Otaku no Video - Recommendations

7thMethuselah says...

These are two anime that give a deep insight into how a real japanese otaku acts, thinks, occupies himself etc... We get insight on their daily activities, on the hobbies they have (within the otaku universe), ... They also give alot of background information on certain side events like animeCon's, Doushinji, cosplay and so on. While otaku no Video is getting a bit old, Genshiken gives a new fresh view on Otaku-ness. But both are great for learning about the otaku world in Japan

ironfrost says...

Both are along very similar lines - a slightly mocking but above-all affectionate study of otaku culture. Genshiken dates from 2004-05 and Otaku no Video is from the 80s, but it's easy to see the similarities.

vivafruit says...

Besides the incredibly obvious fact that the two anime share the same subject material, Otaku no Video and Genshiken both approach this material in pretty much the same way. In either one, you can find a humorous and informative look at the otaku subculture. You'll also find an interesting dichotomy where the creators both mock and sympathize with the rather oddball characters.

requiem says...

So you like stories about otakus, right? Genshiken and Otaku no Video encompass the world of otakus and their habits, and somehow poke fun at them. They are almost wholly alike, aside from animation, story, and some of the parody material.

Ultima says...

While both anime focus on different aspects of "being an otaku", Otaku no Video was the first otaku documentary that integrated actual otaku interviews with an anime running as a backstory. However, Otaku no Video is quite outdated and times have changed. While many similar themes are expressed in Genshiken, Genshiken focuses on the "modern" otaku and centers on a group of friends in an anime club called Genshiken. Each episode depicts a specific aspect of otaku life ranging from cosplaying to going to anime conventions. If you liked either anime, it's a good choice to check out the other.

Regal says...

Both series are about otaku people and their hobbies,their thinking and their"world".If you liked one,you'd surely like the other.

Preypacer says...

Otaku no Video and Genshiken both deal with the Anime/Manga/Model/Cosplay/Conventions club atmosphere in Japan. Both series are comedy, but deal with issues otaku deal with in real life.

VivisQueen says...

Genshiken is Otaku no Video but with less nuance and more updated material. If you enjoy exploring nerd culture and proving your extensive otaku knowledge by spotting obscure references, then either of these shows will serve you well.

valondar says...

Both Welcome to the NHK! and Otaku no Video deal with social isolation and nerd culture. They treat these subjects with simultaneous blend of savage honesty and side-splitting hilarity. They are strongly recommended for each other and are strongly recommended, period.

VivisQueen says...

In both Otaku no Video and Welcome to the NHK, we get a rare glimpse at the isolated and often mystifying lives of otakus, people who take the anime/manga fandom to extreme lengths. It's tragic, it's alien, and its above all goddamn hilarious. If you enjoyed the misadventures in one, you'll love the equally deranged treatement of the other. Mind you, Otaku no Video is more of an animated parody/pastiche mixed with live-action 'documentaries', rather than a fully developed plot like NHK. But still, similar laughs guaranteed.

NekoRocket says...

Otaku no Video and Animation Runner Kuromi are each a comical look into sections of Japanese culture that people in other countries can only view from the outside. While there are obviously liberties taken with the plots, you'll find that there's just enough truth in each to make them painfully funny. Certainly worth a watch for a good laugh.

NerdyPunk says...

Besides for both plot points involving typical otaku subjects (doujinshi and anime), both have a certain feeling to them about a guy who loves to do something that isn't accepted by his friends, but finds friends within his hobby. Both show inside the life of an otaku, and are both really well done.

Preypacer says...

Otaku no Video and Genshiken both deal with the Anime/Manga/Model/Cosplay/Conventions club atmosphere in Japan. Both series are comedy, but deal with issues otaku deal with in real life.

valondar says...

Both of these Gainax-produced anime include some funny, reference-packed looks at geek interests. Each also has a dash of absurd fantasy, though this is far more true of Abenobashi.

Funkgun says...

There is an awkward moment in both of these titles that it really brings home the uncomfortableness of Otaku, and socially inept people. 

Watmote really delves into it with situations, while Otaku no video does it with some interviews with real life shut-ins. 

Both shows will not always leave you feeling uplifted. But in the end it can feel like someone is making a personal note to others who have these social roadblocks.