Introduction
In Japan, there are many “hikikomori” cases, and this is one of the most recent social problems. This problem has recently drawn international attention, so it can be said that it is the most important issue in Japan to resolve. They must be there for a reason. Will we be able to resolve the issue?
What is “hikikomori”?
People who have little contact with people outside of their family are referred to as “hikikomori” in Japanese. The term hikikomori was coined by Japanese researchers (McLeod, Rooksby, and Furuhashi, 2020). It is distinguished by extreme social isolation as well as a refusal to interact with others. They are in so much pain and anxiety that they refuse to leave their homes. It is often difficult to improve once they have become withdrawn (Andrei, 2021).
How many hikikomori are there and what do they do?
There are many hikikomori in Japan, and their numbers are growing. According to Japanese psychiatrist Tamaki Saito, 1.15 million Japanese between the ages of 15 and 64 are hikikomori, with the number expected to approach 2 million in the near future (Ibnat, 2022).
Hikikomori always makes time for hobbies such as watching TV, reading books, and playing video games. During the day, they sleep. They wake up at night and engage in activities without the involvement of their families. Some people prepare their own meals, while others have their parents prepare meals for them at the door (Phillips, 2017).
What is the reason for withdrawal?
Many people withdraw as a result of stress or trauma. Japanese people have unrealistic expectations for their academic and professional performance. As a result, many people work and study more than necessary while under pressure, resulting in a lot of stress (Phillips, 2017).
Furthermore, failures at school or work can be traumatic and result in withdrawal (Andrei, 2021).
There are few counselors in Japan who can solve mental problems.
Is there a way to help them?
Hikikomori can be solved in a variety of ways. Many of the causes of hikikomori, however, are related to the living environment. As a result, the most important solution is to review our education and work environment, as well as to be able to control the expectations of those around us. (Young, 2019)
Furthermore, various activities are being undertaken in Japan to reduce hikikomori.
- Appointment of Minister of Loneliness
In February 2021, Japan’s first minister in charge of loneliness was appointed due to rise in depression and suicide rates triggered by COVID-19 (Staff Reports, 2021).
- Establishment of hikikomori support center
There are places in Japan where hikikomori can gather and share their hardships. This builds social skills and builds self-confidence (Staff Reports, 2021).
- The Rent-A-Sister Program
There is a non-profit organization in Japan that aims to reduce hikikomori. It is called New Start and primarily works on sister rental programs. This is an initiative in which a young woman befriends a hikikomori by talking to them and gets them to leave the room (Staff Reports, 2021).
Conclusion
Various measures are being implemented in Japan to reduce hikikomori. The number is increasing due to COVID-19, so we must work hard to solve it. First and foremost, we must examine our living environment and work to create a society in which everyone can live without stress.
References
Andrei, M. (2021). What is Hikikomori, the Japanese phenomenon of extreme social isolation — and why it seems to be spreading. [online] ZME Science. Available at: <https://www.zmescience.com/science/hikikomori-loneliness/> [Accessed 28 December 2022].
Ibnat, A. (2022). Hikikomori: A Moral Panic in Japan | Guidable. [online] Guidable Guidable. Available at: <https://guidable.co/culture/hikikomori-a-moral-panic-in-japan/> [Accessed 31 December 2022].
McLeod, H.J., Rooksby, M. and Furuhashi, T. (2020). Hikikomori: understanding the people who choose to live in extreme isolation. [online] The Conversation. Available at: https://theconversation.com/hikikomori-understanding-the-people-who-choose-to-live-in-extreme-isolation-148482 [Accessed 2 January 2023].
Phillips, N. (2017). The Hikikomori: Total Isolation. [online] Japan’s Grim Future: Population Decline. Available at: <https://medium.com/population-crisis-in-japan/the-hikikomori-total-isolation-d647b8427da4> [Accessed 31 December 2022].
Young, E. (2019). How can we help the hikikomori to leave their rooms? [online] Aeon. Available at: <https://aeon.co/ideas/how-can-we-help-the-hikikomori-to-leave-their-rooms> [Accessed 31 December 2022].
Staff Reports (2021). The Rise of Hikikomori in Japan Restrains the Economy. [online] BORGEN. Available at: <https://www.borgenmagazine.com/hikikomori-in-japan/> [Accessed 31 December 2022].
