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Densha OtokoDensha Otoko (translated as Train Man) is a Japanese movie, television series, manga,novel, and other media, all based on the purportedly true story of a 23-year-old otaku

who intervened when a drunk man started to harass several women on a train. The otaku

ultimately begins dating one of the women.

Densha Otoko is a popular example of the "nice guy" class of Japanese geeks who wish

to lead normal lives, but are too shy to find a girlfriend, or speak openly anywhere but

online.The television series uses a large number of computer-bound extras.

StoryOn March 14, 2004, at 9:55 p.m., an anonymous user posted in a 2channel thread forsingle men to talk about their woes. According to his account, he had been sitting next to

a young woman on the train when a drunken man entered the car and began bothering the

other passengers, most of whom were female. When the drunk began to badger aparticular woman, the poster took the risk of telling the man to stop bothering the

passengers. The two struggled for a short time while the other passengers used this

distraction to summon the conductor, who took control of the situation.Never having done such a thing in his life, the poster was amazed to find the woman

thanking him deeply for saving her from harassment. The young woman requested his

address, telling him that she wanted to express her appreciation for his act, before they

parted ways. The poster, upon returning home, shared his experience with other posters inthe thread and was eventually nicknamed "Densha Otoko" (Train_Man).

A few days later, Train_Man received a package from the woman: an expensive set of

cups and saucers made by Herms, a French luxury goods comFlabbergasted, the manturned to the 2channelers for advice; he was soon convinced that the tea set was too

expensive to be a mere thank-you gift.pany. Following the advice and suggestions of the

other posters, Train_Man eventually contacted the woman.The man who wrote admitted things about himself, such as the fact that his number of

years without girlfriends equalled his age, that he was an Akihabara nerd and an otaku,

and that he had never been on a date. Because of this last fact, he consistently posted

updates on his situation, asking for advice on everything from restaurant choices to whatclothing to wear. After an enjoyable first date, they began meeting regularly. Following

the 2channelers' collective advice, he got a haircut, updated his wardrobe, and began to

emerge from his shell. After several dates, his demeanor had changed for the better andthis culminated a few months later in his confessing his love for her. She reciprocated,

and when the 2channelers were informed, there was a mass celebration; posts began

flowing in congratulating the new couple, and extravagant Shift JIS art pictures were

posted.Train_Man's posts continued for a while longer, but on May 17, there were posts about

the couple being on the verge of having sex, and several forum members made

inappropriate comments on the subject. Later that night, Train_Man left the boards forgood.