Welcome to the NHK

The lives of various young adults who reside in or close to the metropolis of Tokyo are the focus of the anime. Although many various lifestyles are depicted, the novel frequently concentrates on the ideas of being a hikikomori—a socially isolated person—an anime fan, and on the fact that the majority of the characters suffer from severe sadness and loneliness. Tatsuhiro Sat, a university dropout who is beginning his fourth year of jobless, is the primary character. He now lives alone as a hikikomori and believes that this occurred as a result of some type of plot. When Tatsuhiro's life seems to be going nowhere at all, he meets Misaki Nakahara, a mystery girl who says she can help Tatsuhiro change his hikikomori ways. She gives him a contract that essentially states that they will meet once a day in the evening at a nearby park, where Misaki will lecture Tatsuhiro in an effort to change his lifestyle. Many topics are discussed on these outings, but they almost always have some connection to psychology or psychoanalysis. In fact, one of their first conversations is about deciphering Tatsuhiro's recent nightmares. However, Tatsuhiro and Misaki both have a propensity to overdo things, such as concealing the truth, particularly from one another and from themselves. It is Tatsuhiro's neighbor and high school friend, Kaoru Yamazaki, who Tatsuhiro frequently turns to in times of need and assistance despite Misaki's offer and urgent attempts at rescue. Yamazaki is one of the more consistent characters in the plot despite his own quirks.