WELCOME TO THE NHK (2006) (aka NHK ようろしく)

OK, first off, I have no idea why the US distributors used that image on the cover--it's NOT in the series. That character is in the series, but she is never seen in that outfit (though she is seen naked). That's blatant false advertising. Just an FYI for anyone thinking about clicking on the image and buying it from Amazon (which I heartily encourage!).

Positive Experience/Entertaining? Definitely enjoyable. While the premise wouldn't normally attract me, the production values and writing definitely makes this a worthwhile anime to watch.


Technically any good? Definitely. The animation quality is strong, character designs distinct (as in, you can tell them apart) and the Japanese voice acting is pretty awesome. The story is generally spot-on, with the "exciting" episode in the middle of the series very much out of place with the rest of the series. The music is good, but gets VERY repetitive. They didn't change the bumper music once in the entire series and the incidental music made me want to kill myself every time the lead character was depressed--which is like most of the series!


How did it leave me feeling? Satisfied for sure, but I think the show could have been stronger. I felt that the main angle of the series (the "conspiracy") disappears after a while and only returns toward the end when it's necessary for the plot to resolve. I also can't help but wonder if this should have just been a live action sitcom. Then again, if it had been, I'd have never seen it since live action Japanese TV never makes it to the US (why is that??).


Final Rating? SIYL - See If You Like shows about loser guys trying to break out of their introverted shells with the help of cute girls who have mysterious (and depressing) secrets.

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Orignal From: WELCOME TO THE NHK (2006) (aka NHK ようろしく)