Anime Hajime Review: Genshiken 2

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for Genshiken and Genshiken 2. Reader discretion is advised.***

Series Synopsis

Welcome back to the Gendai Shikaku Bunka Kenkyukai (The Society for the Study of Modern Visual Culture). Or as it is better known, the Genshiken.

Kanji Sasahara (voiced by Takanori Oyama) is the club’s newest president. Though a rather quiet person himself, he has big plans for the Genshiken. He hopes to increase the number of activities the otherwise inactive group takes part in. His clubmates are open to the idea, but soon the realities of life settle in.

Otakus still live in the real world. And sometimes, the real world doesn’t always play along. Like it or not, a person has to take responsibility for their life.

The challenges may be daunting. The players may be uncooperative. Despite that, the best anyone can do is push forward. For the members of the Genshiken, that’s often easier said than done.

Anime Hajime Review: Genshiken

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for Genshiken. Reader discretion is advised.***

Series Synopsis

To generalize, an otaku is an over obsessed fan. Though applied to many fandoms, the most associated focuses are manga, anime, and games. Often, it's a combination of the three. The only way to understand this type of otaku is for you to be one yourself.

So, where does someone turn to find like-minded people?  At Tokyo's Shiiou University, look no further than the Gendai Shikaku Bunka Kenkyukai (The Society for the Study of Modern Visual Culture); better known as the Genshiken.

The Genshiken is the place one goes when the anime or manga clubs just don’t feel right. The group isn't big on formal activities. Instead, they spend most of their time discussing a variety of both retro and new visual mediums. It can be about the latest anime. Or it can be the current (often erotic) game they happen to be playing. It doesn't matter, the club doesn’t judge.

Anyone with an interest is welcome to come by. Yet, the Genshiken isn’t for everyone. The mind of an otaku isn’t the easiest thing to decipher. To comprehend this level of nerddom requires a special kind of patience. If you don’t have that, then it takes a special kind of tolerance. And if you don’t have that, well then it comes down to a pure endurance test.