Genshiken 2: Exploring the development of otaku culture and character growth

Genshiken 2: The sequel to the masterpiece anime about the youth and growth of an otaku

Genshiken 2 is an anime series based on the popular manga by Kio Shimoku, which aired from October 13 to December 29, 2007. We will be reviewing this series in detail, which has entertained fans with new characters and story developments while retaining the charm of the original.

■Overview of the work

Genshiken 2 depicts the lives and growth of members of a university otaku club, the Modern Visual Culture Research Society (Genshiken), as they grow up as otaku. Kanji Sasahara becomes the club president and welcomes a new member, Ogiue Chika, an otaku girl who hates otaku. The story follows the members as they pursue otaku activities such as creating doujinshi and participating in Comic Market. The story also depicts them taking on new challenges such as romance and job hunting.

■Broadcast information

Genshiken 2 was broadcast for a total of 12 episodes from October 13th to December 29th, 2007. It was broadcast on Kids Station, tvk, TV Saitama, Chiba TV, etc., and the broadcast times for each station are as follows.

• Teletama: October 9, 2007 to December 25, 2007 (every Tuesday 25:30 to 26:00)
• Chiba TV: October 9, 2007 to December 25, 2007 (every Tuesday 25:30 to 26:00)
• TV Aichi: October 9, 2007 to December 25, 2007 (every Tuesday 27:28-27:58)
• tvk: October 10, 2007 to December 26, 2007 (Every Wednesday 25:15-25:45)
• Sun Television: October 11, 2007 to December 27, 2007 (Every Thursday 26:10 to 26:40)
• Kids Station: October 12, 2007 to December 28, 2007 (Every Friday 24:00-24:30)

■ Production staff

Genshiken 2 was produced by a talented team of people. It was written by Shimoku Kio, directed by Kinji Yoshimoto, with series composition by Michiko Yokote and character design by Yoshiaki Yanagida. It was animated by ARMS, with production support from Asiado and produced by Genco. The music was composed by Masaya Koike and Shun Okazaki (4-EVER) and produced by Lantis.

■Cast

The cast of Genshiken 2 is also attractive, bringing out the individuality of each character. Below is a list of the main cast:

• Kanji Sasahara: Noriyuki Oyama
• Makoto Takasaka: Mitsuki Saiga
• Kasukabe Saki: Yukino Satsuki
• Harunobu Madarame: Nobuyuki Hiyama
• Soichiro Tanaka: Tomokazu Seki
• Mitsunori Kugayama: Kenji Nomura
• Kanako Ohno: Ayako Kawasumi
• Kuchiki Studies: Akira Ishida
• Chika Oginoue: Kaori Mizuhashi
• Susanna Hopkins (Sue): Yuko Goto
• Angela Burton: Yuki Kaida

■ Story

The story of Genshiken 2 begins with Sasahara Kanji taking over as club president. A new member joins the club, Ogiue Chika, an otaku girl who hates otaku, and the members of Genshiken work hard on otaku activities such as creating doujinshi and participating in Comic Market. The story also depicts them taking on new challenges such as romance and job hunting. In particular, the appearance of Ogiue's rival Yabuzaki, and Ohno's friends Sue and Angela from his study abroad destination, takes a new turn in the story.

■ Episode

Genshiken 2 consists of 12 episodes, each with a different theme or event. Below are the subtitles and broadcast dates for each episode.

• Episode 1: The New Chairman's Hopes (2007/10/09)
• Episode 2: The meeting was a mess (2007/10/16)
• Episode 3: A Hot Summer Day (2007/10/23)
• Episode 4: Can you do it? (2007/10/30)
• Episode 5: Madarame is totally popular (2007/11/06)
• Episode 6: Hobby Questions (2007/11/13)
• Episode 7: Graduation Syndrome (2007/11/20)
• Episode 8: Kosuken (2007/11/27)
• Episode 9: Job Hunting is Always Rainy (2007/12/04)
• Episode 10: Otaku from USA (2007/12/11)
• Episode 11: Real Hardcore (2007/12/18)
• Episode 12: What Lies Ahead... (2007/12/25)

■ Characters

Each character in Genshiken 2 is unique and plays an important role in the story. Below is an introduction to the main characters.

• Kanji Sasahara : A character who joined the Genshiken when he entered university, and became the new president after realizing his hidden feelings. His growth as an otaku is depicted.
• Makoto Kosaka : She has the looks of an idol, but she's actually a hardcore otaku. She's also the best at gaming, and she's in a relationship with her childhood friend, Saki.
• Kasukabe Saki : A non-otaku regular person who joined Genshiken after many twists and turns. Despite being a regular person, she is a big sister type character who manages to keep Genshiken together.
• Harunobu Madarame : The current leader of the Vision Research Club, he retired as the second chairman and is currently job hunting. He is an otaku with more passion than most.
• Soichiro Tanaka : A character who does cosplay, photography, and costume making. He is also good at making figures and plastic models, and I'm curious about his relationship with Ohno.
• Mitsunori Kugayama : He doesn't talk much in crowds and has a unique way of speaking. He's good at drawing and is the main illustrator for doujinshi production.
• Kanako Ohno : A returnee from overseas, she is active as a cosplayer. She likes characters with ample breasts and older men.
• Ogikami Chika : An otaku girl who hates otaku, who joins the Genshiken after having trouble with the Manga Club. She is actually a fujoshi and deepens her understanding of otaku.
• Kuchiki Manabu : He once provisionally joined the Genshiken, but was put on hiatus due to Saki's scheme. He has a high-tension personality, and would be the most dangerous type of comedian to become.
• Susanna Hopkins (Sue) : A friend of Ohno's from his time studying abroad in the United States. A beautiful blonde and a die-hard otaku. She recites famous lines from Japanese anime.
• Angela Burton : A friend of Ohno's from his time studying abroad in the United States. A hardcore otaku with a nice body. She is also a fellow cosplayer of Ohno.

■ Theme songs and music

The theme songs and insert songs of "Genshiken 2" also enhance the appeal of the work. Below is a list of the main songs.

• OP1 : disarm dreamer
  • Lyricist: Aki Hata
  • Composer: Katsuhiko Kurosu
  • Arrangement: Masanori Takumi
  • Vocals: Aki Misato
• ED1 : Clubhouse Sand
  • Lyricist: Yuumao
  • Composer: Yuumao
  • Arrangement: Tomoki Kikutani
  • Sung by: Yuumao
• ED2 : Ai
  • Lyricist: Atsumi Saori
  • Composer: Atsumi Saori
  • Arrangement: Koji Goto
  • Vocals: Atsumi Saori
• ED3 : Bidamama
  • Lyricist: Atsumi Saori
  • Composer: Atsumi Saori
  • Arrangement: Koji Goto
  • Vocals: Atsumi Saori
• IN1 : Lottery imbalance
  • Lyricist: Haruko Momoi
  • Composer: Haruko Momoi
  • Arrangement: Masaya Koike
  • Sung by: UNDER17

■ Related works

Genshiken 2 is connected to the following related works. By enjoying these works together, you can gain a deeper understanding of the world of Genshiken.

• Genshiken
• Genshiken OVA
• Genshiken 2nd Generation
• Genshiken 2nd OAD

■Review

Genshiken 2 is a very appealing work that depicts the youth and growth of otaku. While retaining the charm of the original work, it entertained fans with new characters and story developments. In particular, the changes in the characters are beautifully portrayed, such as the growth of Sasahara Kanji and Chika Ogiue's deepening understanding of otaku. Also, don't miss the realistic depiction of otaku activities such as creating doujinshi and participating in Comic Market.

The animation quality is high, with beautiful character designs and background art. The music also adds to the atmosphere of the film, with the theme song and insert songs being particularly memorable. The acting by the cast is excellent, with each character's personality being well expressed.

Genshiken 2 is recommended not only for those who are interested in otaku culture, but also for those who like coming-of-age and coming-of-age stories. It depicts a variety of themes, such as life as an otaku, love, and job hunting, and is sure to resonate with many people.

■Recommendation

To enjoy "Genshiken 2," we recommend that you pay attention to the following points when watching.

• Character Growth : Pay attention to the growth of Kanji Sasahara and Chika Ogikami, and see how they come to reexamine themselves as otaku.
• Realistic depictions of otaku activities : Check out the realistic depictions of otaku activities, such as creating doujinshi and participating in Comic Market, and experience the appeal of otaku culture.
• Music : Pay attention to the theme songs and insert songs to get a deeper feel for the atmosphere of the work.
• Related Works : Please watch the other works in the Genshiken series to gain a deeper understanding of the world of Genshiken.

Genshiken 2 has captivated many fans as a sequel to a masterpiece anime that depicts the youth and growth of otaku. Please watch this work and feel the charm of otaku culture and the growth of the characters.