolia State does not rank the worst on this list. Unfortunately, that reputation continues to haunt the state, as Mississippi has an atrocious landscape for otakus, and its available resources are really limited too. Formerly, Mississippi use to have only one anime convention, but recently that changed with now having 3 other anime conventions located in the Magnolia State. On a brighter side, and one of the best things about being an otaku in Mississippi, is the state itself hosts the Mississippi Anime Feast. A big name anime convention in America that has already gained national attention even from in state mainstream media. It was inaugurated in 2009, and has become one of the most popular anime conventions in the American south, and the deep south. Also, the anime con is well known nationwide. It enjoys having a large amount of attendees and visitors, both domestic and nationwide. Also, the convention has enjoyed big name visitors from the anime and manga industry. Other notable anime cons from Mississippi include ABC Winterfest Remix, and Midsouth Con. Yet, like its small sized number of anime cons, the shop topic, still, is low as well. Only four anime and manga shops are located, which is definitely lamenting for the state’s size, but, it’s better than nothing at least.

Overall, being Mississippi, the state that often ranks as the worst in many things, the Magnolia state does not rank the worst. When it comes to the ranking of otaku identity, Mississippi bests other states that are supposedly superior in the otaku landscape, like Wisconsin, or Connecticut. Mississippi also enjoys besting its other deep south neighbors, South Carolina and Alabama, for being more otaku. Nevertheless, when compared to its southern neighbors, especially in the deep south, Mississippi awfully lags behind. Even though the state is higher than others with otaku identity, the landscape is poor, and the worst on this list not seen since Montana. It does have a big name anime convention, but when removed, there isn’t much elsewhere in the Magnolia State. Nether the less, potential persists in Mississippi.

36. Louisiana

Nickname: The Pelican State
Population: 4.24 Million
Region: South, Deep South
Capital: Baton Rouge
Abbreviation: LA
Number of Conventions: 4 (As of 2024)
Number of Shops: 19 (As of 2024)

Over to Mississippi’s next door neighbor, is Louisiana. The state of Louisiana’s ranking makes it the second most otaku state of the deep south region and high in the southern state. Interestingly, the Pelican state’s anime convention scene for otakus in Louisiana is about, or, weaker than neighbors Mississippi. It is slightly better than neighbors Mississippi when it comes to the shopping scene, but still behind others like South Carolina, or Georgia. Louisiana’s otaku arsenal is moderate. The state hosts three anime conventions. But, there is a huge downside to this that actually makes Louisiana’s anime con scene inferior to its other deep south neighbors. The downside? Unlike some states with big or notable anime conventions nationwide, Louisiana does not have a gigantic anime convention that is well known in the country. It does have anime conventions like Anime Town Louisiana, and the new Conclave. Aside from their modest popularity, there doesn’t to be other anime conventions according to my research. The most notable convention in Louisiana is the New Orleans’s Fan Expo, and is pretty much regarded as the largest and one of the most notable conventions of Louisiana. Still, take note, it’s a comicon convention based on general pop culture, which includes anime and manga, but not entirely specialized on anime and manga itself. Aside from that, there is not much else Louisiana The Pelican State has a list of 19 shops, which is impressive to say the least.

Overall, much of Louisiana’s landscape for otakus is about the same as Mississippi. The state hosts a decent amount of conventions, and the Fan Expo of New Orleans can definitely be considered the Magnum opus of the Pelican State, although it isn’t a dedicated anime and manga convention. This will leave many Louisiana otakus bitter. On the bright side, anime conventions still exist in Louisiana and hopefully more will continue to grow. Its 19 shops will certainly leave many Louisiana otaku filled up with the amount of goodies needed. Louisiana shows a decent passion for everything otaku, and manages to best its other deep south and southern neighbors, but still behind the others in terms of resources for otakus. In the bright side, potential for more otaku vibes in Louisiana is growing.

35. South Dakota

Nickname: The Mount Rushmore State
Population: 895, 376
Region: Midwestern
Capital: Pierre
Abbreviation: SD
Number of Conventions: 1 (As of 2024)
Number of Shops: 18 (As of 2024)

The south sibling, South Dakota, are, apparently, more passionate about identifying as otaku than their northern sibling, North Dakota. Now, you are asking yourself, the same question? How does a state like South Dakota rank in the 30s and a lot higher than the other states mentioned? Well, there is no answer, but that doesn’t matter at all. Like its north sibling’s reputation as a state known for its farming and rural life, South Dakota’s landscape for otakus is extremely limited, and at this moment where you are reading, check out this strange paradox between the Dakotas. Although higher in the rankings, The anime convention in South Dakota is tiny to the max, and way smaller than North Dakota. The Mount Rushmore State host just one anime convention, and that is the Black Hills Con. The Black Hills Con is the only anime convention in South Dakota, and is notably the biggest anime con in the state of South Dakota. Which comes as no surprise since that’s basically the only anime con in the state. First inaugurated by 2018, it has since become the anime con staple of The Mount Rushmore State. The convention is young, and this year the anime con will approach it’s 6th anniversary, and time after time, it continues to grow. Enjoying attendees instate, and soon nationwide. On the other side, yet, the convention seems to specialize more in general pop culture than just being exclusively anime and manga. Nether the less, it’s the best to go convention for South Dakota otakus. In contrast, the state has a total of 18 shops that have some anime and manga goodies for otakus located in South Dakota, and a lot more than it’s north sibling. It’s not the ultimate or most ideal for a state, but for a state like South Dakota, it’s definitely not too bad for a state with a low population and rural based life.

Overall, South Dakota ranks much higher than North Dakota when it comes to the rankings. Like its north sibling, South Dakota’s landscape for otaku is still low when compared to other states, and is about the same as it’s north sibling North Dakota. The Black Hills Con, and the amount of shops located are at least, or surely, enough to keep otakus in South Dakota occupied. The only difference is South Dakota seems to love anime and manga a lot more. Like the earlier states listed, there is no doubt that otakus from The Rushmore State will find themselves visiting other states for all otaku fun. The best part is it’s not too far away from other neighboring states with good otaku landscape. The market is young in South Dakota, but will, no doubt, continue to keep growing for years to come.

34. Colorado

Nickname: The Centennial State
Population: 5.812 Million
Region: Rocky Mountain Region, West Region
Capital: Denver
Abbreviation: CO
Number of Conventions: 8 (As of 2024)
Number of Shops: 37 (As of 2024)

Another state from the rocky mountain region of the West Coast. Colorado’s otaku landscape, like much of the West Coast, has a considerable good amount of otaku resources. It’s vastly superior compared to other west coast states like Montana, Oregon, and Wyoming, but still behind other states like California, Nevada, Washington, and Arizona. Nether the less, The Centennial State enjoys having a good amount of anime conventions. The state is home to hosting 8 anime conventions. Notably, the state hosts Nan Desu Kan. One of the oldest anime conventions in America, and it is one of the largest nationwide. Nan Desu Kan is considered a megalith for otakus in Colorado, and it is one of the most important anime conventions in America. In fact, Nan Desu Kan is so popular, that even mainstream media outlets in Colorado give the anime convention extensive media coverage. Also, the anime con itself enjoys having many attendees, both from instate, outer state, and big names have visited Nan Desu Kan. Additionally, it should be noted that Nan Desu Kan was first inaugurated in 1997, making Colorado one of the few states that have hosted an anime convention before the turn of the 21st century. Truth is, that’s a HUGE honor for any state in America. Other notable anime cons, for example, Colorado Anime Feast, Collect-A Kon, and Anime Onsen are popular in the state of Colorado. Not only that, but Colorado enjoys having a good amount of shops that have otaku goodies. While not high compared to other states like Alabama or Wisconsin, that’s still an impressive amount.

Overall, while Colorado does not rank among the highest for those identifying as otaku in the rankings, especially compared to other west coast states, it’s nonetheless, a state with a very good landscape for otakus. The 9 anime conventions located in the Centennial State is a guarantee for those looking to invest time for everything otaku. Not only that, but the state itself can boast the fact that it hosts the largest anime convention in the state and one of the largest anime conventions in the country. The shops located are vastly and well numbered for otakus looking to invest in buying up all the otaku goodies. The otaku landscape in Colorado has been strong for quite some time, and will continue to grow stronger, as there are no signs of it stopping anytime soon.

33. Illinois

Nickname: The Prairie State
Population: 12.67 Million
Region: Midwestern
Capital: Springfield
Abbreviation: IL
Number of Conventions: 12 (As of 2024)
Number of Shops: 94 (As of 2024)

Another state from the Midwest, Illinois is by far the largest state, the most populated state, the most economically advanced, and the most popular state in the region itself. The landscape for otakus in Illinois is not only grand, but unprecedented. The amount of resources for otakus in The Prairie State. Illinois has by far the most anime conventions located in the Midwest region, with at least 11 of them. No other state in the region matches the amount of anime cons that Illinois has. In terms of what Illinois has, The Prairie State, arguably, has the best landscape for otakus in the Midwest region. Aside from the number of anime conventions it hosts, the state is also home to not just one notable anime con, but a good size of other notable anime cons. These anime cons are not only popular in the state, but popular in the country. The state is home to Anime Central, located in Rosemont, Illinois. The anime convention is well known in the state, and well known in the country. Like Colorado, the inauguration of Anime Central was in 1998, making Illinois one of the selected states to host an anime convention before the turn of the 21st century. The anime con enjoys a large attendance from both in state and outer state and enjoys extensive media coverage from media outlets. Also, that’s not it, Anime Central is also to be considered the biggest anime con in the entire Midwest region, which is why it attracts a large wave of attendees from other neighboring Midwestern states. Illinois is home to other notable anime conventions that are popular. Illinois is also home to a whopping number of 94 shops that have anime and manga goodies. That’s arguably the most as of right now since starting the list with Wyoming. The landscape for otakus in Illinois isn’t just amazing, it’s grand. The Prairie State can rightly claim itself as the king of otaku in the Midwest.

Overall, well, until you realize that Illinois is actually not the highest in the list for those ranking as otakus in the Midwest region. Illinois only ranks a decent 32 on the list. Never mind about that, because the state of Illinois’s landscape for otakus is beyond great. Although the amount of anime conventions are specifically concentrated on Chicago, that definitely keep otakus in Illinois excited and worth to invest time for otaku activity. Especially since the state holds the honor of hosting one of the largest anime conventions in America. Also, not only that, but the state is home to a whopping plethora of shops that will undoubtedly keep otakus invested. The state of Illinois’s otaku arsenal is great. As time goes on, the otaku landscape continues to grow in Illinois. Even before the modern popular trend of anime and manga already being accepted as cool by the norm of society, Illinois already viewed anime and manga as cool. The state itself already had a plethora of strong otaku vibes for many in the state. It will continue to grow and there is no stopping.

32. Nebraska

Nickname: The Corhusker State
Population: 1.964 Million
Region: Midwestern
Capital: Lincoln
Abbreviation: NE
Number of Conventions: 2 (As of 2024)
Number of Shops: 30 (As of 2024)

Who’s higher than Illinois? That’s right! Nebraska, the Cornhuskers State that is very well known for its Rural life that revolves entirely around agriculture and country roads. Owning to its reputation as a rural state like other states including Iowa, and the Dakota, Nebraska is another state from the Midwest. It does not have the same otaku arsenal and strength that other Midwestern states like Illinois or Ohio have. Despite that, Nebraska ranks a lot higher than the states with a higher population, higher amount of anime conventions, and shops that have anime and manga goodies. The Cornhuskers’s landscape for otakus is basically the same as the other rural states. When it comes to the anime con scene, it’s extremely low as only 2 anime cons are located in Nebraska, which is unsurprising to say the least. Notably, the state hosts Anime NebraskaKon. This anime con is the largest anime con in Nebraska and enjoys having a large amount of attendees both in state and outer state. The anime con was first inaugurated in 2004, and this year, it has celebrated it’s 20th anniversary, and the anime con still continues to this day while enjoying extensive media coverage from media outlets. Also, it enjoys being well known in the Midwest as well. The state also has another anime con located, and it’s called Kanpai!Con. In terms of shops, the state has an excellent amount, with at least 30 of them located. In comparison, other states that are bigger, have a larger population and a more advanced economic GDP with higher popularity, have less than what Nebraska has. It’s inferior to other Midwestern states, but that does not matter, as the numbers are impressive.

Overall, In spite of Nebraska’s impressive ranking, the state’s otaku landscape is not out of this world. But overall, it’s at least decent for a state that is known for being mostly empty and just rural country life with agriculture as its main focus. On the bright side, Nebraska is home to two anime cons, which is definitely guaranteed to keep otakus highly invested and not being extremely limited in otaku activity compared to other states. The only downside for otakus in Nebraska is the fact that they will find themselves visiting anime conventions from other states with a larger lineup of anime cons more often, since the state itself is limited. The amount of shops located are also a guarantee to keep Nebraska otakus investing in the otaku goodies. Like all other states, anime and manga continues to grow in Nebraska, and time after time, there’s no doubt that the market will continue to grow in the Cornhuskers state. Potential exists in Nebraska.

31. Ohio

Nickname: The Buckeye State
Population: 11.78 Million
Region: Midwestern
Capital: Columbus
Abbreviation: OH
Number of Conventions: 10 (As of 2024)
Number of Shops: 81 (As of 2024)

Ohio gozaimasu! Get it? This specific section of the list has been notably dominated by the Midwest. Analyzing the list, it seems like the region itself is a hit-and-miss for otakus. You have states with a fantastic arsenal of everything otaku, like Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and then, Here we have Ohio, the Buckeye State that has a reputation quite bizarre. From amazing history, and modern memes, this state itself definitely has a tale to tell. Ohio’s landscape for otaku is undoubtedly one of the best in the Midwestern region and the country. Its otaku size is basically comparable to that of Illinois in the Midwest region, of course, on a positive note. Ohio enjoys having an excellent number of anime conventions hosted, with at least 10 of them being in the state of Ohio. That is the second highest on since starting with Wyoming, and the second highest in the Midwestern region behind Illinois. Notably, Ohio hosts the famous anime convention called ColossalCon. It is one of the largest anime conventions in the country and Ohio’s largest anime convention in the state. ColossalCon was first inaugurated in 2002 and continues to build itself as one of the largest anime cons in the country. The anime convention itself is very important for Ohio, and is well recognized even by the Ohio media itself, and enjoys extensive media coverage from media outlets. ColossalCon enjoys having many attendees in state and outer state and is also regarded as a one of the recognizable anime cons of the Midwest region. The state is also home to other notable anime cons like OhayoCon, Anime Ohio, and Matsuricon. The amount of shops that have anime and manga goodies in Ohio is very large, with at least 81 shops located. That is the second biggest on the list since starting with Wyoming in the beginning. The landscape for otakus in Ohio is big.

Overall, Although not ranking among the highest in terms of those in a state identifying as otaku, otakus in Ohio will be spoiled with the excellent amount of otaku resources in The Buckeye State. Ohio’s large amount of anime cons in the state will be a 100% guarantee for otakus in Ohio who are looking for a otaku experience in their home state. Not only that, but the state itself has the largest anime con in the state and one of the largest in the Midwestern region. Ohio’s anime cons in the state will be enjoyable for otakus in The Buckeye State, and there will be plenty of time for otakus to invest time. The high amount of shops that have anime and manga goodies are a perfect amount, and there will be plenty of investment for otaku goodies in Ohio. Like some states

____________________________________________________________________________

Total Number of States From Their Regions:

Northeastern: 1

Midwestern: 5

Southern: 3

Western: 1

Are you from any of these 10 states? Did I make any errors or missed out on some important info? Leave a comment and let me know! Thanks for reading! If you can, please like and share this article with any otaku who’s American. Give your reaction if your state was on this top 10 list. Stay tuned for part 3.

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