Genshiken
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Anime DetailsFINISHED

Format
TV series
Episodes
12
Episode length
25 min
Total watch time
5 hours
Status
Finished
Aired
October 10, 2004 – December 26, 2004
Season
Fall 2004
Source
Manga
Original creator
Shimoku Kio
Music
Masanori Takumi
Age rating
PG — Teens 13 or older
Country
Japan
AniList score
74/100
Estimated watch time
5h
⚡ 3 days at 5 eps/day

Tags & Tropes

Otaku Culture100%School Club84%Parody80%College77%Cosplay76%Ensemble Cast75%Meta73%Heterosexual70%Primarily Adult Cast66%Seinen60%
TVFINISHED2004 FALL7.4 / 10 AniList score

Genshiken

げんしけん
overview details

Synopsis

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)

Should you watch Genshiken?

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.

Where to Watch Officially

Availability, audio and subtitles vary by region and service.

Episodes

12 episodes are listed.

Main cast & voice actors

Creators & key staff

Original creator
Shimoku Kio
Series composition
Michiko Yokote
Character design
Hirotaka Kinoshita

Where it fits in the series

  • Start here. Genshiken is the first entry in its story.
  • Watch next: Genshiken OVA (2006)
Full franchise watch order

Opening & ending themes

Openings (2)

  1. OP1“Kujibiki Unbalance” · eps 1
  2. OP2“My Pace Daioh” · eps 2-12

Endings (1)

  1. ED1“Biidama” by Saori Atsumi

Theme data from AnimeThemes.moe.

If you like Genshiken

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Genshiken FAQ

How many episodes does Genshiken have?

Genshiken has 12 episodes of about 25 minutes each, roughly 5 hours in total.

How long does it take to watch Genshiken?

About 5 hours back to back. At two episodes a day it takes 6 days; at one hour a day, about 5 days.

Is Genshiken finished?

Yes. Genshiken has finished airing — the final episode aired December 26, 2004.

Is there a season 2 of Genshiken?

Yes — the story continues in Genshiken OVA (2006).

Where do I start Genshiken?

Start here: Genshiken is the first entry, followed by Genshiken OVA.

Is Genshiken based on a manga?

Yes. Genshiken adapts the manga by Shimoku Kio.

Who animated Genshiken?

Genshiken was animated by Palm Studio and directed by Takashi Ikehata.

Who sings the opening of Genshiken?

The opening, "Kujibiki Unbalance", is performed by an uncredited artist.

Where can I watch Genshiken?

Genshiken is listed on OceanVeil. Availability varies by region — check the streaming links on this page.