Irony -- other shows work so hard to create a vibe of tension and potential threat. Here, if you can relate to this wonderfully relatable character, every second of every moment is filled with tension because the Japanese culture is one of the most unique on the planet. And one of the most especially unforgiving towards outsiders. (I have seen thousands of films, submitted almost 2000 reviews here, and yet the most terrifying movie I have ever seen is Japan's 1964 "Woman in the Dunes," which is not even a horror movie!) Excellent and addictive series. ((Designated "IMDb Top Reviewer." Please check out my list "167+ Nearly-Perfect Movies (with the occasional Anime or TV miniseries) you can/should see again and again (1932 to the present))
