In Japan, there is a word used to describe people who completely shut themselves away from society: hikikomori (引きこもり). It means “to pull inward,” and it describes someone who does not go outside for months or even years. Some do not leave their rooms at all. It is not just about being shy. It is a deep and complex issue.
According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in Japan, as of 2023, there were over 1.46 million people in Japan living as hikikomori, including older adults over 40 years old. You can find this data and more detailed information here on the official MHLW website (Japanese only). This number is higher than many people expect, and the problem is getting attention from the government and health experts.
What Is Hikikomori?
A hikikomori is someone who avoids social life for six months or more. They stay home most of the time and often live with their parents or family. Some have a strong fear of going outside. Others feel like they do not belong in society.
In Japanese, the word can be used for both the person and the condition. So someone might say, “He is a hikikomori” or “She has become hikikomori.”
Not all hikikomori are the same. Some people play games or browse the internet all day. Some watch anime or read manga. Others do nothing at all. I once heard a radio program where a man said he was hikikomori for five years. He said he used to cry at night because he felt useless.
Why Do People Become Hikikomori?
There are many reasons. Some start after being bullied at school (ijime). Others feel pressure from work or university. Some fail to find a job after graduation, which causes deep shame. In Japanese culture, there is a strong feeling of gaman (enduring hardship), but this can sometimes make people stay silent when they are suffering.
Sometimes family problems, depression, or other mental health issues are also involved. After COVID-19, many people got used to staying indoors. For some, it became very hard to return to normal life. In fact, the Cabinet Office survey in 2023 showed that about 20% of newly reported hikikomori cases started during the pandemic.
Who Are the Hikikomori Today?
In the past, most people thought hikikomori were only teenagers or young adults. But now, many are in their 30s, 40s, or even older. These people are called the “8050 problem” – it means children in their 50s living with parents in their 80s. The parents are too old to support their adult children, but the children are still socially withdrawn.
I once read a news article about an old woman who said, “My son has not gone out in 25 years.” She was worried what would happen when she dies. Many families feel the same fear.
What Is Being Done to Help?
In recent years, there have been more efforts to help hikikomori return to society. Local governments and NPOs offer support services. For example:
- Free counseling (online and in person)
- Job training programs for people who haven’t worked for years
- Support groups for families
- Outreach services where staff visit homes
Some areas have special “hikikomori cafes” or “fureai spaces” where people can talk without pressure. These are small steps, but they can help people feel less alone.
Also, new online platforms and metaverse spaces are being used to connect hikikomori with others in a safe way. One project I read about allows people to join job training using avatars, which is less stressful than face-to-face. I think this is a great idea.
What Can We Do as a Society?
It’s important to stop judging hikikomori as lazy or strange. Many are going through silent pain. They want to change but don’t know how.
In Japan, the idea of meiwaku (causing trouble to others) is strong. Because of this, some people feel like they must suffer quietly. But society is slowly changing. Talking about mental health is more accepted now. More people are understanding that it’s okay to ask for help.
One thing everyone can do is be kind. Sometimes, just a small message, visit, or smile can make a big difference. And if you know someone who is hikikomori, just saying, “I’m here if you ever want to talk,” can be the first step.
Standing Together with Hikikomori
Hikikomori is not just a Japanese problem, but here in Japan, it touches many lives deeply. Behind each case is a real story: a reason, a person, a family. The solution isn’t simple, and there’s no one size fits all answer. But with more understanding, gentle support, and patience, we can build a society where no one feels they have to disappear.
Even small actions such as a conversation, a visit, or simply listening, can be a step forward. Let’s keep caring, noticing, and standing together.
