What is 'Densha Otoko'?
Densha Otoko, or 'Train Man' is the name of a very popular book published in Japan in early 2005, which tells the true story of a nerdy guy who falls in love with a girl who he saved from a drunk on a train. This entire story takes place on a Japanese bulletin board system called 2ch, or 'ni-channel', particularly in a thread called 'Men Being Shot from Behind', where single men get together and gripe about being single.
In typical Japanese fashion, after the tremendous success of the book, both a movie version and a TV drama series were released. 'Densha Otoko' is really the "it" book of 2005 for Japan. It's a really great story and I hope that this translation helps you enjoy it, too.
Disclaimers
The original Japanese version of 'Densha Otoko' took place on the internet, and an archive is available online. The book version was created from the online archive, however some parts of the text were slightly changed. This English translation is done from the online version, which is in the public domain.
HOWEVER, translation is a very personalized process and I would greatly appreciate it if you'd refrain from reproducing these translations. But please feel free to link to the Project - it is totally LINK FREE.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
The Characters
Train Man: The main character. A self-professed anime/game nerd who frequents Akihabara, the technology/anime/idol Mecca of the Tokyo area.
Hermes: A young lady of proper upbringing, with whom Train Man falls in love.
The 2-channelers: The anonymous residents of the 2ch BBS system. They are witness to Train Man's romantic coming-of-age, and also offer wisdom, advice and support.
Nakano Hitori: AKA "Naka no Hito". The "author" of 'Densha Otoko'. "nakano hitori" means "one of them"; it's the penname of the anonymous 2-channeler who compiled all the original posts into a website, which started the 'Densha Otoko' phenomenon.
"Densha Otoko" - The Train Man - Mission.1 - A Call For Help - "dinnerwhere help"
When it was all over, a certain resident of the BBS spoke. "I'll admit it. At first I underestimated Train Man. He whined and cried over a little thank you phone call, so I thought we all had to step in and show him some support. But now Train is lightyears ahead of me..." The Train Man, who showed courage on a train. Can he show it outside of the train, as well?
Train Man - Basic Specs
Age 22
Salary $30K-$40K / no car
age = years without a girlfriend
virgi(trunkated)
Style: Looks like a nerd from Akihabara
Location: somewhere in Tokyo
Family situation: average. Lives at home with his parents.
Celebrity he resembles: the guitarist for ELT
Target - Basic Specs
Nickname: Hermes
Age: mid-20s
Celebrity she resembles: Ogawa Tamaki, (YOU+Kuninaka Ryouko)/2
Nakatani Miki
Hobby: Eating at trendy restaraunts
YOU ARE READING
