Finding Otaku Friends In Real Life

Not sure is this the right forum for this one but; we all know it can be hard to find people that share your interests in the real world especailly when your interests are anime, manga, and cosplay. Its not like they wear signs or have otaku writen on their foreheads, So I've adopted a few creative ways of indentifing fellow fanatics; Like baiting them or creating them. I was wondering if other otaku resort to these tactics, or if they have there own unique or weird way to identify themselves as otaku or ways pick each other out of the crowd.

I would sometimes just mention an anime or talk about anime in general and see if I get a reaction. If I do then I continue on, if not, I'll change the subject. I'll just wear an anime t-shirt or put on a anime hat, like my totoro hat. That just signals "otaku anime fan"

Usually my "ice breaker" is my pocketwatch. Actually Ed's watch from FMA. I wear it every day...that and the FMA logo on my truck's back window, and wallet...usually gets people questioning what the symbol is...

I'm taking Japanese class.. and it's about a 85%+ chance that my classmates like anime or video games. It's so awesome. So I can randomly bring up games or anime, and they usually are interested and talk about it with me :) .. so I guess, the best chance is to join some club or something that relates to or has some connection with anime. Plus it'd be easier to bring it up as a topic since it relates to the club or class somehow. Or you can put an anime key chain or something like that on your backpack or w/e.. so other otaku can find you! That's how I befriended some people.. I saw them wearing a nerdy shirt so I thought it might be a good indicator they were into the same things I was!

When I took Japanese I was shocked when my tutoring partner turned out to a total anime nerd. Forced me to watch excel saga and I'm ok with that lol

It's hard for me to find people since I don't dress like the usual younger anime fans do. It's really hard to find ppl who are above 20yrs old who are fans where I live.

Im in college and usually just by hearing conversations or Anime Clubs is how i find out about others who have the same interest

I suggest going to anime conventions and meetups. that way you know someone will have the same interests in what you like. I met all of my otaku friends at my convention and some more at a picnic. hang around game stores, book stores, FYE, the anime department at best buy. It's pretty easy!

To be honest I have a hard time making friends who are into anime cause most every one I meet that does like anime loves either Inuyasha, bleach, or naruto to death and sorry to be the black sheep here but I don't like any of those shows. When that is all they want to talk about it is kind of a turn off. I always push them off as the "New" generation of Otakus and keep searching for some one with more similar interests. I am going to try ルナ☪ suggestion and try to find as many people to make friends with as I can at the CON.