In Tokyo, a Ghetto of Geeks: "'There are some people who do lose their grip on reality, but that is not me -- or most of us,' said Ishihara, a chubby man with glasses who this year started dating a woman steadily for the first time. She's an anime artist. 'For me, the pillows have been my source of unconditional love, a reminder of when I used to be hugged by my parents. There is nothing strange about it.'"

Geeks in Tokyo have formed what amounts to their own commune filled with glasses adjustment kiosks, dress shirt salesmen and thick leather shoe shops. Drinks are served by girls dressed up as anime characters with oddly high voices. Odd.