Hikikomori. The Silent Voices of Japanese Society

Abstract

Hikikomori identifies both a phenomenon and a per-son who tends to socially isolate. It primarily affects adolescents or young people who lock themselves in their rooms for six or more months. This syndrome is being studied more from the psychology approach; nevertheless research includes the impact that social changes have had on Japanese youth today. Cultural elements, such as belonging to the group, honor, and success, contribute to create a more complex environment for the realization of young people, causing a feeling of frustration. Young people, in order not to be criticized or questioned about their performance, they rather isolate. It is important to review the most well-known studies on the subject, as well as the cultural factors of Japan and the ac-tions undertaken by the Government; considering that this phenomenon is not exclusive to Japanese society and that given the social pressures and lack of opportunities in today’s global society, it represents a risk for youth in general.