Ep 6. Welcome to the Classroom!

Welcome to the N-H-K season 1 episode 6 "Welcome to the Classroom!" is about the protagonist Tatsuhiro Satou, who is a recluse and a college dropout, as he struggles to leave his apartment. Satou's hikikomori (social withdrawal) lifestyle hinders him from going to class or getting a job, and he only survives on casual jobs and a small allowance from his parents.

In this episode, Satou's neighbor, Yamazaki Kaoru, convinces him to visit a cram school to improve his writing skills and eventually pass their entrance exam, which would help him gain employment and a normal life. With nothing else to do, Satou agrees to attend the school, despite his initial reluctance.

Upon arriving in the classroom, Satou quickly realizes that the students actually belong to a nefarious cult that preys on gullible individuals who are searching for answers to their problems. The cult leader, The Guru, claims he can cure hikikomori, depression, and social anxiety by enlightening the members through his teaching.

Satou becomes skeptical of the cult's teachings, and Yamazaki tries to convince him otherwise. In a heated argument, Satou confronts Yamazaki on his motive for bringing him to the school and accuses him of being part of the cult.

As the episode progresses, Satou begins to investigate The Guru and the cult's activities through the internet. He discovers that the cult's practices are nothing but a scam to extract money from its members and that The Guru has a dark past, which he uses to manipulate his followers.

Despite his suspicions, Satou decides to attend more classes to learn more about The Guru's cult and decode his elaborate schemes. Satou and Yamazaki attend a ritual held by The Guru and manage to record his performance, which they later analyze to uncover the hidden messages he uses to brainwash his followers.

The episode ends with Satou realizing that The Guru's cult has been taking advantage of vulnerable individuals, and he decides to take matters into his own hands. He becomes determined to expose the cult's activities and save his peers from being victimized by the dangerous teachings of their leader.

Overall, "Welcome to the Classroom!" is a gripping episode that captures Satou's inner turmoil and his determination to overcome his social anxiety and fear of the outside world. It also depicts the dangers of cult activities and the manipulation tactics used to prey on vulnerable individuals.