Welcome to the NHK, 1st Conspiracy

Here's something you don't see everyday: anime with a social conscience. In this initial four-episode compilation, the focus is on the Japanese subculture known as hikikomori, also known in English by the acronym NEET (Not in Employment, Education, or Training)—or, to use colloquial terminology, slackers. Twentysomething college dropout Sato is a typical hikikomori who prefers the seclusion of a tiny apartment and the diversion found on Internet porn sites to interactions with real people. After Sato becomes obsessed with a conspiracy theory suggesting that Japan's NHK broadcasting network is trying to control the world by encouraging the hikikomori to remain without motivation, spirit, or energy, he meets the mysterious and beautiful Misaki, who claims she can cure him of his hikikomori affliction. Welcome to the NHK, 1st Conspiracy provides a wonderfully off-kilter mixture of droll comedy and medium-level mystery, as Sato struggles to become honest with himself (particularly in regard to his growing sense of agoraphobia) while also trying to decipher Misaki's ulterior motives. Rated TV-MA, and presented on a dual-language extra-less disc, this effectively animated and very original entry is highly recommended. [Note: Welcome to the NHK, Vol. 2 is also available, with Vol. 3 debuting on Feb. 19.] Aud: P. (P. Hall)