A candid statement from Japanese Minister of State for Economic Security Kimi Onoda has captured international attention after old social media posts resurfaced in which she openly declared a preference for “2D” anime and manga characters over real-life romantic relationships. According to a report by The Times of India, Onoda’s posts some dating back to 2017 included remarks such as “I only love 2D… I won’t cheat even in 2D,” declaring she has “no interest in 3D men” and expressing deep affection for fictional characters as part of her personal preferences.
The posts quickly went viral, drawing both amusement and discussion across social media platforms as netizens reacted to a senior government official making such an unconventional statement. While some praised Onoda’s honesty and celebrated her embrace of anime and manga culture, others engaged in broader debates about how fictional preferences intersect with real-world expectations of romance and identity particularly within otaku communities where strong attachments to “2D” characters are recognized as a notable subcultural phenomenon.
The reactions highlight a cultural moment where public figures openly discussing personal tastes in entertainment even those tied to niche entertainment preferences can spark widespread conversation about the influence of anime and manga in contemporary life.
JAPAN MINISTER’S ANIME AND MANGA COMMENT SPARKS ONLINE BUZZ
