Welcome to the NHK! is a series sickening in its emotionally wrecking display of dark romance, personal troubles, and disgustingly deranged main character – yet even then, the series is still spectacular.
Over a course of 24 thrilling episodes, Welcome to the NHK! goes from our hikikomori main character Sato’s meaningless delusions to a teary eyed ending of immense beauty. With the ending, he makes several revelations relating to not only his NEET lifestyle, yet also to his considerations of others – that means his friends, but more specifically, Misaki-chan.
Sato is the very definition of a hikikomori and a NEET – he is completely torn apart on the inside, even coming up with ridiculous excuses and conspiracy theories regarding his condition. He was essentially bound to a fate of dying alone out of madness, driven crazy by his unaided self-imprisoned hikikomori state. With episode one however, a man already three years into a sorrowful life of loneliness comes across a blessing – he encounters a girl named Misaki.
At first impression, Misaki is no more than a typical cute highschooler – yet that proves to be very wrong indeed.
She approaches Sato with a contract in hand and a proposition promising to cure his painful predicament – he initially refuses yet after a slight hassle, he ultimately agrees.
From that point onward, Sato participated in lessons led by Misaki – all the while, Sato became enveloped in reality. He gradually grew out of his feeble state by managing to overcoming a series of hardships. All seemed well, yet Sato’s mind was twirling was misconception until he eventually reached a point he was neglecting Misaki.
Misaki did sincerely attempt to assist him, yet Misaki deeper down may have had some despicable thoughts.
Even though Sato began to outgrow his issues on his own, he was devastated at the events around him and merely out of tune with life. After a certain string of events near the end, he totally rejects Misaki with a saddening, yet understandable and disappointing reason. Misaki on the inside possibly considered Sato no more than trash lower than herself and simply enjoyed her time with him similar to one as they would with a pet.
Misaki is actually suffering from self-induced mental trauma caused by her prior abusive experiences and dreadful childhood. As we find out, she withholds a very crude inner-personally – not to mention, she’s pessimistic and thinks lowly of herself. This is due to all the negativity and despair she endured during her life. Sato comes to understand this at a critical time near the end of the series and they both, him and Misaki, come to realize their true feelings for one another.
During the entire time between the beginning and end of NHK, there is an unfathomable amount of exquisite humor, terribly depressing aspects, beautiful moments, and a diverse blend of emotional displays. It’s necessary to point out laughter was had during the viewing of this series in such a manner not had since the start of my interest in anime. However, it leaves one feeling pain only felt in reality as no other series has or likely ever will capture this essence of affection.
It’s important to note that this series is quite a visual masterpiece in addition to its storytelling superiority. Although being several years old, the series certainly does not appear aged even in the slightest as it boasts fluid movements, stylized stunning atmospheres, and a refined technique as needed to showcase such a moving story.
The complete look of lifelessness is absolutely overwhelming when seen in the face of Misaki near the end – a single of the many examples available to back the belief of exquisite visuals in the series. The incredible characteristics of Welcome to the NHK! are nearly infinite and far beyond what one can say in a mere page long review.
Having ended in a way best simply described as “lovely”, it is a series well worth every single second of watching.
Aug 20, 2011 @ 3:22 CDT
Seven! Do you usually finish animes within days x_x? That was very quick, I believe the post of the first episode was just three days ago.
This is probably my favorite anime of all times (yes I even like it more than Steins;Gate although we haven’t reached the end of that yet)! It’s amazing how much the anime can present with a very small cast. Both Misaki and Satou are really likable characters. Especially Misaki-chan :3.
Aug 20, 2011 @ 13:34 CDT
Normally I do not, although this one!
I also usually avoid manga – however with this series, that may be another matter.
Aug 20, 2011 @ 10:48 CDT
I think they did a bad job if you liked Misaki, or at least in the way I think you like her.
In the novel and manga, she’s supposed to be a manipulative bitch. Kind of got rid of that part in the series.
Aug 20, 2011 @ 11:05 CDT
Haha, I’ve actually read the manga :P. The backstory with Misaki and her family makes a huge difference. I feel rather sad for the Misaki in the anime while the Misaki in the manga is pretty messed up xD.