Welcome to the NHK

What does it mean to be a NEET? For those unfamiliar with the term, a NEET is someone who is “Not in Employment, Education or Training” over a considerable period. General society will frown upon this kind of unproductive lifestyle, but is there something more there? Well, a Psychological Drama about this particular practice would bring a lot of things to light, and there is an Anime to cater to just that!

“Welcome to the NHK,” also known as “NHK ni Youkoso!” is a 24 episode TV Anime series that aired from the 10th of July until the 18th of December, in Summer 2006. It was produced by NHK and Victor Entertainment, licensed by ADV Films and Funimation, and brought to life by Studio Gonzo. The central staff includes Yamamoto Yuusuke as Director, Episode Director and on Storyboard, Shioya Yoku as Sound Director, Kaburagi Hiro also as Episode Director and on Storyboard and Fujimoto Jirou also as Episode Director.

The Anime features the genres of Comedy, Drama, and Romance while donning a Psychological theme. It received a Rating of R+ for its mild nudity. The series is based on the source novel of the same title by Author Takimoto Tatsuhiko. It ran as a single Volume featuring 12 chapters, published on the 28th of January 2002.

While the title began as a Web Novel serialized on Boiled Eggs Online from the 29th of January until the 16th of April in 2001, it was then published in printed form by Kadokawa in January 2002. Tokyopop did the English publication on the 9th of October 2007, and the Italian publication was the work of Edizioni BD under the J-Pop Romanzi imprint on the 17th of November 2011.

The story revolves around the twenty-two-year-old protagonist Tatsuhiro Satou, a college dropout. At the start of the series, he had already been a hikikomori, a.k.a. a NEET, for almost four years. While living his life in isolation, he had come to believe in multiple obscure and orthodox conspiracy theories, but none more so than the existence of the Nihon Hikikomori Kyokai (NHK).

The NHK is supposedly an evil and super-secret organization fully dedicated to fostering the spread of hikikomori culture and maintaining it. He continues to hold unshakable faith in it and firmly believes in the theory that this evil conspirator organization is fully responsible for his shut-in NEET status.

This tale is a comedic psychological drama that follows Tatsuhiro as he goes about his days striving to escape the grasps of the NHK's wicked machinations and the illness of self-wrought isolation, all while struggling just to leave his apartment to go outside and find employment.

Yet, his fateful and unexpected encounter with the mysterious girl Misaki Nakahara might just be a signal of a reversal of fortune for him. Still, this chance meeting brings with it the inevitable cost of finally having to face his greatest fear in life, society.

The Story of Welcome to the NHK is different, rather complex, unexpectedly entertaining, slow-paced, and a work of art. The construction, execution, and structure are nothing short of brilliant, albeit taking some time to realize. Be prepared for the roller coaster of emotions, which can be exhausting at times, put out there during storytelling. It will either have viewers laughing out loud or on the brink of tears from certain aspects of life that are painfully realistic and relatable.

What starts as a comedy develops into a myriad of bittersweet moments, all while the romance develops ever so realistically between the main couple. This aspect isn’t the “in-your-face” kind either, and their connection seems very real. Viewers will see how the protagonist experiences weird yet comedic hallucinations from time to time throughout the series, but this is done in a most believable manner.

Society is indeed a harsh place, and it's only reasonable that some avoid it like the plague. Despite being painful at times, this Anime handles that fact exceptionally efficiently, intriguing, and entertainingly.

The Characters of Welcome to the NHK are arguably its most outstanding points. Every one of them serves a purpose that isn't redundant. Viewers see them grow, develop, make mistakes, fail, succeed, learn and make the maximum out of their potential, forming an excellent and relatable cast.

The sheer absence of extra, annoying, and weak characters here speaks volumes on its greatness. They are well written and well developed, more than enough to justify their existence. There are so many tragic hero qualities explored here, and each of them hit home.

The Artwork and Animation of Welcome to the NHK are what should be expected of a 2006 series. The Art isn't highly eye-pleasing or the most creative, but it does fit the genres, theme, and intricate story quite well. This isn't to say that this department does not have its moments, for viewers will find themselves amazed at its simplistic beauty every now and then. The artwork feels rough, aged, and melancholy while invoking a sense of nostalgia from old-school Anime.

Another winning point is that the Art is highly varied, depending on the setting and moment. The outside world is made to look more visually pleasing compared to the indoor house environment. The facial expressions are on point for all the characters, both exciting and admirable. The Animation also follows a similar pattern of mainly being average, but this department just works perfectly for this one anime.

The Sounds and Music of Welcome to the NHK are far stronger points. The Opening themes are "Puzzle" by ROUND TABLE feat. Nino and "Puzzle -extra hot mix-" by ROUND TABLE feat. Nino. The ending themes are "Odoru Akachan Ningen" by Kenji Ohtsuki and Fumihiko Kitsutaka and "Modokashii Sekai no Ue de" by Yui Makino.

These are really good and fitting, albeit not topping the charts. The Voice Acting, however, is in a league of its own. Each voice feels like they are the perfect fit to portray that character to their maximum, replaceable by nobody else.

The Sound effects during hallucinations are on point and add to the comedy. This department is exceptionally handled, especially in the case of the protagonist. The OSTs are also extremely fitting and flow with the moments in perfect harmony. At some points, viewers may not even notice the music but will later realize what a vital role it had played in the scenes. The sounds range from spontaneous and playful to downright sad and depressing, not lacking in variety.

Whether you are new to anime or a veteran, this is one series you can quickly settle into and enjoy. Welcome to the NHK has a powerful message, which leaves you with something to think about while wanting more. It uses a unique story, a wide array of characters, fitting visuals, and brilliant audio to send a message about the genuine difficulties of social anxiety and certain psychological disorders.

They are handled masterfully with some dark humor as delicate a subject these are. This probably isn't the greatest choice for younger audiences, for it requires some maturity to understand the references and fully relate to them. This underrated gem is painful to watch on occasion but still manages to be hilarious and bittersweet throughout. It's definitely worth the watch, and perhaps even a rewatch. It is highly recommended for most Anime fans, as what’s in store is a truly unique and exciting series.