2channel

2channel (now 5channel or 5ch) is a massive anonymous Japanese text board made in may 1999 by Hiroyuki Nishimaru. It allowed completely anonymous, unregistered text posting across hundreds of specialized boards. The original domain (2ch.net) transitioned to 5channel (5ch.net) in October 2017 following ownership changes. It inspired Japanese image boards like futaba channel or western image boards like 4chan. The website was inspired by shift_JIS ascii art, early internet memes and anonymous web culture. While general influence has shifted toward mainstream social media networks, it remains an active data and rumor source in Japan. Long ago before there was 4chan, there was a website called 2channel. It was an anonomyous Japanese textboard that became one of the biggest internet communities in Japan. Because the textboard did not support image embedding, users created their own images out of text. This type of art is often called "ASCII Art" or "AA", but is more accurately referred to as "Shift_JIS art" or "SJIS art" due to using the Shift JIS character set (as well as a non fixed-width font).

Many of the AA images evolved over time to become popular memes, with characters such as Mona and Giko becoming comparable to wojaks or rage faces. Sadly, there currently isn't much of a community for them on the anglophone web.

Mona is an iconic cat-like Japanese ascii art (AA) mascot that originated on early Japanese text boards like Amezou and ayashii World before becoming famous on 2channel (now 5ch) Mona was rendered in Shift_JIS text art as a white cat-like or bear-like creature with pointed ears, a small mouth shaped like an upside-down "A", and punctuation marks for squinted, droopy eyes. His catchphrase originally used the phrase "omae-ra mo himana yatsurada nā" ("You guys have too much spare time"). This evolved into the retort "Omae mo nā" (お前もナー, meaning "You too" or "Look who's talking"), turning Monā into the ultimate symbol of trolling and sarcastic comebacks. Monā inspired numerous derivative characters, flash animations, video games, and even gave its name to Monacoin, Japan's first alternative cryptocurrency.

Moralar (モララー) is a character derived from Mona. His catchphrase is "Matāri shiyou yo!" (マターリしようよ!) which translates to "Let's relax!" Moralar was originally a friend and a narrative foil to Mona. His name is literally a combination of "moral" and "Mona". Moralalr is chill, reasonable, and easygoing whereas Mona is often... ...not those things. He's basically Mona's conscience/the conscience of 2ch. But some 2ch users found his ・∀・ smile creepy, and portrayed him as a twisted fucking cycle path instead. Moralar is often seen abusing Shii, or being a part of some surreal sex joke. His role as 2channel's conscience is rarely played straight nowadays, and he's more likely to be a hypocrite.

Hattoushin Mona is an elongated, eight head tall ascii art character that originated on the Japanese online text board 2channel (2ch) in the early 2000’s. Hattoushin" (八頭身) translates to "eight heads tall," describing an idealized tall and slender human body proportion applied humorously to a cat-like ASCII face. The character takes the classic 2ch "Mona" ASCII face and stretches it into a bizarre, lanky body. In early 2ch fan art, it was often contrasted with character >>1-san or chased by creepy admirers like >>2-san. A notorious horror-themed Flash animation from October 2003 featured this character. The animation shows Hattoushin Mona acting shy before suddenly cutting to a loud scream and a distorted, grotesque close-up of her face. It became a classic internet shock video in Japan and is frequently listed on "do not search" (risky search) wikis. The character later gained new life in global internet communities and video platforms through smooth, looping animated dance memes (such as Fukkireta-style animations). People continue to reference the lanky art style in modern digital merchandise, fan art, and meme compilations.

Shii (しぃ) is a classic 2channel Shift_JIS text-art character depicted as a female cat living in a box. Designed as a female counterpart to Giko Cat (Giko Neko), featuring asterisks (*) on her cheeks and a facial expression rendered via Japanese text characters ((*゚ー゚)). Often portrayed as Giko's girlfriend or waiting endlessly in her box for love to return, famously highlighted in the early internet flash animation Shii's Song. Released on platforms like Newgrounds in 2002, Shii's Song helped introduce early 2channel Japanese text-art culture to the Western internet. Assistant Professor Shii (しぃ助教授) is more reasonable than Professor Giko. She might be a relative to Shii-Sensei from Shii-Sensei in the Mountains.

Giko Neko (ギコ猫) is a famous Japanese ASCII art cat that emerged as one of the earliest internet memes and a primary mascot for the textboard Ayashii World and later 2channel (2ch). Created around December 3, 1998, predating the launch of 2channel. Depicted as a stylized, wide-eyed cat face made from text characters: (,,゚Д゚) or variants like (,,^Д^). Known for a blunt, aggressive attitude, frequently using catchphrases like "Itteyoshi" ("Go and die" or "You may die") or ending sentences with "GORAA!!". In 2002, the toy company Takara tried to trademark Giko Neko. Outraged 2ch users revolted, forcing the company to withdraw the application and inspiring a kinder derivative character named Takara Giko. Spawned a wide cast of companion ASCII art characters and derivatives, including Mona, Fusagiko, and Shobon. Recognized as a pioneer of Japanese net art and text-board culture, influencing modern digital assets and meme spaces.

Fusagiko (フサギコ) is a fluffy, long-haired ASCII art character from the Japanese textboard 2channel (2ch), created as a variant of Giko Cat. Features thick, bushy hair around its head and face compared to the standard Giko. Famously insists it is a dog rather than a cat, often correcting people who call it a feline. Ends sentences with the catchphrase -dakara (~だから), meaning "like I said" or "therefore". Acts as a knowledgeable advisor or friend to Giko, and has featured prominently in community lore and web animations like Nightmare City. Professor Fusagiko (フサギコ教授) is Professor Giko's rival. He likes to think that he is more serious than Professor Giko, but he is also obsessed with minced meat cutlets. They often debate over whether croquettes or minced meat cutlets are better.

Shobon is a popular Japanese ASCII art character ( ́・ω・) originating from the anonymous text forum 2channel (2ch) to express disappointment, sadness, or a depressed state. Shobon (ショボーン) is a faceless, non-binary white cat-like emoticon with small downward-curved mouth and eyes ( ́・ω・). The word itself implies looking downcast or dejected. Their catchphrase is Known as "Ichinichiikkai shobōn" (一日一回ショボーン), translating to "Shobon once a day". Because early 2ch was strictly text-based, users built elaborate ASCII art (Mona-style and Shift_JIS text art characters) to emote and build lore. Shobon gained international fame by starring in Syobon Action, a notoriously difficult 2007 Japanese freeware parody of Super Mario Bros. filled with sadistic surprise traps. The face later spread across Western meme culture online—frequently referenced on platforms like Tumblr.

In Japanese internet culture, >>2-san (often written as >>2さん) is a shorthand used on the anonymous textboard 2channel (2ch) to address the person who makes the second post in a thread. The breakdown of the syntax means: • >>2: The standard forum anchor / hyperlink pointing directly to post #2. • -san: The polite Japanese honorific ("Mr./Ms.") attached to show mock or genuine respect. On 2ch, the first post (>>1, or >>1-san) sets up the topic or asks a question. Because threads move incredibly fast, the very next person to reply (>>2) holds a special status. Their response often determines whether the thread becomes a joke, a flame war, or a massive success. Over the years, >>2-san became a personified meme in Shift_JIS text art (AA):

On Japanese textboards like 2channel (2ch) (and its successor 5channel), >>1 refers to the original poster (OP) who created the thread. The suffix -san (さん) is standard Japanese honorific politeness. On 2ch, users frequently address or reference the thread creator directly as >>1-san (often localized or personified in textboard text-art culture as a distinct Shift_JIS art character).

The Sasuga Brothers (流石兄弟, Sasuga Kyōdai) are classic ASCII art (AA) characters originating from the Japanese anonymous imageboard 2ch (now 5ch). They evolved from an older, single ASCII art character named Fuun (( ́_ゝ`)フーン), and were initially called the "Fuun Brothers". Sits in front of a computer (often labeled with "FMV"), Older Brother (Anija / 兄者): Sits in front of a computer (often labeled with "FMV"), frequently browsing shady websites or falling victim to browser crashes and malware links. Younger Brother (Otoja / 弟者): Stands right next to him with a hand on the desk, mocking or reacting to his older brother's blunders. Sasuga (流石) translates to "as expected" or "of course," often used sarcastically to mock someone's foolish behavior ("As expected of us...").

Onigiri 2chan refers to Onigiri Mona (often known as Onigiri Wasshoi), a popular Shift_JIS text-art character born on the Japanese message board 2channel (2chan). It is a variation of the classic Mona ASCII-art character, except its head is replaced by a giant triangle-shaped onigiri (Japanese rice ball). The characters are almost always depicted dancing in groups while chanting "Onigiri Wasshoi!!" (おにぎりワッショイ!!), an energetic festival cheer. Originally created by anonymous users on 2channel threads, the character became a viral meme in the early 2000s Japanese web culture. It spawned animations, fan-made Flash games, papercraft models, and physical merchandise like plush toys.

OS-tans are moe anthropomorphic personifications of popular operating systems, originating on the Japanese imageboard Futaba Channel. The designs of the OS-tans, which were created by various amateur Japanese artists, are typically female; for example, the personifications of Microsoft Windows operating systems are often depicted as sisters of varying ages. The -tan element in the term is a hypocoristic suffix in Japanese that implies extremely youthful endearment. Though initially appearing only in fan works, the OS-tans proved popular enough that Microsoft branches in Asian countries such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and Japan used the OS-tan personification concept as the basis for advertising campaigns for Microsoft Windows, Internet Explorer and Microsoft Silverlight, respectively.

Tsuu (つー) is a popular ASCII art (AA) cat character derived from Shii using Ayah's face from the early Japanese message board 2channel (2ch). Created as a derivative character on 2ch's ASCII art culture. Known for being violent, unpredictable, and often depicted throwing energy knives or appearing as a minor background character. Combines the body of the classic Shii cat ASCII character with features from Ayah. Continues to appear in internet lore, fan art, and indie web animations like Nightmare City.

Ayah (アヒャ) is a deranged derivative of Mona that likes to stab people with meat cleavers. They laugh like this: "アヒャヒャヒャ(゚∀゚)ヒャヒャヒャ"

Kiga (キガー) is a starving North Korean soldier that Nidada rescued from a labor camp.

Nidada (ニダダー) is a combination of Nida and Moralar. He is Nida's younger brother. He is more sensible than Nida, but he also supports North Korea

Zai (ザイー) represents Zainichi Koreans (ethnic Koreans living in Japan). He is also used to represent Koreans pretending to be Japanese. They often travel in groups.

Sina (シナー) represents the Chinese. Sometimes Sina and Nida team up to cause mischief together. He wears Quing Dynasty drip and ends all his sentences with "aru" (アル).

Wana (ワナー) represents the Taiwanese. He is friendlier than Sina, and runs a bar where he sells Taiwan Beer. He wears aboriginal drip and ends all his sentences with "wana"(ワナー).

Professor Giko (ギコ教授) is a derivative of Giko who teaches at Tokyo Giko University. He will lecture on any number of bizarre topics. His favorite food is croquettes, and he will often give lectures on them.

Assistant Professor Fusashii (フサしぃ助教授) is Professor Fusagiko's wife. Her favorite food is cream croquettes. She is a very sweet and understanding professor. She was on maternity leave for a while, but has since come back.

Shii-Sensei in the Mountains (山奥のしぃ先生) was a popular thread/long story about Shii becoming a teacher at an elementary school deep in the mountains. The story was started by ◆O4iuhEB.DQ氏 aka. "His Excellency Yamaoku", but many different posters added onto it.

People on the internet are kind of fucked up in the head, and 2channel users are no exception.

Abuse Threads (山奥のしぃ先生) are a popular type of thread on 2channel, where AA characters are tortured and maimed in all sorts of ways. The most common victims in these scenarios are Shii and Chibi Giko, but any character can get abused. The cuter a character, the more likely it is to get abused. In fact, part of the reason AA abuse was started was to mess with people who genuinely liked these characters. AA abuse is quite controversial on 2ch. Some people think it's mean to torture characters that other people like. Others say it's fine because AA characters are just fictional, and besides, sometimes you just want to watch a cute creature getting tormented. Because of this, it's considered rude nowadays to post abuse outside of boards that are dedicated specifically to it.

It's a tiny version of Giko! ...Or is it? Chibi Giko (ちびギコ) is a separate character from regular Giko. He's more mature than Giko, and ends sentences with "~デチ"/"~dechi". Like Shii, he is a common target of abuse. Chibi Giko and his derivatives are usually portrayed as neotenous adults, similar to axolotls. This is especially common in abuse threads, where they are sometimes grown on farms.

Giko originated on Ayashii World, a precursor to 2ch. He was named after the phrase "gikohahaha" (ギコハハハ) which was a memetic laugh at the time. Interestingly, the creator of Giko mispelled "Giko Neko" (ギコ猫) as 擬古猫. ギコ and 擬古 are pronounced the same, but 擬古 translates to "psuedo-classicism". Ayashii World users ran with this and made him say classic sayings with modern twists. However, this characterization was forgotten after he was picked up by 2channel, and he eventually became the suicide baiting asshole we all know and love.

Damarekozo (ダマレコゾウ) is a strong-willed derivative of Chibi Giko. His name comes from the phrase "damare kozo" 黙れ小僧) meaning "Shut up, kid!" He has a strong-willed personality and isn't afraid to stand up to potential abusers, but that doesn't stop him from getting hurt. Sometimes, he tries to protect other AA from abuse. He's also called "Reko" (レコ) for short. His 彡 is sometimes portrayed as wings that allow him to fly. However, this usually isn't the case in abuse threads.

Marala (マララー) was created when someone tried to make a mushroom version of Moralar, but it turned out penis. His name is a pun on the word "mara" (魔羅), and his catchphrase is "mokori shiyou yo!" (モコーリしようよ!).

The rivalry between >>1-san and the Hattoushin Monas is legendary. It all started when some >>1 made a thread about how they thought Hattoushin Monas were gross. Other 2ch users thought it would be funny to fill the thread with AA art of >>1-san getting chased by Hattoushin Monas.

2-san (>>2さん) is a character who is the opposite of >>1-san. He loves Hattousin Monas and tries to chase them, but they find him disgusting and run away from him.

128toushin Mona (128頭身) is (are?) 128 heads tall, making them 16 times as tall as Hattoushin Mona. They chase Hattoushin Monas with their snake-like bodies. Because they are rivals of Hattoushin Mona, they get along well with >>1-san.

4,291,496,7296toushin Mona (四十二億九千四百九十六万七千二百九十六頭身) is approximately 4.3 billion heads tall. They are so tall that most of their body has left Earth and is floating around in space.

The AA "(*゚0゚;;)" was originally used to represent the expression of a Shii that was in pain. However, (*゚0゚;;) eventually became established as its own separate character. It started with a thread called "I want to keep (*゚0゚;;)..." about an (*゚0゚;;) that was kept as a pet. It was established that (*゚0゚;;) have low intelligence and a short lifespan.

Biscuit-tan (ビスケたん) is a moe anthropomorphic KFC biscuit.

Yakul-tan (ヤクルタン) is a moe anthropomorphization of the probiotic milk drink Yakult.

Skal-tan (ビスケたん) is a moe anthropomorphization of the carbonated milk drink Skál.

Sea-Chicken-tan (シーチキンたん) is an anthropomorphic can of corned beef. She is the second-youngest of the four canned food sisters

Sea-Chicken-tan (シーチキンたん) is an anthropomorphic can of tuna. She is the oldest of the four canned food sisters. She is known for carrying around a large fish, which she uses to hit anyone who comments on her small breast size.

Taraba-tan (タラバたん) is an anthropomorphic can of king crab meat. She is the youngest of the four canned food sisters.

Surs-tan (シュールたん) is an anthropomorphic can of surströmming. She is the second-oldest of the four canned food sisters. She is shy and lonely because of her strong smell, which sometimes forces her to sit at a separate table from her siblings when eating.

Wataru Yamazaki (山崎渉) was a meme spammed on 2ch in 2003. Trolls would use bots to write "Wataru Yamazaki" in the name field and "(^^)" in the comments. The bots would comment on irrelevant posts. Eventually, 2ch users turned it into an AA character. There is a manga artist, a football player, a jeweler, and a professor all named Wataru Yamazaki. None of them are related to this meme at all.

Diagonal Shii (斜めしぃ) is an AA that has been around for a while, but doesn't really have much use other than looking cute. Even if you've never heard of 2channel before, you may have seen it posted in webcore tumblr blogs or something like that.

This character wasn't originally intended to be Shii, but was eventually named "Diagonal Shii" due to its resemblance to Shii. It's also known as "North Pole No. 6" (北極6号), "Slanted Shii" (斜めギコ), or even just "( ゚、 。`フ".