The Japanese government announced that the number of citizens over forty years old who have completely severed their ties with the outside world has exceeded six hundred thousand. A government official responsible for this survey stated on Friday, April 9, that the number of hikikomori aged 40 to 64 in the country is 613,000. Approximately three-quarters of these individuals are men, and they have not left their homes for at least six months (about half of them for more than seven years), completely disconnecting from social life. The Japanese official also noted that the new statistics 'exceed previously assumed numbers' and stated, 'Hikikomori is no longer a phenomenon solely related to youth.' The last survey regarding 'isolated youth' in Japan was conducted about two years ago, revealing that 541,000 citizens under the age of 39 are 'isolated or hikikomori.' According to a census from two years ago, Japan's population is approximately 127 million. 'Hikikomori' in Japanese means isolation and withdrawal, and in recent years, it has become a term primarily used to describe extremely reclusive teenagers and young adults who spend all their time in a house, often in a single room, and are frequently engaged in activities like video gaming. However, for the first time, government statistics show that the number of adult hikikomori has surpassed that of youth. Rika Ueda, a member of a non-profit group established to assist families of hikikomori, told AFP that the new government statistics do not surprise her, but the existence of hikikomori aged 60 and above is new to her. Several scientific studies on hikikomori have been conducted in Japan, citing reasons such as 'psychological disorders,' 'cultural and sociological impacts,' 'the Japanese educational system,' and 'the high cost of living in Japan' as contributing factors to this phenomenon. According to Rika Ueda, the new government statistics, which even confirm the existence of hikikomori over the age of 60, 'indicate that life in Japanese society is difficult, and these individuals prefer to stay at home and avoid confrontation with others.' However, the hikikomori phenomenon does not necessarily imply depression or pathological disorders.
The Number of 'Hikikomori' Among Japanese Adults Surpasses That of Youth
The Japanese government has reported that over 613,000 adults aged 40 to 64 have become hikikomori, a phenomenon previously thought to primarily affect youth. This marks a significant shift in understanding social isolation in Japan, highlighting the challenges faced by older individuals. The findings raise concerns about the societal pressures and living conditions in Japan.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
The Japanese government reported that over 613,000 adults aged 40 to 64 are now classified as hikikomori, surpassing the number of isolated youth. This marks a significant shift in understanding social isolation in Japan.
- Approximately three-quarters of hikikomori adults are men.
- The phenomenon is now recognized in individuals aged 60 and above.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Hikikomori refers to individuals who withdraw from social life, often due to psychological or societal pressures. It has traditionally been associated with youth but is increasingly recognized among older adults.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%