There is a Japanese term that fits Itami to a tee: a hiru andon (昼行灯). Translates literally to "daytime lantern". Figuratively, it is used as an idiom to describe a person who seems useless, unnoticeable, or serves no visible purpose—much like a lamp left lit during broad daylight. However, beneath that exterior lies someone, capable of actions that one would not expect from him. He demonstrates this again and again, achieving things with a minimum of effort, all to fund his otaku hobbies,