[THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS] (just watch it, trust me.)
STORY: 10/10
The story follows Satou Tatsuhiro, a HIKIKOMORI. Which is a person who is an introvert who shuts themselves off from the rest of society. Satou is convinced that a there is a conspiracy out to get him made by the NHK (Nihon Hikikomori Kyoukai) which was started by his only friend in high school, his senpai Hitomi. Satou was in college for a short time until he had a breakdown and ran all the way back to his apartment. He has since stayed in his apartment never leaving for 4 years. Then one day, a girl named Misaki shows up stating that she wants to "help him." The thing I love most about this anime is that it's just so REAL. There are actual people like this in the world who struggle with anxiety and can't socialize with people. The themes this show uses get very dark and depressing ranging from suicide to extreme anxiety and panic attacks. It is absolutely flawlessly executed. Near the end I couldn't get a lump out of my throat with the amount of depressing scenes. This is the REALEST anime I've ever seen. And the final 3 episodes of this series are just impossible to stop watching. They are so enthralling and thrilling that I dare you to try and break immersion near the end.
CHARACTERS: 9/10
There is not one forgettable character in this series. I'll talk about three characters starting with our protagonist. I consider Satou Tatsuhiro one of the most well written and most relatable characters in anime. EVERY anime fan has a part of Satou inside of them. When your just in that mood of never wanting to see anyone and just stay inside all day. Seriously, Satou is living the life. Wouldn't you love to never have to work and get money from your parents and just watch anime all day? Or basically just be a NEET? Yeah. He goes through some of the best character development I've ever seen. He starts off as an innocent Hikikomori, and with slight help from Misaki, turns into a somewhat normal human being. (I'm being generous) he goes through very dark and depressing times where he contemplates suicide on multiple occasions. However, he goes through enough comedic moments that really come refreshing and make it easier to get through the depressing moments of the show.
Next character is Yamazaki. The token Otaku of the anime who ends up being Satou's best friend and probably the most important person in Satou's life. He is the only person that Satou can really talk to and open up to. And he is the comic relief character of the series. And with his synonymous line "Hentai Games" he is an avid pervert and gets Satou to make a "Gal-Game" with him.
FINALLY we have probably the most interesting character in the series, Misaki. She shows up one day at Satou's door and says she wants to help him with his problem and Satou wants no part of it. [SPOILERS] The 180 her character goes through came out of nowhere and started the thrilling conclusion to this series. The REAL REASON she wanted to help Satou was because she had a terrible childhood where she was led to believe that she was a worthless human being and she wanted to try and find someone that had an even worse life than her so she could feel better about herself.
All of these characters I will never forget.
ART: 6/10
Gonzo is known to be a hit or miss studio. This is one of their misses. It doesn't look that bad but compared to the other things coming out at the same time as this, it doesn't look good. There is literally an episode where there are no key frames at all. However, I definitely feel this is one of those shows where the story overpowers the poor animation.
SOUND: 9/10
NHK has a great opening, which you get to hear throughout all 24 episodes. The series uses a lot of insert songs which perfectly fit the show. Especially one song titled "Hitori Bocchi" which translates to "Loneliness" which is a very fitting title.
The dub has Chris Patton as Satou (which is reason enough to watch it) and he does a great job as always. And Greg Ayres is just Greg Ayres as usual with Yamazaki. Everyone did a pretty good job. (I can't speak on behalf of the Japanese VAs but I'm assuming they're good.)
ENJOYMENT: 7/10
OVERALL: 10/10
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Welcome to the NHK is one of the best anime I've ever seen. It really hit me hard with its themes and will probably hit you hard too. I consider it a must watch for every anime fan out there. I'll say it again that I feel it is one of the REALEST anime in existence. Everyone can relate to it somehow. And if not, just stay fire the hilarious comedy and plot twists. The anime has many messages in it for the viewers none bigger than two: No matter how bad your life is, never consider suicide. Because your not only hurting yourself, but your hurting the ones who care about you most. And the other message is loneliness can really take its toll on someone. Without human interaction you'll always be lonely and longing for some friendship. I don't give out a 10 overall rating often, so that should be enough to tell you that Welcome to the NHK is DEFINITELY worth the watch.
GO WATCH IT NOW.
POSITIVES:
-Well executed and relatable story
-Unforgettable characters
-Great soundtrack
-Really dark and true themes
-Hilarious
NEGATIVES:
-Sub-par animation from Gonzo
-Not every episode will have you on the edge of your seat
-Open ended ending
Thank you and congratulations for reading this lengthy review. Do yourself a favor and go watch Welcome to the NHK.
