ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Danmaku subtitling

Have you ever watched a show or a movie in a different language and there were words at the bottom of the screen that helped you understand what was going on? Those words are called subtitles, and they help us understand what people are saying when we don't speak their language.

Now, have you ever watched an anime or a video game playthrough and saw lots of words floating around the screen while things were happening? That's called danmaku subtitling.

Danmaku subtitling is kind of like subtitles, but instead of just showing the words at the bottom of the screen, the words are scattered all over the screen. They pop up and move around while you're watching the show or playing the game. These words can show you what the characters are saying, or they can give you extra information about what's happening in the story.

Danmaku subtitling is really popular in Japan, where it originally started as a way for gamers to share their thoughts and reactions while playing games online. But now, it's become a popular way for people to watch anime and videos, too!

So, think of danmaku subtitling like a fun way to add extra information and commentary to the things you're watching or playing. And if you ever see it while watching a show or playing a game, just sit back and enjoy the extra information that's being shared with you!