Final answer:
The term 'otaku' was seen negatively because it reflected an obsessive, antisocial interest in hobbies like anime and manga, and it indicated a lack of social skills in Japanese culture.
Step-by-step explanation:
The word "otaku" originally had a negative connotation due to its association with people who had obsessive interests, particularly in the fields of anime and manga. In Japanese culture, strong fixations on solitary hobbies were often viewed as antisocial and indicative of someone lacking in communication skills, which led to the term being used derogatorily. Initially, "otaku" referred to someone who was overly engrossed in their hobbies to the exclusion of social interactions, suggesting a disconnection from society and an inability to engage with others in a typical manner.