Thursday, September 1, 2011
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
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
Thursday, July 7, 2011
"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
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
Sunday, May 8, 2011
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)
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)
Monday, February 14, 2011
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.
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.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
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.
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.
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