The term, Hikikomori refers to people who isolate themselves in their rooms for long periods, on an average of thirty-nine months, totally devoid of contact with others. Research has estimated that over the last decade, the Hikikomori population has grown from 100 thousand to 1.2 million in Japan. Presently, the Hikikomori issue has become one of the major social concerns in Japan (Itou, 2003).
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The Hikikomori phenomenon has a number of possible contributing factors, such as individuals feeling overwhelmed with modern society and potentially being unable to fulfill their expected social roles. Another such contributing factor is that of excessive soft parenting. Moreover, research conducted by Itou Junichiro (2003) has indicated that, over the last decade, the average isolation period of the Hikikomori has expanded. This observation is based on the grounds of advancement and innovation in the field of new media technologies. Via new media, the Hikikomori are able to gain access to a variety of entertainments in their rooms. This is best exemplified by online communities and virtual-reality gaming. This allows individuals to network with others for the purposes of communication and virtual-reality gaming, allowing for the simulation of their desired social role.
According to Arima (2005), an ex-Hikikomori patient, to resolve the Hikikomori condition, proper counseling is vital. In accordance, due to Hikikomori patients’ reticence to leave their room, counseling via online environments would be the most efficient way to resolve this social issue.
The lack of social contact has a profound mental effect on the Hikikomori, in that they will gradually suffer a corrosion of social and interpersonal skills. Moreover, if the Hikikomori re-emerge after several years, job seeking and acquisition will prove to be a difficult task, because they will lack both sufficient work history and educational backgrounds (Hikikomori, Wikipedia, 2005).
Arima, Y. (2005). Hikikomori Mura. Retrieved August 4, 2005, retrieved http://www.hikky-mura.net/
Hikikomori. (2005) “Hikikomori�?. Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia. retrieved October 2, 2002 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hikikomori
Itou, J. (2003) Jyudai Nijyudai wo Cyuushinshita Hikikomori wo Meguru Chiku Seishin Hoken Katsudou no Guideline, Ministry of Health Labour and Welfare, Tokyo. Retrieved October 2, 2002 http://www.mhlw.go.jp/topics/2003/07/tp0728-1.html
Ryuya Kina 16:29, 26 Oct 2005 (EST)
