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In Vietnamese, Hikikomori is defined as 'withdrawing inward, becoming limited in activity.' Therefore, hikikomori is also referred to as 'Modern-day Hermits.'
Loneliness is a significant issue in Japanese society. Especially for the elderly demographic, it has become a serious concern, and there are signs that even among the younger population, loneliness is on the rise.
Among elderly men living alone in Japan, over 15% frequently have days without talking to anyone, while 30% lack a confidant in life.
Japan's aging population poses unique social challenges. The phenomenon known as hikikomori, or modern-day hermitage, has gained momentum in the country. However, it's not just the elderly; even the younger population is adopting these lifestyles.
In 2010, the Japanese government estimated that there were 700,000 individuals living as hikikomori in Japan, with an average age of 31. Today, according to a recent study, this issue has become more prevalent worldwide — and we need a better solution to diagnose this phenomenon. In fact, a new study published in early 2023 found evidence that this phenomenon is expanding internationally.
What is Hikikomori?
In the late 1990s, Japan discovered a significant number of adolescents and young adults virtually devoid of any social connections, except for sporadic contact with their families.
It's known as hikikomori (or ひきこもり in Japanese), meaning 'withdrawal, confinement.' In simpler terms, it's closing off, avoiding external interactions. Hikikomori fundamentally retreat from social life without any underlying physical or mental conditions.
It's important to note that this isn't your typical introverted person; instead, it's a condition characterized by extreme social isolation.
This condition rarely shifts towards positive trajectories, and becoming a hikikomori is almost always chronic. Interviews and surveys with hikikomori individuals reveal intense psychological distress, and at times, contemplating abandoning this lifestyle can also be agonizing.
They practically stay indoors every day. This isn't just a social concern; most researchers delving into this issue are attempting to categorize it as a pathological condition.
Causes of Hikikomori
A community-based survey published in 2010 reported that the prevalence of hikikomori is around 1.2% of Japan's population, yet there is still no consensus on the factors leading to this condition.
It appears to affect both genders equally and seems to be often linked to past trauma or uncomfortable social experiences (including academic failures).
It seems to impact families in the middle and upper class, but it could also be the case because these families can afford to fully support their children after isolation, while in less affluent families, potential hikikomori might be compelled to work.
Hikikomori bears resemblance to the social withdrawal of some individuals with autism spectrum disorders, but no clear connection is established. According to Michael Zielenziger's book - Shutting Out the Sun: How Japan Created Its Own Lost Generation - this syndrome is closely related to post-traumatic stress disorders, though studies have indicated this as speculative.
No underlying mental condition causes this phenomenon (a crucial aspect in defining hikikomori), but it's not entirely clear whether this is a mental state or just an extreme form of behavior. Furthermore, social isolation often comes with shame or guilt from the family, posing barriers in identifying and describing the characteristics of these individuals.
The surge of social isolation is becoming a global phenomenon, a sudden escalation witnessed across the world. However, if the discussed causes hold true, this is not a surprising development.
Notably, an increasing number of places worldwide are becoming affluent enough to support perpetual youth (or youth capable of working remotely, online, without the need for direct interaction). Not every hikikomori can sustain themselves or earn a living, but most come from middle or upper-class families capable of providing for them.
Cultural shifts brought about by technology (especially the internet) can also create a deep divide between children and their parents. Parents unable to spot early signs of social isolation may be considered a exacerbating factor of this issue.
Interviews have indicated that hikikomori is not limited to Japan or Asia, and it seems to have no distinct cultural aspect defined. It is a complex phenomenon with intricate causes — and as our society evolves, we should pay more attention to it.
Source: Grunge; Phys.org; USGS
