Following on the heals of our post yesterday about rising Akihabara crime comes a closer look at "otaku hunting." As blogger Danny Choo points out, nerds are known to carry a good amount of cash, which makes them perfect robbery targets. The crimes often take place in Akiba's many back alleyways as nerds head into their favorite stores to spend money. The Q&A below with an apparent otaku hunter sheds light into how they think:

Q: How much can you get in one catch?

A: From about 3,000 yen to 30,000 yen. The most I have got in one catch was 130,000 yen. That was last year though.

Q: Who do you aim for?

A: The ones who seem to be wandering around - the weak ones. I dont go for the ones who have dyed their hair brown or have a good build.

Q: And why is that?

A: It's not as if I'm scared of them. Just want to be able to get my money easily without hassle.

Q: Why do you hunt otaku?

A: It's easier to steal money from otaku than my dad or others on the street. Besides, otaku have loads of money.

Q: Dont you feel guilty?

A: Not an ounce (laughs). I sometimes feel bad when stealing money from my dad though. Otaku are dirty and smelly. They should be exterminated. Its just like Dragon Quest where you beat the monster and take the gold.

Q: Why do you hate otaku that much?

A: No reason. Well they are like cockroaches. They have the same smell.

Q: Have you had victims retaliate?

A: Not once. Thats why I cant stop doing it.

Q: Dont you think about what happens when you are arrested?

A: No. I'll leave it to then to think about it. I try hard not to get caught you know.

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