Hikikomori
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An Overview Recent government estimates suggest there are approximately 1.46 to 1.5 million hikikomori (social recluses) in Japan. This figure is derived from a 2022 Cabinet Office survey of people aged 15 to 64. Key Statistics and Demographics Total Number: The latest survey applied a 2% rate of hikikomori among respondents to Japan's working-age population (15-64) to reach an estimate of 1.46 million individuals. Other sources round this number to about 1.5 million people. Government surveys: A March 2023 Cabinet Office survey identified about 1.46 million people aged 15-64 as hikikomori, with the number potentially increasing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Definition: This figure is based on a definition that includes people who rarely leave their home or room for more than six months at a time, except for occasional outings for things like hobbies or to a local convenience store. Expert estimates: Some experts, like Saito Tamaki, suggest that the number could be significantly larger, with figures potentially rising above 10 million according to Nippon.com. What is the hikikomori problem in Japan? Can't generate an AI overview right now. Try again later.AI Overview The "hikikimori" problem in Japan refers to the phenomenon of severe social withdrawal, where hundreds of thousands of people isolate themselves in their homes, often for years. This social issue is driven by a combination of factors like intense pressure to succeed, fear of failure, bullying, and societal influences. Treatment focuses on gradual reintegration and family counseling to restore communication, but a significant number of individuals remain withdrawn for extended periods. Societal and cultural pressure: Factors like intense social expectations, the shame of failure (\(haji\)), and a history of emphasizing conformity are considered major contributors. Mental health concerns: Underlying conditions such as anxiety, depression, and social phobia are often involved. Family dynamics: Over-protective or high-pressure parenting, attachment issues, and a lack of functional communication within the family can play a role. School and work-related issues: Bullying, academic difficulties, and job rejection can act as triggers. Modern influences: The pandemic has exacerbated the problem by increasing reliance on remote services like online learning and delivery, which can make isolation more feasible. Symptoms and characteristics Refusal to attend school or work and complete withdrawal from social activities. Staying in the home most of the time, sometimes for years. Extreme social isolation, with limited or no contact with others. Symptoms of agoraphobia, insomnia, and obsessive-compulsive disorders can also be present. How many hikikomori are there in the USA? There is no official count of hikikomori in the USA, but a 2022 study estimated the prevalence to be around 2.7% in university students. Other sources indicate that as many as 2.5 million young people may refuse school and be homebound, and a significant number of adults are socially isolated. There are an increasing number of reported cases in the US, although it is not yet a systematically studied or well-defined phenomenon. Prevalence estimates: One study of American university students found a prevalence of 2.7%. Some estimates suggest that millions of young people are homebound due to refusing school. Lack of systematic study: Unlike in Japan, there are no systematic investigations of the prevalence of hikikomori in the United States. This means there is no official count of the population. Growing awareness: While still understudied, there is growing awareness of the phenomenon in the US, and more cases are being reported. Related but not identical: Other terms like "school refusal" and "social isolation" are used to describe similar behaviors, but they are not identical to the syndrome of hikikomori as defined in Japan. Age Groups: Previous surveys focused on younger individuals (ages 15-39), estimating around 514,000 in 2016. A 2019 survey estimated approximately 613,000 people aged 40-64 were hikikomori. The latest survey was the first to cover all age groups from 10 to 69, revealing that the issue affects a wide demographic. Gender: While the phenomenon was once associated primarily with young men, the 2023 survey for those aged 40-64 found that over half (52.3%) were women, indicating a shift in understanding of the issue. Reasons for Withdrawal: The most common reasons cited for social withdrawal were quitting a job and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Are there female hikikomori? AI Overview Life as an unattractive female hikikomori : r/hikikomori Yes, there are female hikikomori, and recent data indicates their numbers are rising, particularly among middle-aged women in Japan. While often stereotyped as a male phenomenon, female hikikomori exist across various age groups and face unique pressures, with studies showing a significant and growing percentage of women identifying as such. What is the average age of a hikikomori? Characteristics of the average hikikomori: male, sensitive ... Adolescent or young adult. In Italy, most hikikomori are between 14 and 25 years old. In Japan, however, the average age is a lot older and there are many recluses over 40, who started their own isolation during adolescence and have perpetrated it for tens of years. What do hikikomori do all day? The person may leave his or her room only at night when unlikely to be noticed by others and often spends time using the internet, reading, or playing video games. The person must meet each of the following six criteria: The person spends most of the day and nearly every day confined to home. Government Response The Japanese government has acknowledged this as a significant social issue. In 2021, a Minister for Social Isolation and Loneliness was appointed, and in April 2024, a law was passed requiring local governments to take action. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare also established regional support centers and an online platform to help hikikomori reintegrate into society. over 700,000 people - voluntarily withdraw from sociaty Many live with parents. Don't go out. Aveage 30-31 years old. Unemployed. Live with parents spending most of their time indoors with food and drinks brought to them. Many aloid any communication and live like this for decades. Many had extreme childhood experiences or even trauma. Low achievements, especially combined with high family expectations seem to contribute to the development of hikikomori https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrVSjcfCFzk Many school and companies organize cry workshops to encourage their students and employees to reduce stress and feel comfortable to share their empotions. Companies employee a handsome man with the ability to cry, play sad videos and wipe tears for participants. In school a professional called a Nida Sensei or tears teacher is invited to organize activities and lectures about crying the reason behind these crying programs is that Japan is among the countries with the lowest crying rates in the world some believe there's a stigma against crying in Asian countries considering it a sensetive action showing weakness. Therefore crying workshops help individuals express themselves and relieve stress better https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrVSjcfCFzk
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