There are currently approximately 541,000 Japanese people between the ages of 15 and 39 who have become reclusive and have shut themselves off from the world. The Japanese Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry calls them hikikomo and defines them as individuals who have not left their homes for at least six months.
They believe this is psychological that stems from depression and anxiety. Many young Japanese have little social interactions with others besides their families. When they are put in a working environment the change can become too great for many. Japanese society puts a lot of pressure on young people, especially young men.
There is a support center in Fukuoka that gives therapy to these individuals to help them function in society. Group therapy has become very instrumental in helping these young people. However, it takes the support of the family unit to pull these young people out of obscurity. For those that cannot face the world yet, Japan offer virtual high schools as a solution.
Young Asian individuals are expected to keep their family name at a high status. There is much pressure put on these young people and the pressure seems to become too great. These ideals come from the Xia Dynasty in China. Families need to support these young people instead of putting intense pressure on them.
http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/11/asia/japanese-millennials-hikikomori-social-recluse/index.html\
I don't really agree or disagree with this, for part of me thinks Japan should be lighter on young people because they ARE inexperienced, and they shouldn't be pressured that much. On the contrary, I also think it's good they are heavy on young people, for it prepares them for the hard challenges ahead in life. -Alex Travell
ReplyDeleteI think that this is very sad what's going on but this can happen anywhere and to anyone at this age.
ReplyDeleteThis is so sad. It goes to show what societal pressure can do to you
ReplyDeletethis issue of societal pressure is real everywhere I think, but it seems particularly intense in Japan with people having little social interaction.
ReplyDeleteEveryone makes mistakes, especially youth, I can definitely say I have. In my opinion, to have that much pressure put on them as teenagers & young adults is overdoing it a little. They should see something is wrong when that many people are highly depressed.
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