Hikikomori, a phenomenon where young Japanese people isolate themselves in their bedrooms for years, affects at least half a million people aged 15 to 39. The cause is unclear, but pressure to succeed in Japanese society is believed to be a factor. Japan also has a high percentage of older people, adult male adoptions, and more cats and dogs than children under 15.
The stereotypical young man who hangs out in his room playing video games might make for fun fodder, but in Japan, that’s no joke. The nation is facing such an epidemic of working-age people isolating themselves in their bedrooms in their parents’ homes that this phenomenon has a name: hikikomori. According to recent data, at least half a million Japanese people aged 15 to 39 are engaging in a life without socialization, often for years. And that figure is considered a very low estimate, since it’s hard to even identify these people, mostly men, who don’t leave their homes. There are now organizations aimed at getting the inmates out, although the process can be time consuming and requires the commitment of others, mostly women, who are willing to spend hours writing letters, making calls and passing by briefly and often unsuccessful visits . While no single cause has been identified for the existence of so many social hermits, many believe that the pressure Japanese society places on young people to succeed is at least partially to blame, with many hikikomori cowering in fear of not live up to such high expectations .
Life under the rising sun:
Japan has a higher percentage of older people than any other country.
Ninety-eight percent of all adoptions in Japan are of adult males; they are usually adopted to help with a family business.
Japan has more cats and dogs than children under 15.
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