My thoughts on Welcome to the N.H.K

Welcome to the NHK remains his only recurring anime; Sato mirrors his isolation, unemployment, weak motivation, and addictive tendencies. The series motivated Japanese study, work, and quitting World of Warcraft; its feared future of dependency now resembles his present. After six Japan trips, he rejects idealized anime-Japan expectations but still seeks a close friend, romantic partner, and stimulating city life.

Japan travel changed his beliefs, but not the underlying longing for connection behind his anime idealisation.