| | Alternate title : Society for the Study of Modern Visual Culture
Studio : Palm Studio
Licenced by : Media Blasters
Length : 12 Episodes
Year : 2004
Genre : Life - Comedy
Synopsis :
So what does a closet anime/manga otaku do when he comes to the new school? He secretly checks out any societies involved with the 'industry'. As such, Sasahara Kanji finds himself drawn to Genshiken, an abbreviation for the Society for the Study of Modern Visual Culture. Genshiken's name is pretty much a euphemism for an anime/manga club. Sasahara's 'co-ordinated' entry propels us into a look into Japanese otaku culture with the other interesting characters, otakus or not.
Kujibiki Unbalance is a fictional anime/manga in the Genshiken world. It is not a regular series in ours but is in theirs. It is 'created' as a 25 episode series in Genshiken but we would only see flits and snatches of it in the Genshiken anime.
Other Notes :
Genshiken is full of otaku slang and language as well as spoofs of Japanese anime/manga. The normal average joe would not know of them and will not likely know the full set up for the series. To get the full impact, it is advised to get a source with subtitles/pop up extras (ala ADV's Excel Saga) alerting and giving information on these trivia bits.
Full episodes 1, 21 & 25 of Kujibiki Unbalance will be on the Genshiken DVDs as a bonus but otherwise you will not know the story except by following the OP's singer's radio drama on the internet.
Added : 2004-10-15
Synopsis by : Yebyosh
Last update : 2008-03-05
Last update details : Link modified
Score : 8.47
Number of reviews : 30
Link(s) :
Official #1 : Kids Station's Genshiken Website (Japanese)
Official #2 : Official Genshiken Website (Japanese)
A-Source #1 : Anime-Source.com Spotlight Review by Kaiser
Other #1 : Daeva's Genshiken Fansite (English)
Song(s) :
Opening #1 : Manzo - My Pace Daiou / One Who Really Takes His Time
Opening #2 : Kagayaki Sairyumu / Radiant Cyalume
Ending #1 : Saori Atsumi - Biidama / My Precious
Ending #2 : Kujibiki Unbalance / Unbalanced Drawing Straws
Release(s) :
2007-01-11 -- Episode(s) 13 by gg Fansubs. BT Link
2005-04-19 -- Episode(s) 2 by DigitalPanic. BT Link
2005-02-20 -- Episode(s) 1 by Anime-Faith. BT Link
Found 16 releases. Click here to [ Find them! ]
Hits : 61107
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Posted by : kevinchaosvs 
Posted on : 2010-03-26  
[Story: 7.5] Genshiken is, should I say, a more down-to-earth take on the otaku culture. This series is thus more focused on the slice-of-life of the club members rather than throwing gags and references. Thus, although you'll have to be quite into the fandom in order to get a lot of the references, what differs this show from say, Lucky Star for example, is that it can also be enjoyed by the casual anime fans. Think of it roughly as the anime otaku version of Big Bang Theory: casual anime fans may watch it for the eccentricities of the stereotypes while the more hardcore fans can watch it for the stereotyping with the references as a bonus of sort. Additionally, one of the little things I like about the show is how they have Idiosyncratic Episode Naming in the form of long, academic-ish descriptions for episode titles as part of the joke about how their club is called "The Society for the Study of the Modern Visual Culture", when in reality, their activities are far from as sophisticated as it sounds.
[Characters: 7.5] Clearly, the show’s throwing in the various archetypes. Madarame’s clearly the star of the show, being a male prototype of Izumi Konata. Also, he's not moe so people only remember Konata. The second most interesting character has to be Kasukabe Saki, being the only so-called ‘normal person in a club of weirdoes’. The members start out as a rather boring bunch, but by around the 4th episode, their personalities and their antics start to grow and they became likeable to watch – except for Kohsaka, who is arguable to most flat, uninteresting character among the cast. All in all, the characters are fun to watch.
[Art:6.5] Even for a show from the slice-of-life genre, the art is unimpressive. The character design, while not downright ugly, is rather bland. Or rather, they seem to put in effort only with the designs for the female characters (especially during cosplays). On the other hand, the background is pretty decent.
[Music:7.0] The bgm is bland. OP and ED are simplistic, nothing that really stuck out. However, I’ll score this section high because of the voice acting. For example, Yukino Satsuki (ShMion; Higurashi, Chidori;FMP) certainly suits her role as the snarky Kasukabe.
[Summary] On the whole, nothing side-splitting hilarious, but worth the watch. Needless to say, it’s a must watch for those who like meta/fandom jokes.
Personal Overall Rating: 7.5
Posted by : AJtheFourth
Posted on : 2010-03-11
Genshiken is a series that every seasoned anime fan should see at least once, if only to be able to say that they know someone exactly like one of the characters, or to breath a sigh of relief that, at the very least, their otaku tendencies don’t yet mirror the habits of these characters. The series follows a college club, Genshiken, which is short for the Society for the Study of Modern Visual Culture. For a club with such an impressive name, it’s really just a bunch of different otaku hanging out, going to Comiket, building models, and of course, analyzing their favorite series, a high school moe show called Kujibiki Unbalance.
Through Saki, the one ‘normal’ character in the series, and girlfriend of a club member, Genshiken brings to life the habits of the modern day otaku with little to no judgment or glamour. The conflict between her character, who is very active, and the club members, all of whom are very passive, sets up a lot of social commentary, as well as some great humor. Character interaction is excellent, maintaining a very realistic, slice-of-life feel. This is what allows the humor to flow so easily throughout the series, instead of solely relying on obscure otaku references. In fact, many of the series’ most memorable moments come from simple character interaction. One of the more humorous episodes revolves around Saki and another club member, Madarame, sitting in the clubroom alone all afternoon.
The animation and music of this series are both passable but forgettable. Animation from scene to scene stays fairly consistent with a few high and low points between episodes. Along the same lines, the musical opening is enjoyable, but not very memorable and neither is the background music. Fortunately, with a series like Genshiken, where the focus is on character interaction, the so-so animation and music in no way takes away from enjoying the series.
Genshiken is a series that I thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish, and that I would recommend to any anime fan. 9/10
Posted by : Terentius
Posted on : 2008-09-29
It has been nearly 10 years since I last watched a show that parodied the otaku sub-culture (Gainax's "Otaku no Video") in Japan. I was quite apprehensive about watching this as a result. Could something with very obscure references to a foreign culture be as entertaining as it sounds?
Animation
Not the greatest unfortunately. I didn't expect anything exciting as most of this show's scenes involve fanboys/otakus pursuing their lifestyle of building models, playing video games or watching anime. The anime that was shown within the series was extremely bright and almost saccharine in its colour. This contrasted with the almost dull and bland 'reality' of the main characters. Overall the animation didn't set the world on fire and was perhaps one of the more average I've seen of late.
Story
Again this aspect of the show was almost mundane. The general plot involved comparing the lifestyles of two sets of people. The 'normal' amongst us (typified by Kasukabe) against the 'otaku' (everyone else in Genshiken). Seeing that the highlights of the show involve planning a group excursion to a doujinshi convention or a discussion about the latest episode of an anime release, you can imagine that the story wasn't full of excitement and adrenaline. However...
Characters
The characters were indeed the saving grace of the show. At times I was laughing my head off at moments of sheer awkwardness between the certain cast members. What I found unusual about this show, was that I didn't get the impression that there was a main 'protagonist'. It felt that everyone had all their parts to play and as a result their interactions were very well-balanced. As a self-declared gaming/anime fan I could relate in a way to the passion that the cast felt for their given hobbies/loves. As a previous reviewer once stated, this anime was made for otakus, by otakus.
Music
There wasn't anything here that really stood out for me. The OPs and EDs were standard fare. The score itself was decent.
Summary
An entertaining show for the 'hardcore' anime fan. I think that regular anime viewers would watch this and be put off by the sheer geekiness of it all. There are plenty of obscure references and in-jokes which most viewers would find perplexing and even confusing. That's not to say it's a poor show, far from it. It is just that due to its target audience and subject matter, it would alienate the vast majority of fans who would want something more 'generic'.
For the hardcore amongst us, I would have been more than happy to award a 4.5. For the more 'normal' members of the community this was an average 3.5. As a result, I'm inclined to award 4 stars.
Posted by : Chikage_Shampoo
Posted on : 2008-08-02
Contrary to first appearance, Genshiken is actually a pretty enjoyable anime.
I first shied away from this anime mostly because of its seemingly mediocre storyline. Well, there's not really anything to it - Genshiken basically portrays the lifestyle of different types of "otakus," or anime addicts, and the reactions of "normal" people (aka "non-otakus") to them. It executes this through a series of episodes interconnected not through any real storyline but rather through a passion for anime. This creates a sort of entertaining atmosphere that can only be truly enjoyed if you yourself are an "otaku." I don't remember how many times I recognized an element of my anime-addict lifestyle through the series - and how amusing it all seemed. I could pinpoint almost every video game and anime reference that was featured in Genshiken, and my room basically mirrored the clubroom (with the exception, of course, of the H-doujinshi). It also taught me a few more vocabulary words that I was unaware of.
Looking at it as a regular series, however, Genshiken contained enough elements to make it humorous. Although the character designs lacked appeal, the personalities themselves were interesting and varied. There was no real character development, but that wasn't really necessary with the lack of a real plot. The only character I didn't really like was Ohno, the club's cosplayer, and that was more due to a distaste for her physical features. Ah yes, and there was the constant way they showed the club members' perversion over ecchi items. All of this (and more!) contributed to a pretty humorous series. Saki especially showed this, since she was basically the oddball of the group, coming to the club only because her boyfriend was in it. Yet, even though she was not an otaku, she was the one person who stood up the most for it.
I would have liked some characters featured more, such as Sasahara's sister or the pest who kept bashing Genshiken but felt like he was its leader. Oh, and the creepy chairman as well - but his mystery, stalkerish factor just made him more appealing.
I also liked how the title of each episode made each aspect of anime - cosplaying, for example - sound so much more sophisticated than it actually was.
Animation and music-wise, Genshiken doesn't really do a good job. The colors are mundane, except when the anime's featuring games or other series. Character designs are simple though more realistic than most. I didn't even really hear the BGM, and continuously skipped over the opening and ending themes.
All in all, this series is good for a short break from all of those action and thought-provoking animes.
Posted by : Gen3s1s
Posted on : 2008-05-21
Genshiken is a pretty great anime, what I like about it most is how quickly it creates a very cushy and comfortable environment, which gets you hooked in almost instantly. Although it's not for everyone, the anime isn't something you can take seriously. So if your looking for something with a solid storyline then look elsewhere.
The story.... there isn't one really. O.K there is one, but it lacks depth and everything else you'd look for in a plot. It's calm with rather silly but comedic events taking place.
The Music is also calm and soothing which suits the anime perfectly. Other than that it's hardly even noticeable, the same goes for the OP and ED too. Music isn't a strong point in the anime however, it wasn't even necessary for there to be any to begin with.
The Characters are simply nothing short of superb. Each with there own personalities. Sasahara is probably the only boring one there, the anime could of been just as great without him. My favorite has to be Madarame, he can sort of "exaggerate" the problems when in a bad situation, especially when he's around Saki.
The animation is rather mundane, using plain colors which suit the environment created by the characters.
The anime is great for what it was set out to do. I'd totally recommend it to anyone looking for something that they could just to relax to. If your looking for something to take seriously, then like I said before you should just look elsewhere.
Posted by : nickofsatan
Posted on : 2007-08-17
Genshiken was very quick to the uptake. It quickly created the setting and I laughed my head off in the first few episodes. And that was basically it.
The animation is average. It uses a more textured background to help create the city setting, but the quality isn't anything superb and the characters faces can be refined quite a bit.
The main catch of the show is to poke fun at the otaku lifestyle. Anyone who has at least a little knowledge in anime/manga will know whats going on and have a good time too. Its a very inventive idea and the comedy is well delivered at first. Each title is funny and everything flows pretty well.
The problem with the show was to integrate other elements in with the comedy such as plot advancements, serious moments, and character development. Most of the laughs come from the silliness of the characters, and it would have been nice to see some satire or sophisticated humor. When any attempt was made to advance the plot or characters, Genshiken went from funny to flat fast. Some effort could have been made to set a story and then integrate in the comedy, which would have been much nicer. There are parts when it is clearly going nowhere but you are lulled in to watch it anyways. And given at the end, the main intention of the story is foggy and inconclusive.
Verdict- It's a nice leisure anime for more experienced viewers. Don't really expect to think or take it very seriously, and you'll have a good time.
Posted by : Piotr
Posted on : 2007-07-25
An interesting anime. I liked a lot the intelligent dialogues, mainly when the characters talk about animes and stuff. Genshiken presents a laughable comedy also, specially with the strange otaku Kohsaka, the grumpy non-otaku Kasukabe and the talkative otaku Madarame. This anime showed a lot the otaku way of life, to great effect. There are a lot of otakus characters and they are well worked out. However, I didn't like the narrator (Sasahara) at all, he is just too normal, maybe Madarame would be a better one. However, that is not a big problem, because Sasahara does not appear very much. Ohno, a G-cup otaku, likes to cosplay and I liked her a lot, specially when she becomes embarassed (the seiyuu that voiced Ohno was fantastic in that moments).
The idea to show an anime inside other (Kujibiki Unbalance) was good, because it allowed the characters to discuss some interesting details about anime, like the directors' influences. The songs fit the anime and the artwork is not that bad. Unfortunately, there were few episodes, just twelve, but I do not blame them, because there was not enough audience. I recommend this anime to everyone, because everybody that watches animes and reads manga should learn a few about the culture they are absorbing and the otakus.
Posted by : kannagisai
Posted on : 2006-12-02
Genshiken has a special place in my anime collection. I can truly identify with the outsider's perspective into the eccentric sub-culture which characterizes otaku.
If one were to describe this show to an interested party, there really wouldn't be much in terms of plot to speak of (think Azumanga Daioh). Do these slice-of-life shows ever really have a plot? Genshiken isn't so much a story, but rather an elongated observation into the eccentric lives of a group of anime/manga/game/cosplay dorks. The characterization of each of these individuals is so dead-on that anyone who has actually stepped back and looked at the real-life versions will immediately recognize at least a few of them. The main character, Sasahara, is essentially a diversion as we watch his slow evolution into an unabashed, full-blown otaku. The main course here is actually the pitiable girlfriend of pretty-boy otaku Kohsaka, who unintentionally gets dragged deeper and deeper into this strange world. Saki (the poor thing) is absolutely repulsed by the mere perception that she is associated with these weirdos but at the same time she can't pull herself away from her beautiful boyfriend -- eventually even becoming a club member herself.
In the end, Genshiken is a fun little patronization of an element of folks who the masses generally don't understand -- and for good reason. Recommended for both the hard-core fans (it's about them isn't it?) and people like me who love the medium for the art and entertainment but don't like the connotation that comes from those who define themselves by it!!!
Posted by : d4rk_w4t3r
Posted on : 2006-11-15
Well, I tried to watch this anime because the average score (8+), but it disappointed me. Not because of this anime is bad, but it's not good enough. It needs something more interesting to be added.
Character : Just so so. All otakus except for one girl. And the otakus here are described as not so-fun people (anime/manga freak). And I can't find them absorb me to their characters.
Story : Yeah, this might suit you when you have a lot of spare time. Not quite worth it, though. I find the story is mostly about buying anime or manga things, playing games. Only really small episodes that got interesting stories. Too bad. Oh and if you have watched School Rumble or maybe Ouran Host Club, you'll find it hard to laugh. The jokes are lame.
Animation : The animation is standard, and I find that Kujibiki Unbalance (anime inside Genshiken) to have better animation than Genshiken itself.
Well, overall, I wont recommend this. I think this anime doesn't deserve an 8. If you seek great comedy or something that can make you not stop watching, don't watch this.
overall 6 out of 10
Posted by : Himitsu
Posted on : 2006-05-03
It was a fun series, and it's not recommended if you've recently been introduced to anime. This show will use many, many unfamiliar terms and references to unfamiliar anime/manga. Make sure you know your gundam stuff! (I didn't...)
This was a refreshing series. It had superb animation for a not-so-flashy show. The jokes they made were hilarious, the awkward pauses and abrupt gesticulations were done well too. Each character was fun to watch. Just who was the main character anyway?
The music was alright. It definitely gave off a "slice of life" vibe. The sound effects were not outstanding, but the screams and yelps were very well done. It's hard to think of any other voice for say... Saki, Ohno, or Kohsaka.
Genshiken is an anime about Otakuness, for Otakus really. Though it does dive into the issues an "otaku" would face with "normal" people. I can't say they gave good arguments for some trials ex. finding hentai (2D images) stimulating or the thrills of coplaying. But they did present it in a very fun and friendly manner.
Not a very strong storyline from the beginning, and that's probably why the ending was so weak. Still, I had fun watching Genshiken and gained a lot from it. It takes subcultures into perspective, and makes you laugh in the process.
Posted by : Baboonbutte
Posted on : 2006-04-08
Wow, Genshiken is one of the FUNNIEST anime I've ever seen! Using the contrast of the lifestyle of an otaku with the lifestyle of normal people, we see how the members of the Genshiken find joy.
I was a bit disappointed at the end because the anime can really extend to more than 12 episodes, but I suppose that just shows how much I enjoyed it!
I like the fact that every member of the Genshiken has their own personality. Also the fact that there is a female otaku, and how a good-looking guy can have also fallen into the addiction of video games and anime. I just love the way Madarame always bicker with saki-Chan and how they try to treat real life situations by imagining they're playing a game.
The soundtracks are very good. I like both the opening theme and the ending.
The animation is also very good as they all have their own unique faces although Saki-Chan and her boyfriend did look a bit alike.
Hmm.. what else. Overall, I really enjoyed the anime! =)
Posted by : Sirena
Posted on : 2006-02-07
If you can normally fit most anime into a stereotypical category, Genshiken creates its own. Never have I seen one that comes close enough to it to be in the same category. Set in the real world, but it goes in such a completely odd direction as to be almost out of that genre completely. No, this is a social comedy centered on the eccentric little ecosystem that encompasses anime and the otaku. If you couldn't tell by way of the lack of much traditional plot, the episode titles ought to clue you in. They're hilarious. XD
This is definitely one of the funniest anime I've ever watched, and that's saying a lot. When I watch, I tend to do it with others, and we trade comments back and forth to laugh at it, but Genshiken makes the comments for you and all you have to do is laugh. Which you do almost non-stop. Every minute there is something else, which is both incredibly ridiculous and makes perfect sense, all with a sidelong jab at society that keeps the humor flowing. It holds no punches, addressing every idea a normal person might have about an otaku, and what an otaku would think about normal people, with surprisingly insightful comments coming out of nowhere.
The music doesn't really grab me one-way or the other. Usually I like the opening or ending themes, even if they're just cute or funny, but these songs I can just forget as soon as they're over. I do like how the endings are usually a reflection of what went on in the episode earlier, even though they have almost no movement.
Sasahara is a kind of bland character; you almost forget he's there despite the fact that he's supposed to be the main person. The only development we see from him is becoming more like the rest of the club members, with nothing that distinguishes him except that he's new. That stutter guy who I can never remember is also kind of more background than anything else, but most of the others are good, and well designed for the comedy. The chairman is just plain creepy, with those eyes that belong on a deer and a zombie head. Still, only two of them are actually strong: Madrame and Saki. I mean, much of the plot is Saki trying to get Kohsaka to look at her more, while he's an oblivious idiot, and Madrame and company goading or helping her. While it's always hilarious what extremes everyone will go to, after all, nothing really lasting happens, other than Saki slowly sliding towards otakuness. And that, then, leaves you feeling a little bored once you finish giggling your head off.
Posted by : xenocrisis0153
Posted on : 2006-02-01
Review based on all 12 English-Dub Episodes...
ANIMATION: Nothing too spectacular as far as the art quality goes. The series is strictly slice-of-life, so there's no need for flashy effects and ultrahyper visuals. Just some nice background scenery and details in distinguisable objects (8/10)
MUSIC: Ugh, I'm usually head-over-heels in love of any song in Japanese, but this series kinda failed in this department. The opening song fits the show, but does nothing for me. The saving grace is UNDER17's catchy tune for the intro of the series-within-a-series OVA Kujibiki Unbalance. (8/10)
CHARACTERS: Another weak element of Genshiken is the characters. I have seen all 12 episodes and I still cannot tell you the names of the major players only because none of them (save for the females) are remotely interesting. I do like how the focus of the series is spread dead-evenly amoung all of the cast, but this is also why none are particularly stand-out on their own. They are pretty normal, which of course, is the intention of the producers. (7/10)
STORY: As just mentioned, this story is a normal, slice-of-life series about the members of an anime club at a small japanese college. There is no real plot to speak of per se, but the day-to-day activities keep viewers interested as to what will happen next. It is a seemingly accurate portrayal of how it is to be an anime fan (though the absense of anything internet-related (hello!! like writing reviews!!) has been noticed by many who have watched this show). (9/10)
OVERALL: Genshiken does for anime-fans what Comic Party did for manga-fans. Though Comic Party had more lively characters and a more colorful world, what Genshiken presents to us is energetic and interesting enough to appeal to most anime otaku of today. Though certainly many aspects of the characters lives are not visible, it does feature many of what we can all relate to in terms of being otaku. I would recommend that all anime fans at least see this series once, and though they may enjoy it, the replay value may not be enough to make it a treasured item compared to the real anime series out there. (8/10... 4 stars)
Posted by : akakp
Posted on : 2005-10-25
Genshiken is probably one of the most memorable animes that I have ever seen. Maybe it sticks out in my mind because it's really the only anime based on the life of an otaku. I've only been watching anime seriously for about a year and a half or so, and I've always used to ponder what anime freaks in Japan were like. Genshiken was able to give me a good perception of what Japanese otakus were like, and I've finally figured out that they are no different in personality than otaku's living in America.
The story of Genshiken starts off with Sasahara, a freshmen in college looking to join an anime club of some sort. He looks at a few clubs and doesn't really like what he sees. After some deliberation and testing, he finally joins the Society for the Study of Modern Visual Culture, also known as Genshiken. There he meets all kinds of anime otaku's and one non otaku who happens to be in club because she is dating a cute anime freak.
The animation in Genshiken is very nicely done, while the music could've been a little better, but hey it's a comedy so what can you expect other than upbeat comedic tunes? The one thing that made me rate Genshiken so high was that at times I felt as if i totally related to some of the character's feelings and personalities. Like when Kohsaka chooses to play video games over spending time with his girlfriend Kasukabe, or like when Sasahara is shy at first about looking at anime material in public. A number of scenes hit home and I was impressed by how Genshiken accurately portrayed an anime fan's life
This anime really wanted me to take a vacation to Japan and tour around Akihabara, and maybe I will go in the near future when I turn a little bit older. Genshiken is a very funny anime, and each episode is filled with realistic twists and turns of an anime otaku. There may have been a couple of not so exciting episodes, but other than those few, this anime is a must watch for any true anime fan.
Review Score: 9/10
Posted by : forevergone
Posted on : 2005-10-15
Genshiken is a unique take on anime in terms of plot structure. Not basing its storyline around fictional plots, it derives the main plot off the life of an otaku and their social status in their environment. While it may seem queer at first, Genshiken really does portray the epitome of an otaku really well. It provides insight about the different lifestyles that accommodate an otaku and still being able to provide comic relief. In some ways, it's like watching a show about our behaviors and us. It doesn't feel that way when people watch the series, but in fact, it really is.
Mostly, I found Genshiken to be a pleasurable title to watch because it really does portray the lifestyle of an otaku accurately. We can't help but laugh because some of these situations that appear in the series are situations that an otaku faces in reality. In the long run, we're inadvertently laughing at ourselves.
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