Reviews

Welcome to the NHK! continually asks the question of "Is it ever to late?" and weaves it into a narrative about a very convincing reflection of the strange phenomena which grips Japan: Hikikomori syndrome. The early episodes hit particularly hard with fresh ideas and a regular pacing which makes waiting for every change incredibly tense, with the later episodes showing how even the viewer's happiness can be betrayed against a startling backdrop of reality.

On some level NHK doesn't really do things all that differently and it relies mostly on its thematic qualities to carry it. Who's to say that's a bad thing though? If you're a writer, it's a fascinating watch to see how they continually carry these questions through to the end. If you're not a writer, then it's still very hard hitting, if at times a little too overzealous. The "wacky anime" bits here seem a bit forced sometimes, though feed into a familiarity you begin to recognize.

NHK comes highly recommended, though don't always expect satisfaction or rote consistency seen in similar shows. It has it's own style and feel, and if the first two episodes or so leave you continually intrigued and entertained, you will definitely love to see it through.