If you're into ACG, chances are you've got a collection or two. Whether it's games, anime merch, or books, these aren't just possessions; they're precious assets. More than just memories, they're a testament to your passions.
But recently on X (formerly Twitter) in Japan, one user dropped a photo of their massive vintage game collection. It got them thinking: what happens to all this stuff when I'm gone? That sparked a massive discussion among netizens about the "post-mortem collection dilemma."
The original poster's sentiment? "I might see value in these, but I bet they'd be a huge headache for my family." The photo showed off their extensive collection of vintage games, many of them rare, out-of-print gems.
Netizens chimed in with comments like: "These are treasures, pure nostalgia!" "To the uninitiated, it's junk; only true fans get the value." "Some of this stuff belongs in a cultural museum!" After all, what's a priceless artifact to one person is just old clutter to another.
Naturally, many collectors with similar stashes totally get where the original poster is coming from. It's a somber, serious question that hits you at a certain age.
But some who've actually dealt with otaku collections dropped some harsh truths: "Most of it just ends up at BookOff or other second-hand shops." "They won't even take old floppy disk games anymore." "Without a working computer from back then, these collections just gather dust."
This led to calls for "pre-mortem organization": "Setting an age to start decluttering is the safest bet." "I've already converted all my books, music, anime, and games to digital or subscriptions – it's convenient and spares my family the hassle."
And then there was this gem: "My colleague, a woman in her 60s, packed up her BL doujinshi and told her daughter: 'When I die, send this directly to this specific shop. Don't open it. They'll cover shipping.' Apparently, she still peeks at them occasionally, so the box isn't sealed yet!"
Some netizens suggested donating collections to museums, research institutions, or specialty stores: "If you have a partnership with a game buyer, just have them pick it up." "Get a pre-mortem appraisal to ensure your treasures don't become trash, and save your family some grief."
For many collectors, keeping these items close is about preserving their value. But once they're gone, these collections can become a burden for family. Monetizing them and getting them to those who truly appreciate them might be the best solution.
This discussion, spanning from personal collections to cultural preservation and life organization, really highlights the anxiety and introspection among many middle-aged and older otaku. From figuring out what to do with them to pre-mortem clear-outs, these conversations make you wonder: "Who are these collections ultimately for?" It might not be something you're thinking about now, but at some point, it'll become a serious and important question.
via： togetter