2channel (ni-channeru), launched in 1999 by Hiroyuki Nishimura, is one of the most influential internet forums in history, serving as the blueprint for 4chan and global anonymous imageboards. It became a breeding ground for iconic memes, ASCII art characters like Mona and Giko Cat, and the legendary Densha Otoko story. The site is known for its distinct blue and white interface and the strictly anonymous identity of its posters. Today, 2channel memes evoke nostalgia for the early, chaotic web culture of Japan and represent the foundational spirit of anonymous online communities.