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Episode 6: Welcome to Chinatown

Impressions:

I enjoy watching this show much more now. It has become quite humorous and is very refreshing to watch. I started with high expectations with this show, but they dropped around the time when Satou was introduced into the world of visual novels. However, now it’s going back up. I know it’s a 24 episode season, but I’m already about how the ending will be. I hope (and I emphasize hope, as I doubt this will happen) that the quality and plot continues to improve until the end. I like how the animators include the unnecessary things as well, such as the excessive clothe movement in strong breeze or Misaki losing balance at the start of the show while she was twirling…All this makes it so much more realistic and better overall. Btw, this DOES NOT include the toilet scene. That was uncalled for. Disgusting…

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Popularity: 3% [?]

Impressions:

Another pretty good episode. I’m not sure why I liked this episode, as if I were to reason with myself, I’d say that nothing really happened. I think it’s because there were a lot of psychological references. Satou’s thoughts and such are probably what I liked about his episode, as it wasn’t all jokes and fun (although some parts were quite funny). The overall animation is still good and should stay that way. The end where Satou concludes that Misaki must’ve lied to him about her parents makes me think that, if Misaki really did get all her information on Satou from Satou himself, they must’ve known each other some time ago. That’s another thing I like about NHK ni Youkoso: more questions keep popping up. It’s all quite subtle and very interesting.

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Popularity: 3% [?]

Episode 6: Welcome to the Classroom

Impressions:

Things are getting much more interesting now as the plot progresses. The primary idea that this show was meant to revolve around – Satou’s hikkikomori problem – has kinda been forgotten for a while, but now things are finally getting back on track. The character design was better than the last few episodes, as well as the overall quality (Satou doesn’t have as many wrinkles now!) It is interesting how the creation of the galge has some influence over what happens to Satou regarding his hikkikomori problem. This episode, there was not much of a connection between the two, but I can see how Satou might use the game to build his confidence and eventually be freed from being a hikkikomori. Of course, I hope Kashiwa gets involved with his recovery as well.

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Popularity: 6% [?]

Impressions:

Excellent episode, I must say! This is a great improvement from the last. This has gotten me much more interested in the series now. Satou’s history with Kashiwa and their reunion was very interesting. It was shown in a pretty serious manner, which was good, unlike episode 4 where everything was just stupid. And yes, Satou has finally started work with Misaki. I actually had a feeling that Misaki might not be who she seems, as she gives the impression that she is a very devious, scheming person who had planned out Satou’s decisions and actions from the very beginning. Guess that didn’t happen though lol. But still, the story has finally gotten a move on. I also like how Satou will be continuing the game. I think both Kashiwa and the game will be vital factors in Satou’s recovery. Both Satou’s encounters with Kashiwa and the production of the game will provide more material for the episodes, loosening up the mood from the hikkimori part and making everything more interesting. I would also like to see the finished game. I just hope that the game won’t be used to make an episode like last time’s. The animation and character design has gotten better this time too, although Satou still has a few extra wrinkles. But seeing as he is a hikkimori addicted to the computer, that is understandable. And oh – who’s that girl in the preview! She’s drawn much hotter than Misaki or Kashiwa! Kekeke…

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Popularity: 6% [?]

Impressions:

Well, the story is progressing quite well and it’s all very interesting, but the characters were drawn horribly. Satou and Yamazaki didn’t have nose for a lot of the time and at one point looked like old men. There was one part where they were drawn intentionally distorted, which was quite funny. The designers also cannot draw girls very well, I think. The flashbacks Satou had of Misaki were of good quality, but that’s because those scenes were taken from the past episodes. The Misaki done in this episode, when she was staring out the window, looked crap! Right now, the interesting plot is what’s keeping me watching, so if that goes down as well… Anyway, it looks like Satou is going to accept Misaki’s help next episode. I wonder how his encounter will go with Kashiwa-senpai. A quick talk before parting? A drink and a quick talk before parting? Or maybe she gets involved with Satou’s hikikomorii recovery. Nah, I’m not too big on that idea; don’t think she’s gonna find out until later. Whatever the case, I hope Satou gets decent time to catch up with his high school senpai and possibly only friend.

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Popularity: 3% [?]

Impressions:

Everything’s gotten out of hand. This is meant to be about Satou’s hikikomori problem, but now it’s about Satou’s inability to hold himself back from such shameful acts. He really has become crazy, downloading 120bgb of porn! Going through all those games was a bit much as well. I already have the next episode but haven’t gotten round to watching it yet, but I assume Satou returns back to normal next time. I hope the show gets back to its original plan (what am I saying? All this was planned! What I mean is I hope they go back solving Satou’s hikikomori problem). I’m anxious to find out what Misaki’s project is and why Satou is perfect for it. Maybe I should start reading manga…

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Popularity: 2% [?]

Impressions:

I’m not sure what to make of this series. The first episode drew me in very easily, but the second one had trouble keeping me in. I hope the making of the game won’t last many episodes, as the main point of the story should be Misaki helping Satou to rid himself of his current life. The quality of this episode was slightly worse than the last, and I noticed Satou’s face and profiles being drawn badly. There weren’t many crazy hallucinations this episode, and I’m not sure whether they are a good thing to show or bad. The storyline is very interesting, and I’m curious to discover what Misaki’s plan is, and if it really is to cure hikikomori. Misaki seems normal and nice, but who knows? Maybe she’ll turn out to be some murderous, post-hikikomoric psycopath (’hikikomoric’ is so not a word!) Satou’s senapi from high school also seems to be making an appearance next episode. I always love new characters (well, she really isn’t ‘new’, as we’ve seen her in Satou’s flashbacks.) Even there were some not so good things this episode, I still think this series as a great one with lots of potential, so I’ll definitely keep watching.

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Popularity: 5% [?]

Japanese Name: �?�よ�?��?��??
Release: 07/2006
Episodes: 24
Genre: Comedy, Psychological, Slice of Life
OP: “Puzzle” by ROUND TABLE featuring Nino
ED: “Odoru Akachan Ningen” by Kenji Otsuki and Fumihiko Kitsutaka

Impressions:

Quite a strange yet enjoyable first episode. I would say it’s definitely a worthwhile show to watch. The quality is quite high and I like the character design, although Misaki isn’t as cute as some make her out to be. That doesn’t really matter though. The colours are nice and natural, giving the show a realistic feel, although Satou’s constant hallucinations do put me off a bit. A show shouldn’t combine to two opposite styles – the very real hikikomori problem and the very fake dancing stuffed animals, even if it is all in his head. The music is below average for me: the OP is dull and does not depict the theme of the show at all, and the ED just sounds messed up. However, the music doesn’t deter me that much, so overall I still like the series a lot.

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Popularity: 3% [?]