Welcome to the NHK

Who it's for

The show names its subject directly: Tatsuhiro is a hikikomori, a young man who has withdrawn from society, and it portrays his avoidance, shame and conspiracy-style blaming with dark humor that can make these patterns feel less lonely and more discussable.

Feelings it meets

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Feeling Stuck
• Overthinking
• Shame
• Loneliness

What it is

Welcome to the NHK is a 2006 anime series by Gonzo, directed by Yūsuke Yamamoto and based on Tatsuhiko Takimoto's novel. Tatsuhiro Satō is a 22-year-old hikikomori, long unemployed and withdrawn, who believes a conspiracy is responsible for his situation.

Where to find it

Streams on Crunchyroll in the US. Streaming availability rotates; check JustWatch.

Before you start

Heads up: Suicidal ideation and a suicide crisis.

Age: Not verified as a US TV rating; Crunchyroll lists it 18+ (suggested 17+)

The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain.Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet, “On Joy and Sorrow”