Sasahara Kanji is a college freshman who joins a student society to share his hidden thoughts on manga, anime, and gaming. Upon first visiting Genshiken, short for “Gendai Shikaku Bunka Kenkyuu Kai” (Society for the Study of Modern Visual Culture), his unfounded pride is shattered by the scheming of sophomore member Madarame, yet he still cannot admit that he is an otaku. As he participates in society activities such as visiting doujin (self‑published) shops and anime festivals, he spends time with other members: Kosaka, a hardcore otaku known for his extreme eccentricities and good looks; Kosaka’s girlfriend Kasuga Saki, who isn’t really an otaku; and Ohno (a…).