Hikikomori - Social withdrawal in Japan

One Hikikomori man stabbed his family and ...

2012-01-02T19:59:00.003+09:00

One Hikikomori man (then thirty-years-old) killed and wounded his family members and set fire to his house on April 17, 2010.

Takayuki Iwase lived in Toyokawa, Aichi Prefecture, central Japan. He had withdrawn from society for 14 years.

His parents entrusted management of family finances to him. But he was gradually absorbed in Internet shopping and auctions. That led him to have about 3 million yen of debt. So, his father canceled a contract with internet service provider. He got angry and committed crimes. His father and a girl (then 1-years-old) were killed and other families who lived together with him, including his mother, were wounded.

He was arrested, and the case was taken to court. The disputed point was whether he was responsible for his actions, because he had mental health issues. Before the ruling, his lawyers requested experts to examine whether he had any mental health problems. The experts' view was that he had (1) autistic spectrum disorder (2) intellectual disability (3) shopaholic, and his lawyers asserted that the defendant had limited responsibility. On the other hand, prosecutors also requested another experts to examine his mental health problems, and experts concluded he was responsible. Based on the research result, prosecutors demanded life imprisonment.

In the end, he was sentenced to thirty years in prison at the first trial on December 7, 2011.The court ruled that the defendant had responsibility, because he had ability to behave in response to how his family members in front of him behaved, for example, he chased them who attempted to escape from him.

He filed an appeal against the decision on December 12, 2011.

Hikikomori Shien Soudanshi (Hikikmori support consultant)

2011-10-11T19:31:00.001+09:00

Hikikomori Shien Soudanshi literary means Hikikomori support consultant.

HSS conduct various activities related to Hikikomori. For example, providing counselling for Hikikomori people and their parents, connecting Hikikomori people with appropriate faciliies, etc. HSS are also expected to work as resident experts at Hikikomori Regional Support Centers.

The qualification of HSS was established on April 2009. According to YOMIURI ONLINE, a Japanese news site, about 2,900 people had the qualification as at September 2011.

Hikikomori Shien Soudanshi Nintei Kyougikai, literary means HSS Association of Boards of Certification, provides correspondence courses and qualification examination. We need to complete them to possess the qualification of HSS. HSSNK consists of two organizations, Hikikomori KHJ Parents Association and The Development of the Next Generation Network Organization. HSSNK also trains Futoko Houmon Senmonnin, literary means specialist in visiting children and students.

HSSNK has been very active. Since September 2011 many branch offices of HSSNK have been established all across the country. Also in September 2011 it began to deliver classroom lectures in a professional school in addition to correspondence courses.

[Reference]

Hikikomori ya futoko shakaifukki no sasae ni. (2011 September 26). Retrieved September 26, 2011, from http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/e-japan/hiroshima/news/20110925-OYT8T00756.htm

I becomes a temporary worker

2011-09-21T20:08:00.001+09:00

It may surprise you, but I began to work outside one or two years ago. Even now I sometimes work as a temporary worker (Arbeit in Japanese) . But I spend my most of time staying my house, so I don't overcome Hikikomori completely. I write this at this late because I want to avoid disclosing information that identifies me.

The main factor that caused me to work was supports by facilities for Hikikomori people. They had staff members who have information about workplaces that hire people like me. In some cases, I worked through the facilities and earned rewards.

All jobs were low-skilled ones, but I think they were suitable for my ability. As I had been unemployed for years, my basic job skills were deteriorated.

Before I worked, I was bother about what people think of me, because young males my age usually work as regular workers. But after I worked, I didn't worry about that. Instead, I tried to deliver good performances which correspond to wages.

But I had difficulties at work. I often failed to carry out my tasks. On the contrary, all colleagues of mine who were hired at the same time as me seemed to make a good job. Many of them were younger than me, but their job performance seemed to be better than me. Although I had basic job experience in preparation for this day, that hardly made sense. Unfortunately, I lost more and more confidence through the works. After I finished working, I share experience of failure with staff members of Hikikomori facilities and try to find the way how to avoid the same mistakes.

Hikikomori people like reading

2011-09-01T21:47:00.001+09:00

Hikikomori people seem to like reading. According to a study by the Cabinet Office, 67.8 percent of Hikikomori people often read books when they are in their houses. On the other hand, 38.0 per cent of people who are not Hikikomori often read books.

I suppose the stereotypical image of Hikikomori people is that they indulge in video games and the Internet. But the research shows 45.8 percent of Hikikomori people often play video games, and 62.7 percent often surf the Internet. Hikikomori people like reading more than video games.

[How they get books?]

I don't know how such Hikikomori people get books. I guess they want a lot of books, because they have ample time to read them.

Possibly many of them buy from online bookstores, for example, Amazon.co.jp. But some of them may go outside and buy them at bookstores. This may surprise you, but Hikikomori people defined by the study include those who (a) go to nearby places, for example, convenience stores (b) go outside only for pleasant activities, for example, hobby. Generally, Hikikomori people include such people in a broad sense.

[What kind of books they read?]

I also don't know what kind of books Hikikomori people read. There are many kinds of books.

Some Hikikomori people may often read comics, so they may say "I often read books." Generally when we Japanese say "I read books," the "books" does not include comic books. But some of them include them.

As far as the Hikikmori people I know, they tend to like comics. Of course, they also read usual books. They read many genres of books, including novels, academic type of books, so-called light novel, etc.

[In my case]

I also like reading. I buy books from Amazon.co.jp and nearby bookstores but don't buy very much because I don't have enough money. I read many kinds of books, but usually I favour business books, because I studied economics as a college student. I don't read comics, so I can't talk with Hikikomori people about comics.

[References]

Cabinet Office. (2010). Wakamono no ishiki ni kansuru chosa (Hikikomori ni kansuru jittai chosa) Retrieved September 1, 2011, from http://www8.cao.go.jp/youth/kenkyu/hikikomori/pdf/gaiyo.pdf

Communication abilities

2011-07-07T20:39:00.003+09:00

"Communication abilities" is a key word of Hikikomori problem in Japan.

A lot of people believe Hikikomori people lack basic communication abilities. And they think that is the one reason Hikikomori people withdraw from society.

According to a research by the Cabinet Office, 37.3 per cent of Hikikomori people answered "yes" and 32.2 per cent answered "rather yes" to the question "Are you worried about your poor communication abilities?" On the other hand, 13.1 per cent of people who are not Hikikomori answered "yes" and 30.7 per cent answered "rather yes" to the same question. Yusuke Takatsuka, chair of the research project, says the research team concluded the main reason of Hikikomori is the social trend that regards people who can not communicate effectively as "defective products" and exclude them (Cabinet Office, 2010).

Some Hikikomori people have developmental disorders, and that hinders them communicating effectively. For instance, according to research group of Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, out of 184 Hikikomori people who visited Mental Health and Welfare Centers, 52 people were diagnosed as having developmental disorders (Kondo et al, 2010). MHWC provides consulting services to Hikikomori people and their families.

* * * * * * * * * *

I do not know whether it is true, but a lot of people believe today's young Japanese's communication abilities deteriorate.

On the other hand, people who lack basic communication abilities are more likely to be socially excluded today. Service sectors have increased their shares in Japan. Working in service sectors need more communication abilities. Keidanren, Japan business lobby, conducts a survey of its members every year. According to the survey, increasing number of companies take communication abilities into careful consideration when they employ new graduates (Keidanren, 2010).

If so, it is no wonder increasing number of young Japanese feel worried about their communication abilities.

[References]

Cabinet Office. (2010). Wakamono no ishiki ni kansuru chosa (Hikikomori ni kansuru jittai chosa) Retrieved July 7, 2011, from http://www8.cao.go.jp/youth/kenkyu/hikikomori/pdf/gaiyo.pdf

Kondo, N., Miyazawa, Kiyota, Y., Kitahata, Y., Kuroda, Y., Kurosawa, M., H., Sakai, Fujinomiya, H., Inomata, N., Miyazawa, H., & Miyata, R. (2010). Shisyunki hikikomori niokeru seishinnigakuteki shougai no jittai haaku nikansuru kenkyu. Shisyunki no hikikomori wo motarasu seishinka shikkan no jittai haaku to seishinnigakuteki chiryou enjo system no kouchiku nikansuru kenkyu, 49-63.

Keidanren. (2010). Retrieved July 7, 2011, from http://www.keidanren.or.jp/japanese/policy/2010/030.html

Hikikomori within 6 months

2011-05-08T22:11:00.005+09:00

The population of Hikikomori people in Japan is estimated about 700 thousands. They need support to overcome Hikikomori. But some non Hikikomori people also need it.

People define Hikikomori in many ways. But most technical definitions require Hikikomori continue at least six months.

For example, the new Hikikomori guideline by Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare defines Hikikomori as "A phenomenal concept which means avoiding social participation (e.g. school attendance including compulsory education, entering the workforce including part-time job and associating with somebody outside the home) and generally remaining at home for six month and over in principle (including going outside without associating with somebody). Moreover, ...."

When researchers estimate Hikikomori population, they use such definitions. So, in many cases, those who seclude themselves in their homes within six months are not counted as Hikikomori. For example, if one Hikikomori man begin working as a temporary worker and shut himself in their homes again after the term of employment, he is not counted as a Hikikomori until he remains withdrawing for at least six months.

We need to remember that when we interpret the data about Hikikomori. For instance, the Cabinet Office's estimate of Hikikomori population is about 700 thousands (as at Feb 2010). But that doesn't include people who are isolated from society within six months.

In my view, such non Hikikomori people sometimes need help. It is odd if young hermits are refused to receive helps from mental heath centers because they have socially withdrawn for only five months. In addition, even if they begin participating society, their problems that lead them to Hikikomori are not necessarily eliminated. Some of them need follow-up support. I know a lot of such non Hikikomori people.

[Related links]

New guidline for assessment and support for Hikikomori
(new window open)

The Cabinet Office released a survey on Hikikomori
(new window open)

Hikikomori as a result of school refusal?

2011-02-14T21:50:00.005+09:00

Most Hikikomori people experienced school refusal and then dropped out of schools and became Hikikomori. Some Japanese people thought so.

But a recent study contradicts that popular belief. According to a study by the Cabinet Office released on July 24 2011, only 11.9 per cent of Hikikomori people selected school refusal (when they were in elementary, junior high and high school) as a cause of their Hikikomori. The study also indicates that 23.7 per cent of them answered they didn't fit in their workplaces and that caused them to be Hikikomori. The same per cent attributed their cause of Hikikomori to their illnesses (excluding physical illnesses and schizophrenia). And 20.3 per cent answered they couldn't get jobs and that led them to be Hikikomori.

That may mean popular belief that Hikikomori are as a result of school refusal is wrong. Another possibility is that most Hikikomori people used to former school refusal students, but now are more heterogeneous group.

I'm a Hikikomori and have met dozens of Hikikomori people. Some of them certainly experienced school refusal when they were in elementary, junior high and high school. But they also include many people who suffered from school refusal when they were in colleges or universities and dropped out. And those who became Hikikomori after they graduated from schools are also not uncommon. I also became Hikikomori as a result of failing to get a job after I graduated from college.

Several researches suggest that Hikikomori people become older. I guess one reason for that is increasing number of working people around 30 leave their jobs and become Hikikomori.

Outreach to Hikikomori people

2010-10-23T21:54:00.002+09:00

New Start is a Japanese NPO that helps school refusers, NEET and Hikikomori people to start a new life. The NPO is known for providing outreach services to Hikikomori or NEET people called "Rental Sister" and "Rental Brother." Typically, families of withdrawn young people consulted the NPO, and the NPO dispatches Rental Sisters or Brothers to their houses. They visit withdrawers' houses and encourage them to connect with society.

Rental Sister gains attention. Several books about Rental Sister were published. In addition, one of them was dramatized on TV.

Today even an Act mentions outreach. The Act on Promotion of Development and Support for Children and Young People was enforced on April 1, 2010. That refers to outreach to Hikikomori or NEET people. Under the Act, the Cabinet Office built a training system to increase human resources capable of outreach.

And Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare published a new guideline for assessment and support for Hikikomori people on May 19. That devotes a chapter to outreach. According to the guideline, "outreach is expected to be an effective method to help Hikikomori people." But the guideline also points out that outreach needs thorough preparation to increase the effectiveness of visit, because it can take personal and time costs and it can bring about serious harmful effects.

Outreach to Hikikomori people is not common yet. Health minister said at the Upper House Committee on Health, Welfare and Labor on June 1 that outreach is not spread because of human resource shortages.

Hikikomori in Oxford dictionary

2010-08-30T21:37:00.003+09:00

According to the Japan and UK media, Hikikomori is added to the latest edition of Oxford Dictionary of English (not Oxford English Dictionary). Hikikomori is now a valid English word. But do you know the origin of the word Hikikomori is related to English?

Since early times Japanese people have used a verb Hikikomoru. But until recently the word didn't include the meaning of young people (especially male) 's abnormal social avoidance.

In 1998 Tamaki Saito, a psychiatrist, named such avoidance as Shakaiteki Hikikomori in his book. The term is a literal translation of a psychiatric term "social withdrawal."

Shakaiteki Hikikomori is a prototype of today's concept of Hikikomori. After Saito's book was published, the concept was become known. Moreover, Neomugicha incident (a 17-year-old Hikikmori youth hijacked a bus) increased the recognition of the concept in 2000.

But people didn't necessarily call Shakaiteki Hikikomori. Many said only Hikikomori, although what they said Hikikomori was a concept based on Saito's Shakaiteki Hikikomori. Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare was not an exception. MHLW created a new difinition of Hikikomori and distinguished it from Shakaiteki Hikikomori in Hikikomori guideline in 2003.

In this way, the concept Hikikomori spread among Japanese people. 12 years after Saito coined the term Shakaiteki Hikikomori, Oxford Dictionary of English added Hikikomori.

* Strictly speaking, Saito is not the first person to use the word (Shakaiteki) Hikikomori to mean young people (especially male) 's abnormal social avoidance. But the word did not known well before Saito's book was published.

Q & A about me

2010-08-08T22:52:00.003+09:00

Q.1 Why do you shut yourself in?

It may be odd, but I don't know it myself. However, I guess several factors influence my condition. I want to work, but it's difficult for me.

Q.2 What do you do when you are in your home?

I manage my websites, surf the web, go to facilities for Hikikomori or NEET people, do housework, study English, read books, etc. I get some ad revenues through my websites.

Q.3 Did you experience school refusal?

No, I didn't,

Q.4 Were you bullied when you were in school?

Yes, I were. I was bullied on a daily basis when I was in elementary and junior high school.

Q.5 Don't you feel ashamed to depend on your parents?

No, I don't. But I'm not able to overcome my Hikikmori.

Q.6 You're not able to continue being Hikikomori forever. In the long run your parents pass away. So, you should work immediately.

I know. But I'm not able to overcome my Hikikmori.

Q.7 You're not Hikikomori nor NEET. You sometimes go outside, go to facilities for Hikikomori people, consult career counselors and work as a member of career experience programs.

The new Hikikomori guideline by Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare defines Hikikomori as "A phenomenal concept which means avoiding social participation (e.g. school attendance including compulsory education, entering the workforce including part-time job and associating with somebody outside the home) and generally remaining at home for 6 month and over in principle (including going outside without associating with somebody). Moreover, although as a general rule we define Hikikomori as nonpsychotic phenomenon excluding social withdrawal based on a positive and negative symptom of schizophrenia, keep in mind that it's not uncommon that Hikikomori includes schizophrenia before a definite diagnosis is made." As I don't participate in society, excluding going to facilities for Hikikomori people, I see me as a Hikikomori.

And white papers on labor and the economy by MHLW defines NEET as "nonlabor force aged from 15 to 34, excluding homemaker and students." According to the definition, I'm definitely a NEET.

Q.8 There are many Hikikomori people in Japan. Why do you think such people have increased recently?

I don't know. I don't even know whether the number of Hikikmori people have increased recently.

The Cabinet Office released a survey on Hikikomori

2010-08-04T18:30:00.001+09:00

The Cabinet Office released a survey on Hikikomori on July 2010.

* Here is a link to the survey. Cabinet Office website.*
http://www8.cao.go.jp/youth/kenkyu/hikikomori/pdf_index.html
(New Window Open)

The survey was widely reported by the Japanese media. The survey's estimate of Hikikomori population "700 thousands" was emphasized.

Of course, I read the survey. To my mind, the survey is one of the most reliable of all Hikikomori one, because the survey carefully selected samples.

Contrary to popular belief, there are many kinds of Hikikomori people according to the survey.

For instance, some people think the main cause of Hikikomoi is bullying. According to the survey, 42.4 percent of Hikikomori group experienced being bullied. On the other hand, 22.9 percent of general group, neither Hikikomori group or empathic group, experienced. Certainly, more Hikikomori people have the experience of being bullied, but not all Hikikomori people have.

Another instance is a question "I'm not good at communicating with people very much." It is widely said that most Hikikomori people feel they are not able to communicate with people well. According to the study, 69.5 percent of Hikikomori group answered "yes" or "rather yes." On the other hand, 43.8 percent of general group did. From the study, we find many people of Hikikomori group are insecure about their ability to communicate. But from a different point of view, about 30 percent of Hikikomori group answered "no" or "rather no" to the question. Hikikomori people may not necessarily unconfident about their ability to communicate with people.

In this way, I find that Hikikomori people are not homogenius group.

Are there 3.6 million Hikikomori people in Japan?

2010-07-25T18:30:00.002+09:00

I was very surprised when I heard that there were 3.6 million Hikikmori people in Japan, because I had never heard such an awful figure. The figure "3.6 million" spreads across the Internet.

But what's the source of the information? How was the Hikikmori population estimated?

I searched "Hikiokomori 3.6 million" in Japanese on Google (web search), Google books (books search) and Google scholar (scholarly literature search). There was no information on Google books and Google scholar about the estimate. But I found many rumors about the estimate on Google. All rumors are circulated in 2010.

Searching more, I found that the source seems to be a remark by Kazuhiro Haraguchi, Minister of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications on February 5, 2010 in the Suicide Conference. Asahi Shimbun online edition reported his remark on February 5, 2010. On the same day, Haraguchi commented on press conference in the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications that "There are 3.6 million Hikikomori people according to a research by a NPO. Although the Government doesn't confirm the figure, it reports the average age is 32."

Haraguchi seemed to mention the figure based on a research by a NPO. But I don't know which NPO conducted the research. I think the largest NPO about Hikikomori is Hikikomori KHJ Parents Association, the only nationwide NPO about Hikikomori and a lobby group. But I haven't heard the association went the research public. Maybe other NPO went the estimate public, but I don't know which NPO was.

After all, I'm not able to find the evidence of 3.6 million Hikikomori people.

* * * * * * * * * *

On the other hand, according to the Guideline for Assessment and Support for Hikikomori People, the most trusted estimate of Hikikomori population is at least 255,510 households. This estimate was conducted as part of the World Mental Health Survey Japan.

* Epidemiological survey on mental health: international comparison *
http://jglobal.jst.go.jp/public/20090422/200902201798722988
(The link to the J-GLOBAL, a Japanese website devoted to provide information on research and development)

And according to the media on July 23 2010, a research by the Cabinet Office estimates there are 0.7 million Hikikomori people. But I don't know the details of the estimate.

After all, how many Hikikomori people are there in Japan? Many kinds of estimates confuse me.

I work as a member of career experience programs

2010-07-10T17:03:00.003+09:00

Some facilities for Hikikomori and NEET people organize career experience programs.
I guess the purpose of the programs are to gain Hikikomori or NEET people's confidence to work and provide simple job training. It is said that many Hikikomori or NEET people lose confidence to work.

I also participate in the programs. The programs I join are not so hard to do, because they are for people who are prepare to work.

Even if these are not so hard, they are jobs. I sometimes help companies' works and receive my pay through the programs. It's a consolation for me, because I have a guilty conscience about not working. So, I work hard in career experience programs. I sometimes work without interruption when other members take breaks. Some staffs of the program suggest I should take breaks, because it's also important to rest. That may be true, but I hope they understand my feelings.

* * * * * * * * * *

However, even if I'm able to work as a member of career experience programs, that does not necessarily mean I'm also able to work in actual workplaces.

If there are workplaces that hire me, give me easy jobs and look after me in the same way as the career experience programs, I guess I'm able to work. But there must be no such workplaces.*

"What's the difference between the career experience programs and actual works?" One staffs of the program asked me. It's a problem how to bridge the gap between them.

* On rare occasions, I see people wanting such workshops for those who with some communication problems.

Rhythm of daily life

2010-06-28T19:07:00.001+09:00

Most Japanese people take leave from at the end of April to early May, because there are many public holidays.

For more detail, see "Golden Week (Wikipedia)"

One member of my family also took leave for that period. But the vacation disturbed the rhythm of her life. She said, "My daily rhythm is disturbed, because I have nothing to do with." To her, it was odd that I kept the rhythm of my life, although I was a Hikikomori who was out of work and lived in my house almost every day. "Why do you keep the daily rhythm?" She asked. I tried to find the answer.

A.1 Because my life didn't change very much despite holidays.

To my family who usually work on business days, holiday can disturb the normal rhythm of her life. On the other hand, to me, almost everyday is holiday. So, holiday doesn't affect the habitual rhythm of life.

A.2 I make something to do every day although I'm unemployed.

After I became Hikikomori, I made it a rule to listen to a radio English program every day. That developed my daily rhythm.

Currently, in addition to the radio program, I manage some websites and that develop my daily rhythm. For instance, when I update my Japanese weblog "Neet Hikikomori Journal," I make it a rule to update every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.. I do so because if so, readers of my weblog can easy to expect when I update my weblog. As a result, that develop my daily rhythm.

In addition, I go to facilities for Hikikomori people.

I fill my remaining time with housework, reading books, etc.

New guidline for assessment and support for Hikikomori

2010-06-01T22:11:00.001+09:00

Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare revised a guideline for assessment and support for Hikikomori people on May 19.

http://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/houdou/2r98520000006i6f.html
(New window open)

Staffs of facilities for Hikikomori people are expected to refer to the guideline.

For three years, Hikikomori research group of the MHLW conducted a research project named "A study on investigation into the actual conditions of mental disorders that brings about Hikikomori and building psychiatric treatment and support systems." As a result of the study, a new guideline was published. The senior researcher is Kazuhiko Saito (Kohnodai Hospital, International Medical Center of Japan).

Former guideline was "A guideline for regional mental health activities on Hikikomori
who are mostly 10s and 20s. - How to deal with and support them in Mental Health and Welfare Center, Public Health Center and municipalities -" notified July 28, 2003.

http://www.mhlw.go.jp/topics/2003/07/tp0728-1.html
(New window open)

Compared to the previous version, first, the new guideline is more based on the relationship between Hikikomori and mental disorders. That's because the Hikikomori research group found that most Hikikomori people have mental disorders, including developmental disorder, anxiety disorder, personality disorder, etc.

Second, the new guideline treats "outreach" to Hikikomori people. Outreach programs try to visit Hikikomori people rather than waiting for them to come and ask for help. Outreach is expected to be an effective method, because not all Hikikomori people visit facilities for them to ask for help.

There are many kinds of Hikikomori people

2010-05-21T22:14:00.000+09:00

There are stereotypes of Hikikomori people among Japanese. But I think it's difficult to stereotype them.

I've seen many Hikikomori people in facilities for them. At least as far as what I've seen, there are many kinds of Hikikomori people. Every time I saw a Hikikomori man or woman first, I was surprised to find that I've never seen such kind of Hikikomori man or woman.

Before I saw Hikikomori people, I vaguely thought that maybe they have certain things in common with me, because we are the same Hikikomori people. But they don't. Although I've seen many Hikikomori people for years, they have little common with me. Their conditions are different. Each of them have different experiences before and in the process of becoming Hikikomori. Each of them have different way of thinkings. Each of them have different likes and tastes.

They have something in common to some extent. For instance, most of them are male. Many of them are quiet. People who experience school refusal are not uncommon. Some of them go to psychiatry regularly. But not all Hikikomori people have these features.

For this reason, if someone ask me, "Based on people you've seen, what kind of people do you think typical Hikikomori men or women are ?" I don't know what to answer. But if I have to say something, I'll answer, "They are quiet men, have experiences of school refusal and have some mental health problems. But there are many Hikikomori people who don't apply to the stereotype."

Boomerang Hikikomori

2010-04-26T21:55:00.001+09:00

I've seen some Hikikomori people who once had lived alone to go to colleges but after that became Hikikomori in their parents' homes. I also read such stories in books, websites, etc.

What happened to them? Did something happen in colleges? I guess they may have suffered from school refusal when they went to colleges and then dropped out of colleges and finally returned to their parents's homes. Another possibility is that they graduated from colleges without landing a job and then became Hikikomori.[*] Another possibility is that they returned to work at their home ground (Japanese people say this as "U-turn employment") but finally became Hikikomori.

As far as I know, many cases suffered from school refusa, dropped out of colleges and finally became Hikikomori in their parents' homes.

That is thought-provoking. Some people think one way of overcoming Hikikmori is to live separately from their families. Some suggest to Hikimori people's families that they drive Hikikomori sons or daughters out of their homes.[**]

[*] Simultaneous Recruiting of New Graduates

In Japan, it is the custom for companies to employ new graduates all at once. People say this custom as "Shinsotsu-Ikkatsu-Saiyo." If seniors aren't employed by the time they graduate from college, it becomes quite difficult to get job. For more detail, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simultaneous_Recruiting_of_New_Graduates

[**] But some object the opinion. Some agree with the opinion with some reservations.

Doughnut-shaped social participation

2010-04-11T21:55:00.000+09:00

Q.1 Taro is a Hikikomori man. He turns over a new leaf and decides to start working. Fortunately, two workplaces are likely to hire him. There aren't significant differences between the two workplaces in details of the jobs and working conditions. Which jobs will he apply for ?

A: A workplace which is 10 minutes away on foot.
B: A workplace which is 60 minutes away on foot.

Q.2 Jiro is a Hikikomori man. He turns over a new leaf and decides to go facilities for Hikikomori people before he start to work. Two facilities seem to accept him. Both of them provide similar services. Which facilities will he apply to ?

C: A facility which is 10 minutes away on foot.
D: A facility which is 60 minutes away on foot.

* * * * * * * * * *

If I were them, I'd choose B and D.

I'd choose places that are more remote from my house, because I may come across acquaintances of mine if I commute to places that are too close to my house. If I come across them, they may get to know I was a Hikikomori. I don't want them to know I was a Hikikomori. I don't mind walking 60 minutes each way to the workplace or facilities.

In this way, I'll pursue doughnut-shaped social participation if circumstances permit. In other words, I'll avoid commuting to nearby places but pursue distant places. Occasionally, I'm tempted to move to other areas to try to make a fresh start in life.

Some books about Hikikomori indicate that families of Hikikomori people tend to avoid being known as the family that has Hikikomori people.

Youth Independent Camp is to be closed

2010-03-20T22:16:00.001+09:00

Youth Independent Camp is to be closed on March 31, 2010. Instead, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare plans new independent program utilizing "Urgent Aid Project for Human Resource Development".

Youth Independent Camp provides three-month training camp to NEET, young people Not in Education, Employment or Training. NEET includes Hikikomori people. The aim of the camp is to develop the basic abilities to be independent and restore their confidence that they can work. Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare entrust local management of the camps to various kinds of organizations, especially NPO. There are 27 Youth Independent Camps in Japan in fiscal 2009. The entrance fee is high, but the government subsidizes it.

But on November 2009 Budget Screening judged it should be abolished. Budget Screening is the review of government projects by the Government Revitalization Unit. People concerning the Budget Screening were agreed on the necessity of helping NEET to participate in society but criticized the camps from cost-effectiveness point of view. They also criticized the camp project for lack of grasping the achievements, lack of users, etc.

Many people, including the managers of the camps, journalists, politicians in the opposition party, and even some politicians in the ruling party, objected the judgement. A representative objection was that the camp is a social safety net, so it's not good to judge from cost-effectiveness point of view.

On the other hand, Netizens, excluding managers of the camps, tend to support the judgement. Netizens tend to object to inject public money into NEET who don't work and pay few taxes. Some people think Youth Independent Camp is an interest for some NPOs. They profit from the camp.

Hikikomori people are aging

2010-02-07T23:03:00.000+09:00

Government or local governments took measures to save Hikikomori people on the assumption that they were young.

But it has been said that Hikikomori people are aging.

For example, according to a survey in 2008 by Motohiro Sakai, Kazusa Kawahara, and Hikikomori KHJ Parents Association, the average age of Hikikomori people is 30.3 years old. KHJ has conducted the survey since 2002. The average age first exceeds 30 years old in 2007 survey (30.12) and it reaches the highest level in 2008 survey.

And According to Saknei News, 17 percent people who used Hikikomori telephone consultation service between July 2007 and March 2008 were aged 40 or over. The consultation service has been provided by Tokyo Metropolitan Office for Youth Affairs and Public Safety.

So, as far as I know, government and local governments begin to include older Hikikomori people.

Youth Support Station, established by Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare to encourage NEET (including Hikikomori people) to integrate in society, is extended from 34 years old or under to 39 years old or under since fiscal 2009.

There are many institutions for Hikikomori or NEET people in the region I live. They also include older Hikikomori or NEET people these days.

If Hikikomori people are truly aging, I don't know why. I guess one possible reason is that they've continued to be Hikikomori for many years, and as a result, they get old. Another possible reason is that more and more working young adult have become Hikikomori.

I'm not used to going outside

2010-01-24T22:50:00.001+09:00

There are many kinds of Hikikomori people. Some don't go outside at all, others sometimes go outside. Some people may not regard the latter as Hikikomori.

I'm the latter type of Hikikomori. When I go outside, my destinations are facilities for Hikikomori people, bookstores, barbershop, etc.

*　Making mistakes when I go outside

It may be trivial, but after I became Hikikomori, I've made some mistakes more frequently than before when I go outside.

First, I forget something more frequently than before when I go outside. I carry many things, e.g. wallet, handkerchief, key, etc. But I sometimes forget to carry these things.

Second, I dress too heavily or too lightly more frequently than before without grasping outdoor temperature.

I've made such mistakes probably because I've been insufficiently-prepared to go outside. For instance, checking whether I forget something to carry, checking weather forecast, etc. I guess this is because I'm not used to going outside.

* Noticing change in the appearance of city streets, my skin color

Besides that, when I go outside after a long interval, I'm sometimes surprised to notice change in the appearance of city streets.

Last but not least, when I go outside, people occasionally say to me, "You have fair skin." or "Your skin isn't tanned very much." I guess this is because I don't go outside and expose myself to the sun very much. Although I don't think my skin isn't so tanned, it seems to be from other people's point of view.

How to maintain my strength and muscle mass

2010-01-09T20:58:00.001+09:00

As I'm a Hikikomori, I have a sedentary lifestyle. So, I'm worried about losing my strength and muscle mass. If I continue not to move, at worst, I may suffer from disuse syndrome. In addition, the more my strength and muscle mass decrease, the more difficult it becomes to work to overcome Hikikomori.

So, I try to maintain my strength and muscle mass on a day-to-day basis.

* Light muscle training

I make it a rule to do light muscle training, such as push-ups and sit-ups. Even in my house, I can do such light exercises. I don't do the training too hard but put emphasis on continuing to exercise every day. My body is not so strong, so I try to do light exercise at first.

One Hikikomori man I got to know also did training in his house. After that, he started working as a part-timer. But he said it was physically tough for him to work although he did training.

* Walking

In addition to light muscle training, I make it a rule to walk as much as I can when I need to go outside. I hear that some support groups for Hikikmori and NEET people hold walking events to increase their physical strength. But I can do walking at any time quite easily without relying on such support groups. Severe Hikikomori people can't go outside to walk, but my condition is not so bad.

When I go to facilities for Hikikomori or NEET people, I make it a rule to insert walking time into my commuting time as much as I can even if my destination is far away from my house.

And even if I have no plan to go somewhere, I intentionally go outside to walk. But I do so only on holiday because people will find out I'm unemployed if I walk outside on weekday (young male in general don't do working but work on weekday).

Small number of Hikomori people and their parents use public services for them

2009-11-17T20:37:00.002+09:00

It is said that at least 320 - 400 thousands households have Hikikomori people or there are 1.6 million Hikikomori people in Japan.

But at least as far as I know, few Hikikomori people and their parents use public services for them.

Suppose there are 1 million Hikikomori people in Japan. The population of Japan is about 130 million. By simple arithmetic, there are about 100 thousands Hikikomori people in Tokyo prefecture which has the largest population of all prefectures in Japan (about 13 million). Similarly, there are about 5 thousands Hikikomori people in Tottori prefecture which has the lowest population of all prefectures in Japan (about 600 thousands) So, it is estimated that there are 5 - 100 thousands Hikikomori people in every prefecture.

But I don't feel such a large number of people live in my prefecture. As I wrote earlier, I go to Hikikomori day care. But only a small number of Hikikomori people visit the day care. Although there are a few Hikikomori day care in my prefecture, I can't find thousands of Hikikomori people at the day care.

Data supports my view. According to a report by Mental Health and Welfare Center in my region, MHWC provided less than 30 cases of Hikikomori consultation in fiscal 2008 (in actual number). This suggests that small number of Hikikomori people and their parents consulted MHWC.

* MHWC is a public institution for people with mental problems, including Hikikomori. MHWCs are located in every prefecture.

I don't know whether estimate of Hikikomori people is wrong or very small proportion of Hikikomori people and their parents use public services for them.

Youth Support Station / Youth Independence Camp

2009-11-04T22:00:00.001+09:00

NEET is regarded as a serious social problem in Japan as well as Hikikomori. NEET is an abbreviation for young people Not in Education, Employment or Training, but excludes people who look for jobs. NEET includes Hikikomori people.

Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, a cabinet level ministry of the Japanese government, took measures to encourage NEET to integrate in society. It established Youth Support Station and Youth Independence Camp and entrust the general management of the facilities to Japan Productivity Center, a NPO.

Youth Support Station provides various programs for NEET and their parents to support for the vocational independence of NEET, such as consulting, career experience program, etc. In addition to Japan Productivity Center, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare entrust local management of the facilities to various kinds of organizations, especially NPO. There were 25 Youth Support Stations in Japan in fiscal 2006. The number of the Stations increased, and there were 92 Stations in fiscal 2009.

Youth Independent Camp provides three-month training camp to NEET. The aim of the camp is to develop the basic abilities to be independent and restore their confidence that they can work. Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare also entrust local management of the facilities to various kinds of organizations, especially NPO. There are 27 Youth Independent Camps in Japan in fiscal 2009.

As NEET includes Hikikomori people, these facilities are also aimed at Hikikomori people.

"Don't rush to start working"

2009-09-28T22:47:00.001+09:00

At least as far as I know, many people who help Hikikomori people to achieve economic and social independence say "Don't rush to start working."

I think what they meant to say was that if Hikikomori people who are unemployed for a long time rush to start working, they tend to fail, and at worst, their conditions worsen. They are not used to work. Many of them are even not used to go outside and communicate with people.

Long time ago, I saw a TV program about Hikikomori. In the program, Tamaki Saito, a psychiatrist, answered a question from Hikikomori people in early twenties who want to work early because it's difficult for aged 25 or over to land a job in Japan. Saito said it's better to experience social interaction at first in places for Hikikomori people such as Hikikomori daycare. In a recent report, Saito uses a metaphor "Before Hikikomori people begin to swim in the sea or river soon, they should train themselves in safer pool over and over again" to emphasizes the necessity of participating in places for Hikikmori people.

In addition, one person who help Hikikomori people to achieve economic and social independence taught me that some Hikikomori people have mental disorder. According to her, in that cases, they should get medical help at first.

But in reality, the longer people are unemployed, the more difficult they land jobs. I guess that's why some (or many?) Hikikomori people rush to start working. And some Hikikomori people may be not able to afford to prepare for working for a long time for some reason (e.g. economic reason).

I guess some Hikikomori people have the possibility of landing a job without stopping once. In fact, I know such a man. So, I think it's a way to work soon after Hikikomori people decide to do so.

Hikikomori and the Internet

2009-09-04T22:14:00.000+09:00

There is a stereotype among Japanese that most Hikikomori people are immersed in the Internet. But I doubt it.

I've met many Hikikomori people. But as far I'm concerned, I don't know such people very much. Certainly some Hikikomori people (including me) are immersed in the Internet. But many of them don't.

A recent research supports it. Tamaki Saito, a Japanese psychiatrist, and others researched 67 cases of Hikikomori patients who visited Sofukai Sasaki Hospital from January 2001 to November 2007. According to the research, 4.1 percent of patients "are deeply immersed in the Internet", 18.4 percent "frequently use the Internet", 51.0 percent "sometimes use the Internet" 26.5 percent "don't use the Internet." (Saito et al., 2009)

But on the other hand, one research showed that more than half of high school and junior high school Hikikomori students are addicted to Internet games (Wada, 2003). I don't know the research in detail, but it's almost certain that this finding contradict Saito's one.

* * * * * * * * * *

Some Japanese people say that parents of Hikikomori people should destroy their sons or daughters' PCs when they become Hikikomori. They seem to think that most Hikikomori people are immersed in the Internet and they can't help going outside if someone destroy their PCs.

But I question that considering Saito's research. In addition, according to a research, some Hikikomori people go outside where they don't need to interact with people (Sakai et al., 2007). But as Wada found out, if many Hikikomori people are addicted to Internet games, that may be effective.

On the other hand, I worry about digital divide if their PCs are really destroyed.
In Japan even preschool children use the Internet now. Hikikomori people who don't use the Internet can't get enough information as people use the Internet.

[References]

Saito, T., Sasaki, H., Miyamoto, K., Handa, S., & Matsuki, S. (2009). Kouki shishunki / souki seijinki no Hikikomori ni taisuru seishin igakuteki chiryou / enjo ni kansuru kenkyu. Shisyunki no hikikomori wo motarasu seishinka shikkan no jittai haaku to seishinnigakuteki chiryou enjo system no kouchiku nikansuru kenkyu, 161-175.

Sakai, M., Nakagaito, M., & Hikikomori KHJ Parents Association. (2007). "Hikikomori" no jittai ni kansuru chousa houkokusyo 4 -NPO houjin zenkoku Hikikomori KHJ oyanokai niokeru jittai- Retrieved 3 September 2009 from http://www3.pref.okinawa.jp/site/contents/attach/12185/hikikomori.pdf

Wada, K. (23 June 2006). Net game ni hansuu ijou ga izon / Hikikomori chukousei ra /
minkan kenkyuujo chosa. Mainichi shinbun. Retrieved 12 August 2003 from http://www.mainichi.co.jp/digital/coverstory/archive/200306/23/1.html

Act on Promotion of Development and Support for Children and Young People

2009-08-15T20:06:00.001+09:00

The Japanese parliament enacted a law July 1 to prepare a support system for NEET, Hikikomori and children and young people who have a difficulty organizing their social lives.

The name of the law is "Kodomo Wakamono Ikusei Shien Suishin Hou." In English, "Act on Promotion of Development and Support for Children and Young People." (translated by me :-p)

According to the Cabinet Office, this law has two objectives: (1) prepare a framework for totally promoting measures to support the development of children and youth, and (2) prepare networks to support children and young people who have a difficulty organizing their social lives.

Before the law was enacted, the bill aimed to prepare a support system for only NEET and Hikikomori people. But parliament amended the bill and expanded objects of support. The enacted law is for children and young people who have a difficulty organizing their social lives as well as NEET and Hikikomori people, as I wrote earlier. According to minutes of parliament, "children and young people who have a difficulty organizing their social lives" include children and young people who have various problems such as "school refusal and bullying in compulsory education schools and eating disorder" and "mild developmental disorder." I guess such children and young people have higher risks of becoming NEET and Hikikomori.

Hikikomori and car

2009-06-04T22:09:00.002+09:00

Japanese people don't necessarily have drivers' license. People in urban areas are more likely not to have license, because urban areas have convenient public transportation systems.

But in general, many Japanese young people get drivers' license about the age of 18-19. People over 18 is eligible to get license.

But if such young people shut themselves in their homes, they fail to get drivers' license. They reach 20's without getting license.

As I wrote earlier, I go to Hikikomori day care. I saw some Hikikomori people trying to go to driving school while they went to the day care. Car is necessary to us, because we live in regional area where public transportation system isn't well developed. Without car, we can't land jobs that are required to hold drivers' license. In addition, we can't go to the workplaces that are long away from our homes. Getting license is a small step toward social participation.

* * * * * * * * * *

I got drivers' license when I was in college.

But I make it a rule to avoid driving a car. One reason for that is that I want to create an opportunity to train my body. My strength must dwindle, because I don't often go out. So, I try to walk as far as possible. Another reason is that I can't take responsibility if I cause traffic accidents. I'm jobless.

Hikikomori Regional Support Center

2009-05-22T12:21:00.000+09:00

There are already many public support centers for Hikikomori people and their families all across the country. Every prefecture and major city has Mental Health and Welfare Centers and Public Health Centers. MHWC and PHC provide consultation services, Hikikomori day care, and classes for families of Hikikomori people, and so on.

In addition, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare is to establish Hikikomori Regional Support Centers in every prefecture from April 2009 to March 2010. The aim is to discover and cope with Hikikomori problem.

I want to write an outline of HRSC but can't, because I can find few information on HRSC. As far as I know, many prefectures have not established HRSC yet.

But Shinji Asonuma, a MHLW officer, says in Upper House's Health, Labour and Welfare Committee on November 2008 that MHLW expect HRSC to strengthen the relationship between centers concerned with Hikikomori problem and, what is more important, to serve as per primam consultation services specialized in Hikikomori problem. Asonuma also says HRSC is expected to be staffed with "Hikiomori support coordinators". And HRSC is to be operated by prefectural governments and major cities. But, based on the situation in each area, it can be operated by public organizations and entrusted to private organizations.

Hikikomori people don't work or can't work

2009-05-14T20:04:00.000+09:00

I think I can't work. I guess many or probably most Hikikomori people also think so.

Most non-Hikikomori people may feel strange, because they think Hikikomori people can work but don't do.

If I confess I was grown up in a fatherless family, non-Hikikomori people may think Tomishige have no conscience, because he doesn't work in spite of his family's situation.

I feel there is a huge perception gap between I, a Hikikomori person, and others.

Why do they think differently? Maybe it's difficult for healthy non-Hikikomori people to understand the problem. Maybe people tend to think other people must be able to do what I'm able to do. Maybe I don't have the guts.

I feel it's a very tall order for me to go outside, look for a job and work. When I once wrote in another blog I explore possibilities of making a living from affiliate advertising, readers of my blog (non-Hikikomori people) commented it's very difficult. I also think so. But unlike readers of my blog (non-Hikikomori people), I think it's more difficult to go outside, look for a job and work.

Non-Hikikomori people may think Tomishige have no conscience, because he doesn't work in spite of his family's situation (fatherless family). But my aim in life has always been to work hard, married to a reliable spouse and support my family since childhood. I feel remorse. I worried about my family, but I can't take any action. I feel remorse.

Hikikomori people younger than me

2009-04-21T16:40:00.000+09:00

I've seen many Hikikomori people younger than me.

They want to participate in society. But they can't for some psychological reason. They go through a psychological conflict.

It's very regrettable for society as a whole as well as them if their potential isn't developed. They may also have limitless potential. I once cared about younger Hikikomori people in Hikikomori day care who graduated from the same school as me. When they took a step toward social participation, I said to them, "You should not go around with me." That means you have a future, so you should not go around with Hikikomori people like me who can't still participate in society.

Even if they don't have much potential, many of them are good young men. I hope someone realizes their good points and help them to participate in society.

It may be odd to think such a thing, because I'm also a Hikikomori man. But if I see young Hikikomori people, I sometimes think such a thing. Maybe I tend to cherish young people. I'm getting old.

* * * * * * * * * *

I met some Hikikomori people at Hikikomori day care who graduated from the same school as me.

I had special empathy with them in spite of myself.

It may be impossible, but I sometimes thought that if I succeeded to overcome Hikikomori and become an employer in an enterprise, I wanted to lend a helping hand to them.

They stopped going Hikikomori day care long time ago for various reasons. I hope they succeeded to participate in society. If they land a job earlier than me, it's embarrassing for me. But I'm concerned for their happiness.

Hikikomori day care

2009-03-23T21:26:00.000+09:00

Even if Hikikomori people try to stop Hikikomori, It's difficult for them to work immediately. Their social skills decline during their Hikikomori days. So, it's a way to experience communication with other people in protected environment at first.

Hikikomori day care is self-support service for Hikikomori people. Many organizations provide various kinds of day care, but in general, they seem to provide opportunity to communicate with Hikikomori people each other.

Many Mental Health and Welfare Centers (a public institution for people with mental problems, including Hikikomori) provide Hikikomori day care. According to a research, 62.1 percent of MMHWC provide Hikikomori day care or group work(Harada, Kawaguchi, & Otsuka, 2008).

Private organizations, especially NPO (Non-profit organization), also provide Hikikomori day care. Sofukai Sasaki Hospital, where Tamaki Saito work, is probably the first private hospital that provides Hikikomori day care.

I go to Hikikomri day care. In addition to Hikikomori people, psychological counselors attend the Hikikomori day care. The Hikikomori day care aims providing places where Hikikomori people spend at ease. Managers of the Hikiomori day care think that participants can talk about personal problems with others who had similar problems, enjoy communicating with other Hikikomori people, develop confidence, and increase social skills at Hikikomori day care.

[References]

Harada, Y., Kawaguti, S., & Otsuka, T. (2008). Hikikomori seinen no shuro shien nikansuru kenkyu. Shisyunki no hikikomori wo motarasu seishinka shikkan no jittai haaku to seishinnigakuteki chiryou enjo system no kouchiku nikansuru kenkyu, 111-135.

NEET and School refusal

2009-03-14T21:34:00.002+09:00

[NEET]

NEET is an abbreviation for young people Not in Education, Employment or Training. NEET includes Hikikomori people.

The term is originated from the report Bridging the Gap by Social Exclusion Unit (UK). Reiko Kosugi, a Japanese educational sociologist, first uses the term in Japanese literature. In 2004 Yuji Genda, a Japanese labor economist, published a book NEET with Mie Maganuma, a free-lance reporter. Since then the term NEET has become known.

Most Japanese people know the term NEET and view it as a serious social problem. According to an estimate from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, there are 620 thousands NEET people in 2007 (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, 2008).

But Japanese people understand the NEET concept in different ways. Many of them understand NEET as young people who has no will to work. Some Japanese people understand NEET as Hikikomori. Others think NEET are discouraged by loose labor market from 1992 to 2005.

As I wrote earlier, MHLW estimates NEET population. It defines NEET as (i) aged 15-34 (ii) non-labor force (iii) not in education or housekeeping. But some criticize the definition. The definition includes sick people, people preparing for certification exams, women preparing for marriage, and so on.

MHLW carried out a research to grasp the actual conditions of NEET people. According to the research, about 40 percent NEET people experience school refusal. Many NEET people feel difficulty to communicate with people. About 50 percent NEET people experience being bullied, being Hikikomori, and receiving medical treatment at psychiatry or psychosomatic medicine (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, 2007).

[School Refusal]

There are many adolescents with school refusal in Japan. According to Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, over 50 thousands high school students (about 1.6 percent of all high school students) were absent from school for school refusal in 2007 school year.

It is said some children continue to be absent from school and then become Hikikomori. Akio Kiyota (M.D.) and others summarized earlier studies on Hikikomori and showed that about 40-60 percent of Hikikomori people become shut themselves in their houses or rooms triggered by school-related causes (Kiyota, Usami, & Okuma, 2008).

[References]

Kiyota, K., Usami, M., & Okuma, H. (2008). Chiiki renkei system niyoru hikikomori shien to ekigakuteki kentou. Shisyunki no hikikomori wo motarasu seishinka shikkan no jittai haaku to seishinnigakuteki chiryou enjo system no kouchiku nikansuru kenkyu, 95-101.

Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. (2007). A research study on actual onditions and support measures of NEET people. Retrieved March 14, 2009, from http://www.mhlw.go.jp/houdou/2007/06/h0628-1.html

Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. (Eds.). (2008). White Paper on the Labour Economy 2008. Retrieved March 14, 2009, from http://www.mhlw.go.jp/wp/hakusyo/roudou/08/index.html

Psychology of Hikikomori

2009-02-28T22:28:00.001+09:00

Hikikomori people shut themselves in their houses or rooms, but typical Hikikomori people aren't contented with their lives. They desire to participate in society but can't do so for some mental reason.

They are in trouble and blame themselves for not working or going to school. The most typical criticism of Hikikomori people is Hikiomori behavior is amae. But such criticism is beside the point.

Amae (Wikipedia)
New window open

Another typical criticism of Hikikomori people is Hatarakazaru mono kuu bekarazu (If you don't work, you don't eat). But many professionals say such kind of criticism have the contrary effect on overcoming Hikikomori. They blame themselves for not working over and over again.

Some people press Hikikomori people for working on the grounds of the fact that they will not be able to live when their parents, supporters of Hikikomori people, will pass away. But similarly, I think such kind of pressure is ineffective.

* * * * * * * * * *

It's difficult to understand psychology of Hikikomori people. So, many people, including parents of Hikikomori people, misunderstand Hikikomori people and have the wrong attitude toward them. The most unfortunate result is murder. Japanese media sometimes reports murder between Hikikomori people and their parents.

On the other hand, reading writings on Hikikomori, I've been surprised that many professionals understand what Hikikomori people think and feel.

Parents of Hikikomori people don't always understand psychology of Hikikomori. But professionals who are unrelated to Hikikomori people understand it. It's odd for me.

What is Hikikomori?

2009-02-16T22:55:00.002+09:00

[Definition of Hikikomori]

As I wrote earlier, Hikikomori is, in a word, social withdrawal in youth. Please see the link below for details.

http://nhjournal37.blogspot.com/2009/02/hikikomori-social-withdrawal-in-japan.html

[Hikikomori and mental illnesses]

Hikikomori is a term that represents a condition. Not a clinical entity.

The concept and diagnosis of Hikikiomori remains controversial. In a narrow sense, people with mental illnesses are excluded from Hikikomori. In a broad sense, they are included.

Famous mental illnesses comorbid with Hikikomori are depression and schizophrenia.

According to a study, almost all Hikikomori people (78/97) who visited 5 Mental Health and Welfare Centers (a public institution for people with mental problems, including Hikikomori) were diagnosed with any mental disorders (anxiety disorders, development disorders, schizophrenia). Most of the other 19 Hikikomori people who didn't visited MHWC were also suspected to have any mental disorders(Kondo, Miyazawa, Sakai, Kiyota, Kitahata, Kuroda, Kurosawa, & Miyata, 2008).

[Population]

It is said that many young Japanese shut themselves in their homes.

Saito argued, based on his clinical experience, that there are over 1 million people who withdrawal from social interaction (Saito, 1998).

Kiyota and others argued, based on previous studies on Hikikomori, that about 1-3% people have the experience of Hikikomori (Kiyota, Usami, & Okuma, 2008).

Most surveys show that most Hikikomori people are male.

But few Hikikomori people are reported in other countries. So, it is commonly believed that Hikikomori is a unique Japanese phenomenon.

[Support organization]

Hikikomori is an object of mental health welfare policy. Mental Health and Welfare Centers, Public Health Centers, etc. are in charge of helping Hikikomori people and their parents.

Other than public institutions, there are many nonprofit organizations for Hikikomori people and their parents. Representative examples are the Hikikomori KHJ Parents Association and Sodateage Net.

[References]

Kiyota, K., Usami, M., & Okuma, H. (2008). Chiiki renkei system niyoru hikikomori shien to ekigakuteki kentou. Shisyunki no hikikomori wo motarasu seishinka shikkan no jittai haaku to seishinnigakuteki chiryou enjo system no kouchiku nikansuru kenkyu, 95-101.

Kondo, N., Miyazawa, H., Sakai, M., Kiyota, Y., Kitahata, Y., Kuroda, Y., Kurosawa, M., & Miyata, R. (2008). Shisyunki hikikomori niokeru seishinnigakuteki shougai no jittai haaku nikansuru kenkyu. Shisyunki no hikikomori wo motarasu seishinka shikkan no jittai haaku to seishinnigakuteki chiryou enjo system no kouchiku nikansuru kenkyu, 49-63.

Saito, T. (1998). Shakaiteki Hikikomori. Tokyo: PHP kenkyuujyo.

About this blog and privacy policy

2009-02-04T17:08:00.003+09:00

This blog is about Hikikomori.

In a word, Hikikomori is a Japanese term that means social withdrawal in youth. I guess almost all Japanese people know Hikikomori and view it as a social problem.

The word Hikikomori became famous in Japan when Tamaki Saito, a Japanese psychiatrist, published a book Shakaiteki Hikikomori in 1998. According to Saito's definition, Shakaiteki Hikikomori "becomes a problem by one's late 20s, and he or she keeps indoors and failing to participate in society more than 6 months, and its main cause doesn't seem to be other mental disorders."

Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, defines Hikikomori. "he or she becomes less likely to participate in society due to various factors and fails to participate in the places except for his or her home, such as workplaces and schools for long periods."

I'm going to write my personal experiences (I'm also a Hikikomori) and personal thoughts about Hikikomori on this blog. And I'm also going to mention NEET (young people Not in Education, Employment, or Training) and school refusal. These are related to Hikikomori.

[About me]

As I wrote earlier, I'm also a Hikikomori. I'm male.

I've lived in Japan since I was born. I spend all day managing my websites, including blogs about Hikikomori (in Japanese), selective mutism, etc.

I was educated in Economics at a Japanese university.

I study English every day to read and write correctly. One purpose of writing this blog is to improve my English writing skills.

smjournal77@yahoo.co.jp

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[Related websites]

NEET Hikikomori Journal (Japanese)
http://nhjournal.blog37.fc2.com/

Selective Mutism - My Memories
http://selectivemutism-mm.blogspot.com/