This led to the compilation of the relevant threads in a book, followed by several manga versions, a movie, a theatrical play later released as a DVD, and finally a TV series.

Densha Otoko is a popular example of the "nice guy" class of Japanese geeks who wish to lead normal lives, but are too shy to find a girlfriend, or speak openly only online.

[6] A few days later, Train Man received a package from the woman: an expensive set of cups and saucers made by Hermès, a French luxury goods company.

[7] Because of this last fact, he consistently posted updates on his situation, asking for advice on everything from restaurant choices to what clothing to wear.

While many attest to the truth of the story—including the producers of the television series, who supposedly contacted the real Train Man—it has not been proven that the story was completely authentic.

A list of inconsistencies in the story has been collated, including Train Man being too young to have a university degree and be in the workforce for three years.

Mark Schilling of The Japan Times comments that "since Fuji TV intends Densha Otoko for prime-time broadcast, Hermess (Nakatani) can only suggest a big sisterly friendliness and affection, meaning that the sexual chemistry between her and Train Man (Yamada) is zero".

[9] Pop Culture Shock's Erin Finnegan reported, "when asked if the original novel would ever be imported, manga industry reps at New York Comic Con lamented that 2chan's version of l33t is nearly impossible to translate.

[2] President and CEO for Viz Pictures, Seiji Horibuchi, comments that the film Train Man: Densha Otoko "will make people think fondly about their own first experiences with love and the thrill and rush it caused.

[2] The Japan Times' Janet Ashby commented that the book felt like an "otaku wish-fulfillment fantasy: Someday I will magically meet Miss Right, rescue her like a knight on a white horse, be transformed into Mr.

Sparrow comments on the artwork of Densha Otoko: Train Man saying, "Hidenori Hara brings an old school style to his illustration, and there are moments where the complex panel layouts (particularly when several online people are offering advice at once) recall some of Will Eisner's best work.

"[45] A later review by Sparrow comments that Hidenori Hara's "work seems the most cartoonish of the bunch, with some of the characters looking almost like afterthoughts, but it's that scribbling style that really sets this version of the story apart."

[46] Anime News Network's Carlo Santos' review of Train Man: A Shōjo Manga commends it for its "unique character viewpoint and a sweet, lighthearted mood".

"[47] Watanabe draws a Hermess that is among the cutest female manga characters I have ever seen, making her the perfect object of affection for Train.