This is probably the most fucked up series you could watch this season.

It follows Tatsuhiro Sato, who is a hikikomori (social shut-in, considered a social epidemic in Japan,) and he realizes (during a drug trip,) that the hikikomori "syndrome" is a conspiracy created by the NHK (Nihon Hikikomori Kyokai, as opposed to the broadcasting company Nihon Hoso Kyokai,) through the creation of otakus.

At the end of the first episode, he meets up with Misaki Nakahara, who say's she already knows of Sato, and that she's here to save him and "cure" him of being a hikikomori. However, it turns out she has her own problems.

Anime:
Oyasumi's MKVs are Hardsubbed, there's also a group called Toybox that started at epised 13 who is releasing theirs in MP4, but I can't say anything about their quality in subbing.
Episode 1 (Studio ADTRW; MKV)
Episode 1 (Studio ADTRW; AVI)
Episode 1 (Oyasumi; MKV)
Episode 2 (Studio ADTRW; MKV)
Episode 2 (Oyasumi; MKV)
Episode 3 (Oyasumi; MKV)
Episode 4 (Oyasumi; MKV)
Episode 5 (Oyasumi; MKV)
Episode 6 (Oyasumi; MKV)
Episode 7 (Oyasumi; MKV)
Episode 8 (Oyasumi; MKV)
Episode 9 (Oyasumi; MKV)
Episode 10 (Oyasumi; MKV)
Episode 11 (Oyasumi; MKV)
Episode 12 (Oyasumi; MKV)
Episode 13 (Oyasumi; MKV)
Episode 14 (Oyasumi; MKV)
Episode 15 (Oyasumi; MKV)
Episode 16 (Oyasumi; MKV)
Episode 17 (Oyasumi; MKV)
Episode 18 (Oyasumi; MKV)
Episode 19 (Oyasumi; MKV)
Episode 20 (Oyasumi; MKV)
Episode 21 (Oyasumi; MKV)
Episode 22 (Oyasumi; MKV)
Episode 23 (Oyasumi; MKV)
Episode 24 (END) (Oyasumi; MKV)
Episodes 1-24 Batch Torrent (Oyasumi; MKV)

Anime Music:
OST Volume 1
OST Volume 2
ED Single
ED2 Single
OP Single

Manga:
Jinmen's Scanlation
Evil_Genius' Scanlation
(or wait until Tokyopop starts shipping Volume 1 in October.)

Is there any real reason to read the manga if I plan on watching the anime? Are they the same storyline?

It's usually one or the other for me. If I watch the anime then there is no reason to read the manga and vice versa. Unless it's radically different or I really loved the manga/anime. Something like Full Metal Alchemist or Neon Genesis Evangelion.

It's hilarious enough that I recommend both.

Seriously.

Apparently they cut out a character (or change the arrangement) in the first chapter compare to that of the manga. Some of the imagery isn't nearly as explicit as the manga version, and my cousin is all like "THEY CENSORED IT!". I wonder if Tokyo pop will do the same. I think one can really identify with many of the problem the characters are facing in the manga, although it is pretty bad that when you think they hit rock bottom, the floor seemly collapse under them.

So I read all of the manga thats been released so far last night and finally watched the anime today. I must say im disappointed...the anime doesnt seem to have anywhere near the amount of comedy of the manga..alot more serious and not as light hearted. Also they took out his drug abuse (the scenes with the talking fridge etc are in the manga...but their from him hallucinating off of some drug.) Also, when he met Misaki, he didnt have that erotic day dream about her (infront of them at the door...not after applying for the job..). Yeah, not as funny as the manga =|

I have not read the manga but watching the anime is good enough for me. I didn't really find it that funny. A few smirks here and there but the story looks promising. Sorta like a message to a few people out there ;p.

I watched the first episode and I found it to be rather funny. I shall keep following it for now and also take a look at the manga to see how the art is and the differences.

I'll give a few more episodes a try. I have one question though.

Episode 2 has yet to be released.

While you wait you may want to check out the two other fansub groups subbing this series.

Both Episode 1

Oyasumi

Anime Assassins

Plamo shows himself to be once again the master of Gundam stop motion animation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbLDITqACVc

Episode 2 is out: ADTRW torrent

I just watched all of Plamo's videos..wow. He is def. the master of Gundam Stop animation...his NHK ending is my favorite video out of the ones he has done.

What the hell happened here?

Anyway, episode 2 was even better than 1.



Yeah, I used spoilers!

Yeah. I have the right to say that this is definately better than Haruhi's Melancholy anime.

I can't say the anime is TOO awesome right now, but I've yet to read the manga. It's good enough to follow it as they release it though (especially with the nice quality MKVs we're getting).

just as i thought nothing could be more wackier than Haruhi this comes out

the same team that did genshiken did this right? the art looks like it

i want the puru song now :ninja:

Actually, no.

However, a lot of the art staff, including the art company (STUDIO EASTER,) did work for R.O.D The TV, so I wouldn't be surprised to see some similar styles to that.

This anime is prolly gonna have a crapload of filler since the Manga only has like what? 3 volumes out?

The mangaka is pretty damn slow

your prolly right about that but for this anime i wouldn't mind fillers
same with any anime that has really no point at all but just to exist :lolsign:

You mean, a "slice of life" genre anime have filler?! Who would have thought!

And the manga is up to 5 volumes, actually.

Just watched the first episode. CONSPIRACY. Now I know where Merv's talking TV avatar comes from. OH SNAP, he changed it. The first episode seems interesting enough, and so far this is a keeper. It might go nicely side by side with my religous watching of Keroro Gunsou.

Hopefully, when they run out of manga story they will diverge into a new storyline. Nothing worse than an anime that can't make itself into something special when there isn't any more manga to go off from.

This is great. I don't watch anime anymore but this is a must. Next time I go to the city I have to pick up some of the manga.

I've been eyeing it for a while, but I didn't want to waste more money on terrible shit (Girls Bravo, Artelier). Now I know this is worthy.

Oh Jesus, just in the middle of episode 2, but this guy just loves to spit out shit here and there. One of the best lines:

Episode Three has been out for a couple of days and is very funny. Basically, it's about Satou falling in love with the world of Bishoujo games.



@Spatula; a very funny line indeed.

I'm in the process of getting #3 now, but as Hello Kitty has mentioned, he doesn't really seem like a Hikikomori, but more of a bipolar disorder with illusions of grandure of himself, projecting more than he really is (see my screencap). I'm surprised he gets upset at the loud music next door, as I'd think that if he's shut himself there for years, then perhaps he'd get used to it.

Densha Otoko seemed more of a hikikomori personality because he seems so frightened to talk to anyone, however considering Yamada-San had a job, as well as socialized with fellow anime otaku, then he didn't really fit the description of one who is under the hikikomori status. Also note, well, I've never encountered personally with anyone who is diagnosed like this, mainly because they're mostly all in Japan, but I don't really know how they would react to people if they do decide to come knocking at the door and into the room. Which is why I can or can't say that Satou-san's dramatic personality is how an average hikikomori would react to people.

OK, so I was watching Oyasumi's releases of this (since it seems ADTRW is gonna be dropping this, as expected,) I must comment on how much I find their releases to be full of fail, simply for one reason.

And that is: Who the fuck hardsubs MKVs, a format which has support for built-in softsubs?

Just watched episode 4 and the budget must be shot to shit. Animation has completely gone down the crapper. This breaking the show for me..will probably just stick to the manga now =X

Yeah, I shipped through, not thinking it would be noticeable, but it is. I hope it's a one-episode thing.

I'd really hate to see this full-on Gonzo Clause.

Is episode 4 even considered animation. I'll just stick to this since I normally like seeing animated versions, but man. The episode itself was pretty entertaining while checking out the moe shops and maid cafes.

Well, if it is of any consolation to you guys, I watched the raw of episode 5, and the animation does improve. :)

Hmmm...apple pie I suppose.

I probably won't buy the manga (lack of money)

So I'll stick with the anime! I really liked ep.2 and 3 - so I guess it won't be a mistake watching it further ;) *loads ep.4*

Yeah, I downloaded and watched episode 5, and the art quality was at normal. Crisis averted, I'd say.

Although episode 4 was more of a "for fun" episode, but it did introduce a fairly important character, so I'm sort of disappointed in that.

Okay what the fuck.
 

For some reason I have a serious problem playing most of these shows with at least the error message popping up that it can't read the or it starts skipping or doing some stupid shit. Other MKV files play perfectly fine, but for some reason when I use Core Media Player, Media Player Classic, VLC Player, WMP, or any other player, it keeps skipping at certain parts and the error pops up. Episode 7 is plagued with these spots. Anyone else experiencing this?

Nope, can't say I have ever had any problems with it.

Codecs maybe? I'm using a default install of DefilerPak with post processing disabled, playing with Media Player Classic.

for some odd reason it works on my winamp when i save the file as .avi (of course with the title). Works juuust fine ^^. Try that out if its giving you problems..

I'll see if there's any updated CCCP codecs available. I swear NHK is the only one doing this to me. At least for not it's only one series.

I love this kind of anime that looks into the lives of it's characters.
Hope the soundtrack will be released soon as all of the music is excellent.

The OP and ED singles and the first volume of the OST have been released. I will put torrent links to the Nipponsei releases in the first post for them.

I'm usually up to date on these things. How the hell did I miss this one. Thanks Merv.

Did anyone else notice in episode 6 what appeared to be an allusion to the poor art quality in episode 4?

Yeah, that was pretty funny. I immediately thought of episode 4 as well. It's unlikely that a DVD release would change anything though. Usually the only thing changed for DVD's is uncensoring censored bits of anime.

Not true at all.

Some DVD releases get extensive work done on them, including art fixes (either bad art quality or simple mistakes, like Haruhi able to rotate her hips in the Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya OP or her hips appearing over a table in an episode,) and even adding new episodes (for REC, they added a new episode that appears between episodes 7 and 8.)

They tend to make buying the DVD release worth it.

So, I would definitely see the possibility of them touching up the art in episode 4 for the DVD release.

I've just read all 5 volumes that have been released by evil-genius up until now and I've got to say the manga is getting somehow depressing. Maybe it's because I can see myself in some of the characters, because I went through something similar several years ago.



btw. does anyone know what happened with the manga releases by the way? The last chapter was released at the end of june/july.

Evil_genius says they're understaffed and in need of translators. They're making progress on chapter 27 of NHK, but very slowly (like a page/week).

It's nice, but i don't appreciate the drug alusions on the manga. Bad western influences spreading through :P .

'cause drugs are a west-exclusive thing.

I just binge-watched the first 14 episodes over the past two days. I love it, and wonder now why I didn't pick up on this series before. If someone had told me Round Table did the opening when the series first started I would've been all over it XD

Although now I'm caught up and have to wait for new episodes. Bah.

Same here. 14 episodes in a row always guarantees a massive amount of fun. So far the anime is very enjoyable, even though watching it made me really musing and a bit depressive. Give me another six years and I might live the same way Satou does. Pretty sad imagination.

I'm kicking this thread a bit, just to say that I'm slowing enjoying this. At first I didn't know what to expect of a show of well, a hikikomori. But I'm up to episode 8, where the mother visits Satou-san. That was actually a good and touching episode, of him just admitting he's just fabricating a lie. It's good to know that this series isn't all fun and games, but has a good dramatic side to it. I have up to episode 14 torrented, I think. Also, Misaki san reminds me of Rakka c/o Haibane. Perhaps it's that natural sheepish nature in both of them, and their sense of justice to see things done right and to correct what they feel should be done in that manner.

already saw the 14 released eps and im enjoying it. It explains well the life as a hikikomori (well some parts exagerated), nevertheless real funny show. Love the game references they do and im still trying to figure what does that girl misaky gains from doing what she's doing

I think at this stage (episode 9), he's not really a 'hard core' hikikomori anymore with going to the fireworks display with Misaki-san. He's actually quite outgoing now, and even treated his mom to dinner in the previous episode. I'm sure the real life of said Hikikomori would be much more boring, depressing, and downright dreadful.

just wait till you get a few more episodes down, just like his neighbor gave him a hobby with the games, he'll get a new hobby.
It feels like the people around him are a bad influence sometimes even though they try to help. Thats why his hikkamori life is a bit more interesting.

I've seen up to 17 and it's really kind of pathetic to keep watching Satou get screwed over time and time again. Entertaining, yes, but also pathetic.

I picked up the first volume of the manga at Waldenbooks a couple of days ago, but I can't gotten a chance to read it yet (english paper :<)

Pathetic yeah but from it we know how those ppl suffer.

Just saw episode 18. Nothing much is really happening.

Well I'm still quite early in the series (how long is this anyway, 26 episodes?), but so far things are looking somewhat okay for him. At this point, I don't think he's going to be able to make that H game, or maybe they make it, but it turns out to be utter crap. Don't spoil it for me yet.

i'm not sure but I think its a 24 episode series. Although it looks like a series that could longer than that.
When I look at satou I can't help but to think of kintaro from golden boy since they are such opposites hehe.
Also, I love the rockish soundtrack

I just finished episode 10.

For those who haven't downloaded it yet. The sound collection of NHK is out. So my gift to you :

http://www.sendspace.com/file/6jjghp

Bumping this a bit with the episode 19 impressions.

TERRIBLE ANIMATION. This is about as bad as episode 4, or was it 5. At any rate, at least I feel a little happy for Toroutorou-san.

I joined the forums just to ask this question.. I downloaded the OSTs, but can't find the song with a female voice saying something like "Yume toki imbou". Does anyone know where this song is?

You're probably talking about that bouncy track fushigi purupur--whatever song.

Episode 20 (nothing serious)

I've actually noticed that mark on his shirt in a few other places.
What I really want is a back story to Misaki. She has her own ideals about herself and sotou and I want to know what that would be. There were only a few clues about her life but nothing much that revealed why she keeps trying to help him.

Speculation time!

As far as episode 20 goes

Nice info Nyo. All I can think about is one minor clue from her which is

oyasumi just released episode 21
My friend uploaded it for me ^_^
http://www.sendspace.com/file/vy8q70

I'm up to episode 20. I thought it was both a bit funny yet sad when we see...

The show is almost over leaving us with 2 more episodes.

episode 22

The show has ended. If anyone has read the manga. Do tell about the manga's version.

episode 24



Is there more to it or just about the same thing?

the ending seem a bit rushed but the series overall was good

i agree with it being an emo reailty check
with the fact that sucide is big problem in japan

I loved the series, The ending was trippy but so was the whole series.

I KNOW somebody is looking for this whether they want to admit it or not.

Therefore i won't even say what I'm uploading.

http://tinyurl.com/ebxx2

all i have to say is PURU

o and this too


http://www.alafista.animeblogger.net...n%20Rin%21.mp3

And here all i have to say is Purupururin pupupuririn

Indeed we admit it but that task was done a long time ago. Glad to know you liked the show at least.

Where is everyone getting their episode 24 from? The torrents I've tried from Oyasumi aren't working =/

Not trying to turn this into an anime request thread, but given the circumstances...

I got you, so just wait for about 12 mins for it to upload on ss.

EDIT : Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

http://www.sendspace.com/file/qjdw42


Since it's the end of that story, I wouldn't mind if they made a 12 episode sequel or something.. Like Haruhi, I want to know more than just a simple meeting between two people then be on another mission to succeed in whatever.

Just out of curiosity; did anybody else get addicted to the pururin song when they listened to it? I seriously listened to it for like half an hour straight before having to throw up

ya i actually threw up cuz of that song.

I fell pretty far behind on watching this for awhile, but went on an NHK marathon a few days before Christmas. The ending was pretty good for Satou and Misaki, but I really didn't like how it wrapped things up for Yamazaki and Senpai.

Still a good series despite the ending seeming kinda rushed. I've started reading the manga now, but I really don't care for Evil Genius. Is anyone else scanlating this?

Thanks Chato. I can finally work off one of the 2007 resolutions on anime early!

EDIT. I just finished episodes 23 and 24. What a way to end it!



Also, requesting Welcome to the NHK OST. Gomen for requesting so many things in the same thread, but I'm guessing the people who watch this would also have the related goods as well. I really want the following songs (sorry for lack of names)

1. At the end of episode 23
2 The opening of 24
3. The final sung ballad at the end of 24
4. Odoru Akachan Ningen INSTRUMENTAL version. (Ending theme - no vocals)

Tritoch, considering how I've seen other great anime series with their endings REALLY rushed (See Great Teacher Onizuka), I think NHK actually did a decent job of somewhat wrapping things up, actually. It had the climax about three quarters of the way, and led the last quarter or so 5 minutes to show about them later.

I believe I uploaded the OST the last page before. If that link is dead, I'll upload when I get back from a new year's party (still going on).

When you say opening, do you want that club mix version?

@Crabman - I too felt the same way when I heard that Pururin theme track. I'll probably end up making a sig combo later on.

EDIT : Spatula, the ending theme of episode 24 is the same as the other version.

Well, I read up to ch. 32 of the manga. I don't really plan on continuing. Although at first it became very promising, the humor was extremely funny and the wackiness of the characters even better, it slowly became one of those mind trips reminiscent of Serial Experiments Lain or Evangelion where it becomes a dialogue of thoughts that go in one ear and out the other. It doesn't surprise me that Yoshitoshi Abe (of Lain, NieA, and Haibane) illustrated the light novel.

I read less and less humor as more and more drama crept in. True, the characters are all fucked up. That can be golden material for humor; instead the mankaga tapped into the depressing areas of themselves. The more I read, the less I became interested in their outcomes. I read it that the characters had absolutely no hope or aspiration for anything beyond their selfish desires, be it Misaki's dependence on looking down on others (such hypocrisy for a dropout), Tatsu's utter laziness to do anything productive, Hitomi's dependence on drugs, or Yamazaki's lolicon obsession. To me, they are all trainwrecks that are sinking further and further into despair and depression.

Anyway! Those are my two cents. The beginning was a blast, but the series so far is going into the depths of flashbacks, running in the darkness, thought dialogues, etc. that even the ecchi sequences have lost their humor.

I personally liked the direction that NHK ni Youkoso! headed towards.

So guys, I watched OUR THE first episode and fell in love with the music.

Surprised on how trippy this series is... then again I've been watching nothing BUT trippy series (Pani Poni Dash, Negima!?)

Links to soundtrack are kinda dead. Anyone mind uploading it again?