Train Man: Densha Otoko

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  • Movie: Train Man: Densha Otoko
  • Romaji: Densha otoko
  • Japanese: 電車男
  • Director: Shosuke Murakami
  • Writer: Hitori Nakano (novel), Arisa Kaneko
  • Producer: Kei Haruna, Hideki Inada, Tomoyo Nihei
  • Cinematgrapher: Shigeki Murano
  • Release Date: June 4, 2005
  • Runtime: 105 min.
  • Studio: Toho, Fuji TV
  • Distributor: Toho
  • Language: Japanese
  • Country: Japan

[edit] Plot

Computer engineer Otaku (the Japanese term for “geek”) is an average young man, dressed in unstylish clothes and dorky glasses. But as luck would have it, he encounters a pretty young woman on a commuter train and saves her from a lecherous molester, falling in love with her at first sight.

A few days later he receives a thank-you message from the woman along with a set of Hermes teacups . Having never had a girlfriend or received a gift from a girl in his life , Otaku seeks out his pals on Internet Bulletin Board (BBS) website for advice using his codename Train Man (Densha Otoko) : “How should I ask her out?” Deeply interested in Train Man’s first love, his BBS pals eagerly supply him with advice. Encouraged by their support, Train Man undergoes a total makeover for his first-ever date with “Hermess.” Little does he know that he is about to ignite an Internet phenomenon ...

[edit] Notes

  1. Related titles:
    1. Train Man: Densha Otoko (2005)
    2. Train Man: Densha Otoko (Fuji TV / 2005)
    3. Train Man: Densha Otoko Deluxe (Fuji TV / 2006)

[edit] Culture Tips relating to Train Man

[edit] Otaku and 2ch

In modern Japanese slang, otaku refers to an overly obsessed fan of any one particular theme, topic, or hobby. The term is used most commonly with anime or manga otaku, but by itself just means “fanatic.”

Furthermore, while in Japanese the term otaku possesses a fairly derogatory air about it, internationally, the term has evolved to mean, simply, an obsessed fan of Japanese manga or anime (or more broadly, Japanese popular culture). Thus, outside of Japan , serious devotees of anime and/or manga proudly refer to themselves as otaku.

Train Man : Densha Otoko is the allegedly true story of one otaku who posted his story on the famous internet bulletin board 2 ch (http://www.2ch.net/). 2ch is the largest internet forum in th e world. With over ten million visitors a day, 2 ch is gaining a significant profile in Japanese society, competing for influence with traditional mass media such as television, radio, and magazines.

[edit] Akihabara

The opening of Train Man : Densha Otoko takes place in the central Tokyo neighborhood of Akihabara. Filled with urban noise and neon lights, this “Electric Town” provides the setting for a true love story.

Akihabara (referred to by locals as akiba) is known as one of the largest shopping areas on Earth for electronic, computer, anime , and otaku goods . It’s known around the world as the mecca of otaku culture.

Akiba otaku lead a unique lifestyle, based around technological interests and love for anime and manga. It’s a lifestyle that’s made them outsiders in Japanese society. However, recently, with the rapid growth of the anime and manga market in Japan, otaku culture has gained a higher profile and generated greater interest in the Japanese media.

[edit] Manga Cafe

A manga café (or manga kissa in Japanese) is a kind of café in Japan where customers can read manga. Customers pay for the t ime they stay in the café. They may also be offered internet access, video games, television, magazines, and beverages as part of the fee. They can order snacks for extra, and more luxurious and newer cafés may even offer massage chairs or spa rooms.

The history of manga cafés is a long one. The first manga cafés opened in Nagoya in the late 1970's. These tended to be ordinary coffee shops offering a large collection of manga available for customers to read on the premises.

Nowadays the cost for a manga café is around $4-5 an hour. Some manga cafes even offer a service where customers can stay the night for only about $13 , which is nice for people who missed the last subway. In April 2006, a man was arrested for living in a manga cafe for 34 days without paying.

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