Welcome to the NHK! - Recommendations

poetax says...

Both Welcome to the NHK and Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei deal with the psychological aspects of suicide, depression, and other mental illnesses.  While Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei tends to be on the light hearted comedy side, each series touches on the seriousness of the situation.  If you liked this one, you will also love the other.

Aporias says...

Plot aside, you'll find that Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei has very similar qualities when compared to Welcome to the NHK! Both series felt like psychological satires that covered almost every aspect of human thought and behavior. Not only do these two series share similarities in their comedy but they also do an excellent job at replacing the story with problematic characters living questionable lives. Even though the humor is darker than most comedies, you'll find that these two anime capture a very interesting view of social and mental disorders.

Aekaede says...

You should definitely try out Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei if you liked NHK, as it also places emphasis on black humour in relation to the Japanese culture. As with NHK, you'll find each character within Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei having some sort of stereotypical "problem" which the producer obviously wants to highlight.

vonpost says...

Both Welcome to the NHK and Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei wraps up the problems of our society, and even mankind in great comedy. The series might not resemble each other plot-wise, but if you look past that you will see two very similar anime. It's very dark humour, the kind of humour you are not supposed to laugh at, yet it's hilarious beyond belief.

fiddler says...

Both Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei and NHK share a very black sense of humour and are centered around people with personality disorders of one sort or another. Despite this both series are pretty light in tone and manage to be very strange without descending into irritating 'wackiness'.

cassiesheepgirl says...

Both of these series place focus on a darker and more serious side of life. Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei is primarily about a man who sees everything in a negative light, whilst Welcome to the NHK focuses on the struggles of being a hikkikomori and both have their fair share of dark humour. Although Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei is generally a lighter anime with more humour packed in, if you like taking a look at a more dim view of society then both of these series are a must.

argona says...

both are dark psychological comedies about characters with negative views .believing that world is a hopeless place and there is no point in living .at the same time there are positive female characters with their own problems who come to their aid and together they try to find a meaning for their lives.

Jensling says...

They both have this seriousness about psychological health, while at the same time mainly joking about same psychological problems. Also both series uses alot of Japanese social problems as joking material and uses an overly innocent girl as a protagonist.

Omiclock says...

Each series deals with the problems of Japanese society, and boasts a cast of quirky, flawed, but loveable characters. Sato and Itoshiki are both extreme pessimists who tend to let their imaginations run away with them and seem to find themselves in the most unusual situations. Both series are delightfully dark and bizarre, if you enjoy dark comedy you're sure to enjoy both.

NerdyPunk says...

Both have very dark themes (a hikkikomori with deep mental problems and a suicidal teacher who is constantly in despair) yet can show off their lighter side. Although Welcome to the NHK can get very serious at times and Syonara Zetsubou Sensei is more about the social commentary and comedy, there's a small piece of us that can relate to the very real feelings and problems of each of the characters.

Nocturnalgloria says...

Welcome to the NHK and Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei are very unique both in their subject matter, that of social phobias and mental issues, and their artistic styles that are quite original. Tackling severe problems that affect strangely endearing if flawed characters, these anime offer a glimpse into dysfunction even as they offer plenty of laughs. Very Japanese and modern, they differ in that SZS is a parody through and through while WttNHK is a bittersweet reflection wrapped as a comedy

unitzero says...

Both Welcome to the NHK! and Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei share a similar sense of black humor. Both series are hilarious critics on modern Japanese society, and perhaps society in general. If you liked either of these you are pretty much guaranteed to appreciate the other.

Thistledown says...

Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei and Welcome to the NHK! both tackle some heavy subjects, such as suicide. SZS does it in a much more lighthearted fashion, while also parodying other cultural facets. NHK is a much more drama-saturated show. If you a different take on these serious subjects, you can't go wrong.

Darklegba says...

While NHK is much deeper and WAY less random than SZS, they both make dark humor out of various psychological problems people face, pop culture (both western & Japanese), pervertedness, as well as numerous conspiracies. They also have similar soundtracks (Kenji Ohtsuki) and changes in animation styles. If you enjoyed one, you're more than likely to like the other. 

YesToNo says...

I watched NHK before Zetsubou, and the first thing I thought was "...NHK, anyone?" both deal with things that happen in our life, NHK takes it to the extreme while Zetsubou takes it humourously, both are a great watch.

Echologic says...

Both feature the same sort of outlook on life, where the protagonist thinks himself that he has lost the will to live, or go on in some way. Both feature a character that in some way want to change the protagonists way of living or thinking. Both show the problems arising in modern society, and inspire to a reflection about this, zetsubou way more direct than NHK. Neither of them show an amazing progression from their other state, something that details the hardness of life in a different way that feels more relatable and real. NHK has way more drama elements than zetsubou though, and zetsubou is more episodic and gagbased. 

hamletsmage says...

Both of these animes deal with some of the darker issues in Japanese culture, such as hokikimoris, suicides, among others. These animes present the issues in good humor (at times), although some of the darker humor can be lost on anyone outside of Japan. Both of these animes are very much slice of life, going more into character development than anything else. Another thing that ties these two anime together is the main character's penchant for ranting about everything tying in to his personal mental illness. 

Tomte says...

Want to see more of japanse sub-culture? Another slice of life series dealing with how people feel and think. Together with interesting characters and good character development, this makes you feel like "one in the gang".

Comic situations, real life hardships, romance & drama. All in a successfull mix of events.

kevn57 says...

The plots of Welcome to the NHK and Genshiken are really completely different, but both shows are about extreme otaku. I loved both.

vivafruit says...

Genshiken and NHK are both about obsessive but surprisingly loveable characters. They also have unique, hilarious, and almost voyeuristic looks into the Japanese otaku subculture. While NHK focuses more on drama near the end, if you liked the zany comedy of one of these anime, you'll laugh just as hard at the other's.

pizzadood says...

Genshiken focuses mainly on the life of an otaku, or a person who's obsessed the culture of anime, manga, video games, and other similar customs in Japan.

N.H.K. meanwhile, focuses more on the general life of a socially challenged individual, or hikikomori. In other words, not only does N.H.K. deal with the life of an otaku, it also shows other aspects of a hikikomori's life, like internet suicide and being a victim of multi-level, or pyramid, marketing scams.

If you liked one, try out the other!

freakzilla says...

Not only do Genshiken and Welcome to the NHK use the same comedy style, they also touch on the same topic: a glimpse of an (extreme) otaku's lifestyle. This makes the humour even more alike at times.

argona says...

Welcome to the NHK and Genshiken are about otaku who are treated like freaks and weirdos by others, but are in fact kind-hearted and looking for someone to accept them for who they are; this way, they can have the courage to step into society to express themselves. The only difference is that NHK is a dark comedy with more drama in its later episodes.

Tokuwa says...

Both series give quite accurate and somewhat realistic outlook on Japanese otaku culture - in both you may find the opportunity to reflect on yourself and how far you have gone into the realm of this otakuness, but there are major differences: While NHK displays a variety of addictive "nerd-cultures" that can cast you outside of society - the otaku-culture is the center of Genshiken. Also while Genshiken is more humorous and uplifting, NHK offers a lot more drama and shows the darker sides of all Japanese addictions - either way, I'm pretty sure if you loved one, you can equally appreciate the other.

Omiclock says...

Both series are about obessive, yet likeable otaku and their experiences as they develop from social outcasts and begin to accept themselves for who they are. Although Genshiken focuses more on comedy and NHK on drama, the two present the same basic ideas in different ways; if you enjoyed one you will certainly enjoy the other.

KiraRin says...

Genshiken is one of those shows that takes time and patience to fully appreciate. NHK is the same. There are many "in" jokes from the anime world, and although both shows can be enjoyed without understanding them, its nice to be able to smile and nod knowingly.

Both shows probably require about a months worth of anime watching under your belt to fully enjoy them, but it is not essential.

cassiesheepgirl says...

While there is far more comedy in Genshiken, both that and NHK focus on otaku protagonists. Both series take a look at the otaku culture, though Genshiken portrays it in a more positive light. If you liked the representation of otaku culture in one then it's well worth checking out the other.

shinigamidono says...

Both series concentrate on otakus. NHK takes a more serious approach and deals with hikikomoris in particular while Genshiken takes a much more comedic approach and deals with the otaku culture in general. Both however deal with a lot of similar things such as spending all your earnings on "otaku merchandise", otaku clothing, cosplay, women and the otakus... These two shows are not similar enough to say that if you like one you will definitely like the other. However, if you find the subject matter of otakus and the otaku culture interesting, you will likely have an interest in both of these series.

DrunkenBlowfish says...

Both series focus rather, "Down to Earth" issues in dealing with the everyday lives of young geeks, otakus, shut-ins, and outcasts as they attempt to find their place in society.

Goodyob says...

Both are about socially-awkward shut-ins who, over the course of the show, eventually learn how to come out of their shell and socialize with others

pineapplesaladfan says...

Deals with similar social awkwardness, but while NHK takes a decidedly grim route, Watamote seems to be going for the laughs. 

Naga says...

Both anime are about socialy awkward protagonists stuck inside their little worlds, and both anime feature their stuggle to change for the better. There's definitely similar feel in both shows, so if you liked one, there's a chance you'll like the other one.

Karasune says...

These two shows deal with socially awkward protagonists. They're trapped within their own dreams and delusions, and soon they begin to struggle to better themselves. Watamote is much more comedic than NHK, especially since NHK takes a darker and more depressing route later on, but I think fans of one may take some interest in the other, especially if they enjoyed the struggles of the main characters.

ScreamingSilently says...

For the longest time Welcome To The NHK was my ultimate favorite anime because I could relate to it so much. With Watamote I can also relate to the main character in a surreal way. Both of the main characters are socially awkward and basically shut ins (one more than the other). I recommend watching both if you liked one of them. 

Dalvanara says...

Both are about socially-awkward shut-ins who, over the course of the show, eventually learn how to come out of their shell and socialize with others

Democide says...

both Anime are about main characters with Hikikomori tendencies and have a lot of gallows humor, Ecchi  moments and references to hentai and otaku culture.

kathmom says...

Both revolve around a hikikomori  character (more or less) and how they interact with the outside world, trying to get over their social awkardness.Both are supposed to be comedies.

appl3s says...

both are abut main characters suffering from social anxiety, which leads both of them to avoid, and isolate themselves from said interaction, however they have very few friends, both animes are only one season i think, if ur suffering from communication with people i reccomend both of these, makes me feel less alone.

Qplayer says...

Both works involve people who believe they are caught in a conspiracy. Both protagonists are possibly slightly insane in this belief, but the viewer sympathizes with the character as the anime is portrayed from his point of view. They each feature quirky humor and a plot that features a creepily down to earth scenario, albeit slightly tweaked to fit the world of the anime.

Menchi says...

NHK and Steins;Gate both have a load of conspiracy theories, paranoia and even plain madness. At some points during both of them you really have to wonder what is actually happening and what's not. The atmosphere is dark and gloomy in both, and the main characters are equally effed up in ways. But if that's your cup of tea, like mine, then go for both!

 

doratai says...

Both share a very clever juxtaposition of reality and delusion, though one turns out to be true, the other false. The 'truth' upheld by the protagonist is surreal but incredibly funny, and is reworked and remanifested throughout the series. They also end in a strangely reconciled romantic relationship between the protagonist and the another character usually caught in the middle of delusion and reality. Loved both!

RunRynRynRun says...

Both Welcome to the NHK and Steins;Gate revolve around eccentric protagonists trying to take down a conspiracy that has effected their lives to some extent. Both shows also feature strong psychological elements and character development, the level and scope of the conspiracies varies in both shows, but I am confident that if you were enthralled by Steins;Gate, then you will enjoy Welcome to the NHK and visa versa.   

bokusenou says...

Both have a smart plot which play around with the main character's delusional mindset and "the nothing is what it seems" type series. In the end you can't help but cheer for the character you likely wrote off as crazy during the first episode. Also, they both have glances into the otaku subculture.

blitzmut says...

Both successfully examine feelings of social awkwardness and isolation - with some cool mysteries/stories along the way. Both are also aimed at a more "mature" audience and focus a lot of characters and their relationships with one another.

Jdogtoocool says...

Both are fun slice of life anime with a little spice just the way I like em. Very dark and suspenseful anime but both feature hilarious situations and a great cast of characters. If you like one I'm sure you'll like the other.

ToshiSatou says...

The emotions and a lot of characters'profile are similar. I love both anime then I highly recommend watching.

SamIchi says...

They are similar when it comes to being an adult that's not functioning properly in society. I love NHK it's one of my favorites, while NHK is about a person who is the definition of a NEET ReL is more about someone who's half a NEET. They're both about helping the MC to become a functioning member of society. NHK is more realistic and a tad bit more mature, they throw some Sigmund Freud kind of jokes around. It's from 2000 so while it might not be to your 2016 visual standards it was when it came out, that being said judge it by the story not the looks, although it doesn't look all that bad IMO. ReL is less realistic since they have a pill that will make you look younger and another one to reverse the effect, it's really innocent and has more romance, they don't talk all that much about mature stuff so it's a very nice light hearted slice of life. They're both funny, enjoyable and deep. They both have to do with traumas as to why they're NEETs so do expect some psychological cars more in NHK than ReL.

Jdogtoocool says...

Even though Welcome to the NHK is a bit of a darker anime, both shows actually cover similar points. ReLIFE goes about it in a more scientific/comical way but both shows come down to the revitalization of adults who have unresolved issues. Very romantic, very funny, very enjoyable

AmimeCow says...

Similar themes and characters. Characters with 'issues' are given a chance to improve themselves (and others around them).

snivets says...

Both are stories about people who have checked out of life who slowly work on coming out of their house/shell. The MCs have trust issues and social anxiety issues. While they do have different plot structures and different atmospheres, both really showcase this darker side of the NEET/hikikomori phenomenon.

jimojima says...

Neet Life, struggeling to be a productive member of society, characters with low self esteem but with a good heart

ghostcarnist says...

Both are shows featuring adults undergoing struggles in their lives, they both balance mature themes and comedy well.

FoxNEET says...

Both series feature an unemployed main character trying to change and improve his life, while being helped out by other characters. Also both series fit in the category of slice of life, psychological and drama genre.

JONDAMAN says...

both are about rehabilitation of a grownup neet who tries to rejoin society with the help of a female character. welcome to nhk is darker and more mature but other than that they are very similar.

LXile says...

Tired of the same cookie cutter protagonists? Want your characters to maybe have a bit of emotional baggage like real people? Both Paranoia Agent and Welcome to the NHK! have a great cast of unique personalities all with their own set of issues. Each series deals with some of the darker elements of Japanese culture in way that's both funny, and strikingly poignant. Welcome to the NHK! is more traditional in storytelling format and comedy style where as Paranoia Agent can be bit confusing and mysterious, but both deliver an experience that's dark, deep, disturbing, and thoroughly enjoyable.

NerdyPunk says...

Both Welcome to the NHK and Paranoia Agent deal with pretty dark subjects, although both shows take the plot in different directions. If you liked the dark mood with some comedy thrown in of NHK, then you might like Paranoia Agnet.

opui says...

An exploration of modern japanese society and some of its more sinister aspects seem to be the driving force behind both Welcome to the NHK and Paranoia Agent. Characters trapped in their own psychological problems and social shortcomings are the focus of both. Humour also plays an important role in both, they even go so far as to make fun of themselves and their viewers, in criticising for example the role anime (and video games) play in some people's lives. Though the feeligns and situations portrayed can easily relate to any human being around the world, I found both of them very educational concerning some mostly Japan-specific social phenomena. That said, these two anime have such a different feel about them that they won't necessarily appeal to the same people, but they are both worth a try.

ashman711 says...

In a nustshell, both series deal with the physiolgical breakdowns of the central characters and they do so in a humorous-yet-kinda-creepy way. PA is more random, whereas NHK has a set story and characters. If you liked one you'll have to check out the other, especially if you want to see some of the most F'd up characters in Anime ever

Nocturnalgloria says...

Few anime would touch upon the theme of social paranoia in such a brilliant way as Welcome to the NHK and Paranoia Agent. From the occasional ruptures in the narrative to give vent to the disturbed mental states of the characters to the issues of growing dysfunction, these shows are relevant as social commentaries as well as artistic endeavours. While WttNHK may seem like a comedy it too deals with the pressure of living in the modern world as does the very odd PA. Conspiracies and plots abound in these character-driven anime about emotional breakdown.

Morwen says...

On the surface, these two series are extremely different from each other. PA is mostly psychological horror mixed in with some mystery, while NHK is more slice-of-life mixed in with some black, black romantic comedy. But both anime deal with troubled people floundering in their troubled lives, and tackle many of the problems in Japanese society today head-on. Neither of these series are escapist in the least. But both do their best to dig into the problems of Japan in a thoughtful, careful way, exposing many of the possible causes. If you're interested in series that examine those with psychological issues and contain a heavy dose of social commentary, you'll probably enjoy both of these series.

hamletsmage says...

If you enjoy delving into human psychology, look not further than these two animes. Paranoia Agent is a slightly more violent version of NHK, with both showcasing the mental illnesses of society. Both are thought-evoking dramas with a moderately sized cast. 

Utau says...

Both shows feature interesting (okay, weird) and socially awkward characters, exploring the challenges that they face interacting with society.  They also both revolve around the concept of NEETs

forestdonkey says...

Both of these series star lovable, but sometimes infuriatingly awkward NEETs/hikikomori. While Welcome to the NHK is slightly darker in tone, Kuragehime strives entertains the mature viewer with its slightly more refined stlye and slower pace.

I recommend both highly.

RedCrossRobbery says...

Both Princess Jellyfish and Walcome to the NHK! are hilarious, but often touching, series revolving around "Hikikimori", an individual suffering from an obsessive personality that usually is afraid to go outside of their own homes. ALot of references to Japanese manga, anime, and video games.

gleipnir says...

Crippling self-doubt? Difficulty finding your way in life? Social isolation?  Strange new relationships?  Both Welcome to the NHK and Kuragehime deal with these themes and more.  In each, a strange, neurotic person finds their life changed (for better or for worse) by a charismatic, determined stranger and focus on the main characters' struggles to find meaning in their lives as they deal with young adulthood.

CluelessGamer says...

Both animes have social hermits for main characters, working to improve their comical mental health with a potential romantic interest. They both are well done and directed in a way that can be rare. And they have more tricks for comedy than chibis, actually pretty hilarious.

globalwild says...

Welcome to the NHK! and Princess Jellyfish both come at otaku lifestyle in different and thought-provoking ways. Welcome to the NHK! focuses on the issues most commonly associated with men, while Princess Jellyfish centers on the common troubles linked to women. Welcome to the NHK! is the darker of the two, but both have memorable comedic moments. They are also similar in the fact that knowledge of, or experience with the topics involved, should lead to a better understanding and appreciation of the shows as a whole.

hamletsmage says...

Sometimes society can be a scary, weird place, and the main characters of these animes are well aware of that fact. For the most part, they avoid society entirely, until someone drags them, kicking and screaming, out of their make-shift sanctuary. These animes deal with the protagonists' journeys into the world, with NHK showcasing society's rough edges, and Kuragehime showcasing the world of fashion. 

JAhU says...

The narration is one thing that connects Haruhi and Welcome to the NHK. In both shows the narration is in the form of an inner monologue of the main character, which is filled with a good amount of irony. If you like stuff like that, you should definitely give these a try.

P.S. If you find any other similarities between the two shows, then good for you. ;)

freakzilla says...

NHK and Suzumiya have their similarities. They are about someone discovering a new world that is opening to them because they are changing themselves. Both have some touches of comedy and romance as well, though NHK is a bit darker.

Kiaso says...

Both Haruhi and NHK have an eccentric main character, have something out of the ordinary happen in a unique way, and will make you reconsider your own life and experiences in a different way. If you liked one you will love the other.

eaper says...

Each of these series are centered around several extremely interesting and odd characters, have the main character taking part in many things that they think are absurd, and are genuinely funny. I believe that if you liked either of these series, you will enjoy the other.

RunRynRynRun says...

Both shows appear to be quite average on the surface but after a while, you realize these are not your average anime. Both shows have very quirk characters and crazy comments.

hamletsmage says...

Both of these anime are about eccentric main characters, have a sort of inner-monologue for naration, and explore some of the otaku culture of Japan. Another link between the two is that while they are slice of life on the surface, there is a lot more to these anime than meets the eye. So, go and try both.

AirCommodore says...

Tatami Galaxy and Welcome to the NHK! are dark comedies about college-aged men that have wasted their lives and are now trying, largely unsuccessfully, to get their lives back in order and restore their happiness. They do this with the assistance of an equally socially-unfit best friend and a girl who is also a bit odd. Tatami Galaxy is much more arthouse, but both feature wacky-but-still-in-the-realm-of-believable (well... sort of)scenarios and characters.

valondar says...

I identify far too much with the protagonists of these series - far more, I'm sure, then is healthy. These self-absorbed lonely college screw-ups trapped in their own private hells; with plenty of laughs and drama and weirdness (far more so in Tatami Galaxy's case) along the way. If you're willing to watch a NHK that's far, far stranger and 'arty', give Tatami a whirl... and if you want a similar angst to Tatami that has more of a dramatic arc, then NHK may just be the thing for you.

VivisQueen says...

Tragically funny and affecting, both Welcome to the NHK and Tatami Galaxy manage to capture the self-destructively gauche young male who struggles to fit in with society for one reason or another. More importantly, both manage to represent the humour in their misadventures while not completely sidelining the human tragedy that underlies it all. One show reminded me powerfully of the other and I think fans of one will find a lot of enjoyment in the other.

lvlln says...

Yojouhan Shinwa Taikei, aka The Tatami Galaxy, is a somewhat similar story about an adult trying to find happiness through various means. The protagonist is a college student forced to relive the 1st 2 years of his college life, joining a different club or pursuing a different interest each time, never truly succeeding in his quest for the "rose-colored campus life."

Some themes emerge that were present in Welcome to the NHK!, including pyramid schemes, hikikomori, and finding 2nd - or 3rd or 4th, etc. - chances.

SentientCrab says...

Failure is a crucial part of both shows. NHK is much easier to understand than Yojouhan Shinwa Taikei.

subparalien says...

Tatami Galaxy is a wonderfully odd, self referencing series that slowly builds on itself and comes together.

Welcome to the NHK features a lot of really odd but relatable characters profoundly screwing up.

Both narrators are profoundly unreliable.

JAhU says...

Welcome to the NHK! and xxxHolic are very good seinen shows that mix drama and comedy with a bit of romance. Also in both of them the protagonist is rather over reactive. So if you liked one, the other might just suit your taste.

P.S. Just keep in mind that it takes a few episodes for these anime to get really interesting (in the case of NHK! it is 4-5 episodes, while in the case of xxxHolic it is 1-3 episodes).

Sangokagome says...

Both of these entertaining series have a mystic atmosphere and deal with men who need assistance with their lives, and the women who help them achive it. Wonderfully funny, and just a little bit strange, xxxHolic and NHK are two titles worth checking out.

eaper says...

Each of these series are extremely funny and have some drama/romance thrown in and are centered around odd guys trying to/getting used to the world they live in (although each world is very different). Finally, the male lead in each is quite crazy and overreacts to almost anything.

hamletsmage says...

I'm fairly certain the protagonists from tgese shows are cut from the same cloth, are long-lost twins, are clones from parallel universes... They both have beautifully insane overreactions. Both have major issues to work through, and both have a mysterious female lead to help them. 

While the shows are a tad different plot-wise, they share a lot of similar humor and drama. 

subparalien says...

xxxHolic has Yokai, Welcome to the NHK has real good characters. There both an interesting watch.