Train Man

Just the other day, Andrew and I watched a delightful film called Train Man, or, in its original Japanese title, Densha Otoko. It is based on a supposedly true story that happened in 2004 and has captured Japan's heart, and has had books, mangas, a TV series, and now a movie based on it.

Densha Otoko tells the story of a young man and his quest to win the woman of his dreams. Yet this young man is no ordinary young man, rather he is a self proclaimed otaku. In Japanese culture, an otaku is somewhat of a social pariah. They are what Americans might call geeks, but even more so. Otaku are obsessed with certain cultural phenomena, like music, electronics, or anime. They are often portrayed as socially inept, hygienically challenged, and very strange. In Japan, to be called an otaku is considered a severe insult, although here in America anime and manga fans have embraced the term otaku for themselves proudly.

The story starts in 2004 on an online bulletin board (like a chat room) called 2channel when a user user named Train_Man posts a story about what happened to him that day on the train. A drunk business man was harassing several woman on the evening train, and Train_Man, usually shy and quiet, surprised even himself when he stood up to defend the women. He managed to subdue the drunk and went with the women to the police station. After their police interviews, all the women wanted his name and address so they could send him a thank you note for his gallantry, including one lovely young woman who took Train_Man's breath away. He posts his story on 2channel in hopes of receiving help on what to do next, should anything happen, and just to share his story with some friends, strangers though they may be.

Then, just a few days after his first post he comes back to the board with more news. The pretty girl from the train has indeed sent him a thank you for his help, and its not just a card, but a package. At the urging of the users of 2channel, he opens the package and discovers a set of two tea cups. Describing the details of the teacups to his readers, he tells them that the manufacturer is a company called Hermes. He has no clue what that means, but again, the users of the chat room fill him in on the fact that it is a well known, very expensive company from England. The users of 2channel then encourage Train_Man to call the woman, now known as Hermes, and invite her out to dinner to thank her for such a generous gift. They then guide him on what to wear, how to act, where to go for dinner, and what to say. They are the fairy godmothers of Train_Man's tale, helping change him from an otaku into a prince.

What is charming about this film is how earnest Train_Man is in his quest to win Hermes's heart. His efforts to change himself are endearing, and you can tell that he is changing himself not just for Hermes, but for himself as well. You really feel for Train_Man as he fumbles through his dates and all the awkwardness of first love.

You also become involved with the users of 2channel, who appear not just as anonymous users on a computer screen, but as real people. One user is a nurse who seems to be trying to heal a broken heart. Another user is a tired business man, almost cynical with life, but Train_Man's story brings him hope. Another is a woman who seems tired of her life as a housewife. Yet one more user is actually three people combined- a group of otaku who view Train_Man as the representative of otaku everywhere, and take his trials and tribulations to heart, and engage in wild fantasies illustrating just that notion.

Train_Man is a movie with heart. I had a smile on the entire time I watched the film. It was a sweet love story and a fascinating glimpse into another culture. If you are looking for a bit of whimsy in your life, this is the film for you. Whether or not it is even a true story doesn't matter, as it gives you a sense of hope that there is a love for everyone out there in the world.

PS- if you do watch the film, be sure to sit through the credits for an amusing little bonus scene at the end!