I just recently finish reading Densha otoko (Train Man) the novel. I have to say that the novel is quite good and I enjoy reading it.
Uh, for anyone who doesn’t know what Densha Otoko is all about, wikipedia has a good article on what is all about. In a nutshell, Densha Otoko is about the story of an otaku who become a hero when he confronts a drunken old man on a train. One day he receives a gift from one of the passenger which accidentally is a girl. He got a pair of HERMES cup. Being clueless of what to do next, he consults the denizen of 2chan of what to do next. From then, he manages to woo the girl of his dream, with the help of the denizen of 2chan.
Thing is, This is not a true novel. Instead the novel itself is laid from Densha Otoko first posting in 2chan until he’s status as a couple with Hermes. It follows Densha Otoko predicament in going out to a date to his maturing as he further his relationship with Hermes. The book itself is a hoot to read, with some of the posting awesomely hilarious. The language is easy to understand, which help I guess. As I have almost no experience with 2chan, I have to say that some of the ASCII I’ve seen is quite impressive. It ranges from the famous moomin to an honest to god ASCII version of a t-72 tank. I was like, wow.
I’m naturally a cynical person so I reckon that the story might not be true, but some part of me want to believe that it truly happen, a story this beautiful really occurred. Well, truth or not, I recommend this book and it’s suitable to all. Some stuff may be quite confusing for anyone who doesn’t know much about otaku culture, but it won’t hinder the reading experience.
(sort of)
loved the series and movies. where did you get the novel ? I might buy 1 copy for me !
I remember reading this some time ago, and watching the drama very soon afterwards. I hope it did actually happen and wish all the best to the Real Trainman, but if it was all an elaborate hoax, the man is a genious!
yes…where did u get this frm?
hm i nv actually heard of the novel.. manga and drama and movie yes.. well all the more i love the storyline.. but i hate the drama actor. he was really irritating to me x)
I liked the TV show and the movie. Here’s something related to densha otako from Japanese TV you might find funny.
link
a genius id say
seen the show,read the manga
looking forward for the novel
I didn’t expect very much from the book at first. I brought a copy with me on a trip to Singapore back in May, thinking that it might help ease the boredom on the long flight or when I had nothing else to do.
Now I think it’s one of the best reads of the year. (^_^)
I especially loved the way they preserved the format of a 2ch thread, down to the timestamps and the shift JIS art. And while I’m inclined to believe that the story isn’t real (the evidence both for and against is far from definitive so I’m keeping an open mind), it’s still a wonderful modern-day fairy tale - whether true or otherwise.
@Anomelus - Go for it
@Diego - I agree with what you said. True or not, it’s still a wonderful modern-day fairy tail.
where can i download this novel! please mail me!
It is a great show, the book is great …KUDOS! Read the novel..Buy its Manga…Watch the show…YOU WON’T REGRET IT!!