Eguchi Hisashi no Nantoka Narudesho! [Episode 1]

Alright, let’s dive into this wild ride called Eguchi Hisashi no Nantoka Narudesho! Episode 1. First off, if you’re expecting a typical anime with a linear plot and cute characters, you’re in for a shock. This 1990 OVA from MADHOUSE is like if someone took a bunch of random sketches, threw them into a blender with live-action footage and puppet shows, and pressed “blend until chaotic.” And honestly? That’s part of its weird charm—if you can stomach it.

Let’s start with the basics. The episode clocks in at around 46 minutes, but don’t let the runtime fool you. It’s not a single story; it’s a series of disjointed bits that range from animated skits to live-action segments where people interact with puppets. Think of it as a variety show on acid, hosted by a guy who’s probably given up on making sense. The MAL summary mentions it’s “part anime, part live action, and part puppet show,” but that doesn’t even scratch the surface. It’s more like a fever dream where each sketch is a new level of “what the hell am I watching?”

Now, let’s talk about the fan reactions because they’re all over the place. One user called it a “40+ minute long shitpost from based Nippon,” and honestly, that’s spot-on. Another said, “I can’t decide what I’m more impressed by: The most uncomfortable striptease I’ve ever seen in my life, or the sheer amount of jokes that could be summed up as, ‘…and then the gay dude had AIDS!’” Yeah, that’s a thing. The humor here is definitely not for everyone—some bits are just plain offensive, while others are so random they’re almost funny. Like, there’s a puppet of James Brown that some people found racist, but others argued it’s just a caricature. Either way, it’s a lot to unpack.

But wait, not everyone hated it. One commenter said, “It was interesting, to say the least. I found it enjoyable after the first 10 minutes!” And another admitted, “I even chuckled a little actually. That does not make this good though.” There’s a weird charm to its unapologetic chaos. It’s like watching a train wreck—you can’t look away, even though you know you should. The last animated segment, with its over-the-top nuclear explosions, was actually praised for its animation quality. One user noted, “HOLY SMOKES those nuclear explosions at the end were insanely well animated, as if there were rotoscoped.” So, there’s that.

The live-action parts are equally bizarre. There’s a segment with a schoolgirl that some found neat because it shows late 80s Japan, but others just found it boring. The puppet show bits are… well, puppets doing things puppets shouldn’t do. It’s like if Sesame Street decided to go edgy but forgot to be funny.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: the offensive content. Some sketches have jokes about AIDS, racism, and other sensitive topics that haven’t aged well. One user ranted, “None of the gags in the short were remotely as offensive as they were played up to be,” while another said, “There were for sure offensive segments here and there, like the James Brown puppet (I didn’t really find it much offensive, personally), the incestuous homosexual ‘if that we were all, it would be fine’ brothers…” It’s a divisive issue, and if you’re easily offended, this probably isn’t for you.

But here’s the thing: Eguchi Hisashi no Nantoka Narudesho! isn’t trying to be a masterpiece. It’s a weird experiment from the 90s that’s equal parts cringe and curiosity. Some people will love its absurdity, others will hate every second. As one commenter put it, “what the fuck did i just watch?? what? huh?? i would rate this a 1 but i dont rate ovas, im kinda tempted to though.”

In conclusion, this OVA is a hot mess, but it’s a memorable hot mess. If you’re into weird, experimental anime that doesn’t play by the rules, give it a shot—just be prepared to ask yourself, “Do you think god stays in heaven because he too, lives in fear of what he’s created?” (Yes, that’s an actual comment from the MAL discussion.) For everyone else, maybe skip it unless you’re in the mood for a 46-minute trip to confusion town. Either way, it’s an experience you won’t forget—for better or worse.

So, would I recommend it? If you’re a fan of 90s anime oddities and don’t mind offensive humor, sure. Otherwise, maybe pass. But hey, at least you’ll have a story to tell your friends: “You’ll never guess what I watched last night…”

Eguchi Hisashi no Nantoka Narudesho! Episode 1: Where chaos reigns, puppets misbehave, and you’ll question your life choices. Enjoy?