What’s Hikikomori? Why 15 lakh Japanese are living in isolation?

Source: The post is based on the article “What’s Hikikomori? Why 15 lakh Japanese are living in isolation?” published in The Economic Times on 8th April 2023.

What is the News?

A phenomenon of social withdrawal known as Hikikomori is spreading rapidly in Japan.

What is Hikikomori?

It is a term used to describe people who have withdrawn from society, often for a period of six months or longer.

It is associated with feelings of anxiety, depression, and social phobia. It is thought to be a response to the pressures of modern society, including high academic expectations, intense competition, and social isolation.

What are the effects of Hikkomori?

a) It can lead to further mental health problems, including depression and anxiety, and can make it difficult for individuals to reintegrate into society, b) Hikikomori can have long-term effects on individuals’ social and economic prospects, making it harder for them to find work or form relationships, c) Hikikomori can lead to reduced productivity and can make it harder for individuals to contribute to the wider economy, and d) It can exacerbate demographic challenges, including an aging population and a declining birth rate.