Final answer:
Today's otaku culture in Japan has been primarily built by Japanese creators, fans, and technological advancements that facilitate global sharing. Japanese anime, manga, and video games have become significant cultural exports, with fans and corporate strategies further expanding their reach.
Step-by-step explanation:
In contrast to earlier periods when Japan was influenced by external cultures or later as it selectively opened its borders, today's otaku culture has been primarily built by Japanese creators and fans themselves. This subculture associated with a love of anime, manga, and video games has developed into a significant cultural export. It was the combined effort of dedicated artists, animators, and storytellers who popularized Japanese anime and manga on the global stage, ultimately shaping the contemporary otaku landscape.
Simultaneously, technological advancements and the internet have enabled this content to spread globally. Fans too contribute, often engaging in the creation of fan-made works or participating in large online communities. Furthermore, corporate strategies that cater to overseas markets have significantly expanded the reach of these cultural products. Hence, unlike the historical influences imposed by external forces—such as American Commodore Matthew Perry's demand to open up Japanese markets—the present-day popularity of otaku culture stems from its own innovators and the embracing global audience.