
Harunobu Madarame
main character


Sasahara Kanji is a college freshman who decides to join a student society to share his hidden thoughts on manga, anime and gaming. When he first visited Genshiken, short for "Gendai Shikaku Bunka Kenkyuu Kai" (Society for the Study of Modern Visual Culture), his groundless pride was destroyed by the plotting of Madarame, a sophomore student in Genshiken, but he still couldn't admit that he is an otaku. However, as he participates in society activities such as visiting dojin (private publishing) shops and anime festivals, and hangs out with other society members Kosaka (a hardcore otaku despite his extreme eccentricities and good looks), Kosaka's girlfriend Kasuga Saki (who isn't really an otaku), Ohno (a cosplayer) and the others, he opens his mind and resolves that he will make his way into the otaku world. With their help, Sasahara slowly adjusts to otaku life in Genshiken. (Source: AnimeNfo)
Genshiken has been well received, with an average AniList score of 74/100 — 53% of 11,966 ratings are 8/10 or higher.
It ranks #13 highest-rated anime of 2004, and #13 most popular anime of 2004, and #7 highest-rated anime of Fall 2004 on AniList.
Of the 19.8K AniList users who started it, 5.0% dropped it, so it is dropped at a typical rate; 16K have finished it.
At about 5 hours in total, it is a short commitment — a weekend binge.
Best for viewers who enjoy Comedy, Slice of Life — especially otaku culture, school club, parody, college.
Availability, audio and subtitles vary by region and service.
12 episodes are listed.
Theme data from AnimeThemes.moe.
Genshiken has 12 episodes of about 25 minutes each, roughly 5 hours in total.
About 5 hours back to back. At two episodes a day it takes 6 days; at one hour a day, about 5 days.
Yes. Genshiken has finished airing — the final episode aired December 26, 2004.
Yes — the story continues in Genshiken OVA (2006).
Start here: Genshiken is the first entry, followed by Genshiken OVA.
Yes. Genshiken adapts the manga by Shimoku Kio.
Genshiken was animated by Palm Studio and directed by Takashi Ikehata.
The opening, "Kujibiki Unbalance", is performed by an uncredited artist.
Genshiken is listed on OceanVeil. Availability varies by region — check the streaming links on this page.