This site is designed for accessibility. Content is obtainable and functional to any browser or Internet device. This site's full visual experience is available in a modern browser that supports web standards. Please consider upgrading your browser.
ファイト／ステイナイト 
Well, this is much better than the last one. While there are some boring bits, this episode also has its share of funny scenes. I think this the sort of episode that I like from this series. One that shows the various aspect of otakudom instead of the social life of its members. Animation-wise, this episode seems to be okay although there is nothing exceptionally outstanding about it. Anyway, with one more episode to go, this episode seems to be intentionally geared to provide some kind of closure for the season finale. But considering the nature of the series, I think it's possible that there won't be any real conclusion in the upcoming final episode.
This episode itself begins with Saki getting a bump in her head after accidentally tripping on Kousaka's magazine. She tries to persuade Kousaka to clean up his room but when that does not work so well, she decides to vent her frustration to other Genshiken members. She does this by insisting on cleaning up their messy headquarter after a box accidentally falls on top of her head. Madarame and the others have no choice but to agree to her demand and begins to pack things in boxes and place some items in the storage area. After the items are taken to the storage area, however, Saki accidentally (or not, considering the fact that she wanted to burn them to begin with) lit a fire on the items. Madarame, who also presents at the moment is taken by surprise with this latest incident to the point that at first he can't do anything but holding on to Saki.
When he finally realises what happens, however, the fire has already spread all over the place. Despite an interference by Kitagawa who takes the initiative to call the fire department, none of the items can be saved. Because of this incident, the Student Council is also not happy with Genshiken and decides to ban them away from their room for a while. Saki, who feels guilty about the incident tries to ask the others to forgive her. Ohno, however, has a better idea: she wants Saki to replace her in an upcoming cosplay event. Ohno feels that Saki owes her that much especially since she has become sick after Saki accidentally throws a bucket of water into her while trying to quell the fire. Saki at first refuses and tries to come up with various excuses. But when everyone puts the blame on her, she has no other choice but to agree to Ohno's terms.
On the day of the cosplay event, however, Saki can not be found anywhere. Thankfully, Kousaka manages to find her before the event starts, allowing Ohno to then dress Saki up as Chairman Ritsuko from Kujibiki Unbalanced. The reaction to Saki's cosplay is extremely positive except from Kitagawa, who giggles her way through as she sees Saki parading in her costume. In the middle of the event, Saki spots a pervert trying to film the girls' underwear using hidden camera inside a bag. So Saki slaps the guy and then opens his bag to prove her point. The incident earned Saki a huge applause from the audience, much to her surprise. The episode then ends with Saki having to give information about the pervert to the police while still in her costume since the police is so enamoured with her costume.
Impression:
It's interesting to see Saki's progression into the club from the start of the series to this point in time. I think she slowly begins to understand the interest of the people she spent most of her time with. At the same time, this does not mean that she will ever become like one of them. She may enjoy an occasional Manga or two but I don't think she'll ever become obsessed about it nor will she ever become an Anime convert. It's interesting to note that in Japan itself, Manga reading is considered a rather normal activity that is not looked down upon whereas Anime watching for some reason has negative connotations attached to it. In this respect, then Saki basically still remains in her position as the 'normal person' within Genshiken. She has changed her perception and understanding a bit but this doesn't mean that she herself will become an Anime fan.
Genshiken is 50% Saki, 25% Madarame, 10% Ohno, 5% Tanaka. The rest is negligible. And I actually thought that Sasahara was supposed to be the lead character ^_^;;
Yay for Saki-san!!
Sasahara IS a lead character. Just wait till you see the season finale. He'll show you what a lead character he is :P
I wrongly assumed that anime-watching is more normal than manga-reading. I guess it's the opposite.
Ten, apparently you can read manga on a train and no one will bait an eyelid. I supposed it's like reading a novel or a book. On the other hand, most people who have gone to Japan have told me not to openly out yourself as an anime fan unless you want a certain stigma to be associated to you.
Despite how the word has been used in a slightly different way in the western culture, the word 'Otaku' itself is not flattering in Japan. It's original meaning is actually 'Home'. When applied to avid anime fans, it has the connotation of people who spend too much of their time at home watching fabricated reality instead of interacting with real people.
This probably has changed lately (at least I hope so) as diverse type of people start to become interested in anime. But in general I think the negative connotation of 'Otaku' remains. Why else do you think Saki started out looking down on these guys? It'll take a while before this preconception of Otaku in society becomes different.
In my own personal experience, I really regret the fact that I accidentally let it slip to my Japanese teacher that I watch anime. While I'm sure she doesn't look down on it, I can't help but feeling that she also does not encourage it either :)
Is it fair to say that this 'certain stigma' is similar to the majority's perception (in the US, at least) to sci-fans (i.e. Trekkies)?
Hmm, to tell you the truth, I have no idea if there is such stigma associated to sci-fi fans in the US because I'm not that big of a sci-fi fan myself. What kind of stigma associated to sci-fi fans in general?
Is there really a problem with admitting that you like anime, sci-fi or whatever? I somewhat doubt that because almost everybody watches TV or DVDs and likes this or that series. I don't think that by admitting that you like Star Trek you become a trekkie or that you're an Otaku because you watch some anime series. I think these stigmata refer only to people which went overboard with their hobby and are kind of obsessed e.g., if you religiously visit conventions, buy tons of fan articles, identify yourself with fictional characters etc.
In short, if your life (at least your freetime) is all about anime instead of just being *one* part of your life, then *I* would consider you an "otaku". Though, such kind of obsessions are not limited to anime.
Nonetheless, things are different when you're still at school because at that age all kind of crap matters and people with a bad (most often weak) character will eagerly use any prejudice against you to draw attention off their own little "flaws" and idiosyncrasies.
From experience, a majority of people would smirk behind your back once they find you're *into* sci-fi/fantasy genre. Basically, you're labelled a nerd or something.
I was once a closeted Buffy-fan because of the fear of being labelled as such until I realize I really don't care what others think anymore. But then again, the academe reveres the Buffyverse. So it's pretty much acceptable as a mainstream hobby these days.
I would like to say, Garten, about your comment about the fact that the Japanese society and its views on manga reading and anime watching. I think that the reason why anime watching is looked down upon as opposed to manga reading is because maybe in Japan, manga, because it is the original, is considered somewhat sacred, while anime on the other hand is mearely a copy of it and since some anime doesn't follow the original manga, they are gennerally disregarded. Also, the anime may not adhere to the same quality as the manga. That is my personal opinion on the views of Japanese society.
Note:
Please be aware that the following type of comments will be deleted from now on: spams, comments containing l33t talk or rudeness. Check Animesuki, Tokyo Toshokan, or D-Addicts before asking where to find a series. If you want to post spoiler, please use <spoiler>write your spoiler here</spoiler> tags.
The comment area allows post without email address. However, all posters have to fill out the name field. If you have a question unrelated to the particular entry, please email: designchronicle@NOSPAMgmail.com. Make sure you remove the NOSPAM part of the email.