Ep 3. Welcome to the Beautiful Girls!

Welcome to the N-H-K is a Japanese anime series that takes a closer look at depression, social anxiety, and addiction. It follows the story of a young man named Tatsuhiro Satou, who is struggling to cope with his life after dropping out of college. In season 1 episode 3, titled "Welcome to the Beautiful Girls!", Satou finds himself getting tangled up in a shady business deal.

The episode begins with Satou and his friend Yamazaki discussing their latest collaboration. They've been working on a hentai game together, and they're eager to see how it will turn out. However, things take a turn for the worse when they realize they've been scammed. The "beautiful girls" they had hired to help with their game were actually just middle-aged men in disguise.

Feeling angry and embarrassed, Satou decides to take matters into his own hands. He tracks down the scammer and confronts him in a public park. Things get heated, and it looks like a fight is about to break out. However, Satou is saved by the arrival of a beautiful girl named Misaki, who is holding a sign that reads "Do you want to be a better person?"

Misaki has been showing up in Satou's life quite frequently lately, and he's starting to wonder if she might be stalking him. However, she claims to be a "volunteer" who is trying to "save" him from his hikikomori lifestyle. Satou finds her a bit creepy, but he can't deny that he's intrigued by her.

As the episode progresses, Satou starts to get more involved with Misaki's "program". She has him doing various exercises and tasks designed to boost his self-esteem and help him overcome his social anxiety. At first, Satou is highly skeptical of the program, but he slowly starts to warm up to it.

Throughout the episode, there are many moments of dark humor and introspection. Satou's inner monologue reveals just how messed up his thought processes are, and how much he dislikes himself. He fantasizes about committing suicide or becoming a NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) for the rest of his life.

Meanwhile, Misaki's motives remain a mystery. Is she really just a good Samaritan trying to help out a total stranger? Or does she have a more sinister agenda? Satou can't help but wonder if she is using him for some ulterior purpose.

Overall, "Welcome to the Beautiful Girls!" is a thought-provoking episode that tackles some very serious themes. It showcases the struggles of young adults as they attempt to navigate their way through a world that seems stacked against them. While the show can be quite dark at times, it is also filled with moments of humor and hope. If you're a fan of anime that dives deep into the human psyche, you won't want to miss this episode.