The Japanese phrase “hikikomori” refers to people who have not participated in society for at least a year.

 

The 2016 Japanese census revealed that 540,000 people aged 15-39 were hikikomori. However, it could be double the number, as many people are uncounted due to their desire to remain completely hidden.

 

There are different causes for isolation, but hikikomori are all united by an inability to comply with Japan’s strict social rules.

 

Most hikikomori are men who have collapsed under the pressure of rigid gender roles, which place all economic responsibilities on the patriarch. Many families are ashamed of having a hikikomori child and keep it a secret, resulting in people struggling to get proper help.

 

While the West values individuality, Japanese society prioritises solidarity, and an individual’s value depends on their ability to conform to the rules. Hikikomori are unable to do so and, as a result, feel useless and excluded.

 

Connectivity to the Internet has worldwide impacts, but in Japan it is also a gateway to secluded life due to gaming and social media. The ability to order everything online has exacerbated the issue, too, as thanks to it people never have to go outside.

 

Since April 2018, the Japanese government has been conducting a nationwide study to understand this strange phenomenon. Many organisations in Japan have responded to the issue, such as non-profit organization, New Start, which sends “rental sister” social workers to help hikikomori transition back into regular life. Some businesses are also offering gradual training days for people to ease back into work.

 

Due to societal pressures, Japan is now experiencing a cultural shift. People are coming away from a collective-minded ideology to a more individualistic one - especially the younger generations seeking to express their originality.

 

While society has failed in the past to provide care and support for those affected, there’s now hope as the Japanese are trying to band together to do more.