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I cannot believe I just found out about this masterpiece and as a college student, this anime really hits the nail on the head.

NHK ni Youkoso! is a developmental anime about a 22 year old hikikomori, an adult that has withdrawn from social life. The character is deep into the status of being a shut-in and the anime exposes the extreme spectrum of escapism.

Anyone has experienced an extent of isolation, and the emotions instigated from it often lead to an irrational decision with undesirable consequences. The society constantly pursues social and academic success, family and the public demand a varying degree of responsibility, ... and these overwhelming factors must sadly be faced eventually; avoiding them only snowballs the repercussions. We live in a functional and strict infrastructure with standards, and it could be difficult for some to thrive in this environment. Yet, we cannot complain and deny everything; the way to survive as of now is accept who you are, and stand up and take it. Nonetheless, some cannot withstand the pressure and decide to give in to their weakness. This forms a mesh of complications; irrational fear of human interaction, harmful lifestyle, no love, and no future.

The beauty of this anime subtly criticises such decisions, stirring up a mixed feeling of bitterness and self-reflection. There is unfortunately a cultural tendency to degrade shut-ins, and ironically, society, the initial and substantial factor that creates more hikikomori, rejects them even more and refuses to accept them. Despite such bias, the anime delicately tries to help hikikomori to accept their conditions, and also allows those who aren't hikikomori, to recognise the root of such problem and how to understand mutually.

The core idea of tackling this critical topic that's often looked down upon, to some, act as a reason to face reality and begin a fresh start, or to others, act as a warning and reveals the dangers of evading responsibilities. Anyone is capable of overcoming anything, and that's why humans are humans; we have potential and the power to resist.

Aside the story, I believe the qualitative aspects of this anime mediocre; the art is mediocre and the character designs are not phenomenal. However, it's the ordinary aspects that combine to produce a more immersive setting. The overall vibrance, or lack thereof, creates a common environment, and the lackluster character design induces a familiar feeling that allows audience to relate even more to the anime. The brilliance of the producer does not end here. The auditory ambience through out the series truly amplifies the emotional height of the audience, it is almost scary sometimes how well they apply the tunes to tickle the psychological activity deep inside your brain.

Heavy topics such as suicide is dealt with, and therefore could be disturbing to watch for those who are affected, but I do believe it could ultimately plant a positive ideology. Overall, this is one of the best anime I've watched. I recommend it to anyone (preferably adults/adolescence due to nudity), in any decade, in any country, on any planet, as societal problems will always exist.


(I apologise if the review wasn't fluid, I am not sober as of writing this.)

This Special episode was fine. There were no big actions, and it felt like playing a eroge (even though I've never played one).

Plus, Sena was in sort-of 3D. The quality and art was really good. I can say that this episode has the best quality. Well, I personally didn't like it very much. Voices and that was all.

I somewhat like this episode also, because there was an improvement of relationship between Sena and Uryuu. I don't really recommend this episode (or special episode), but if you are a big fan of Mashiroiro Symphony, I guess that you will find it good. Enjoy watching it!