Hikikomori (Japanese: 引きこもり or ひきこもり [çi̥kʲikomoɾʲi], lit. 'pulling inward, being confined') are reclusive adolescents or adults who withdraw from social life, often seeking extreme degrees of isolation and confinement. The term refers to both the sociological phenomenon in general and the individuals belonging to this societal group, who have been described as "modern hermits". Hikikomori has been an increasing problem in Japan since the 1990s, with estimates suggesting that over a million individuals are affected. While the phenomenon is most associated with Japan, cases with similar conditions have also been reported in other parts of the world. The key characteristics of hikikomori include a marked avoidance of social situations and interaction, a retreat into one's home (often a single room) for at least six months, and significant functional impairment or distress. While not a formal psychiatric diagnosis in itself, hikikomori can co-occur with various mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, or developmental disorders. The etiology is complex and multifaceted, involving individual psychological vulnerabilities (such as a history of bullying or academic failure, and personality traits like introversion or high sensitivity to shame), familial dynamics (including parent-child relationships and communication issues), and broader societal pressures related to education, employment, and social expectations in contemporary societies. The understanding and societal response to hikikomori have evolved, with various support systems and treatment approaches being explored. The issue raises significant concerns regarding individual well-being, family burden, and the social integration of a considerable segment of the population.
Etymology and definition The Japanese term hikikomori (引きこもり or ひきこもり) is composed of the verbs hiku (引く, "to pull, draw, retreat") and komoru (籠る, "to shut oneself up, stay inside"). It describes both the condition of severe social withdrawal and the individuals who experience it. Psychiatrist Tamaki Saitō, who extensively researched and popularized the term with his 1998 book Shakaiteki Hikikomori: Owaranai Shishunki (Social Hikikomori: Adolescence without End), provided an early influential definition:
a state that has become a problem by the late twenties, that involves cooping oneself up in one's own home and not participating in society for six months or longer, but that does not seem to have another psychological problem as its principal source. Saitō's initial definition emphasized hikikomori as a primary form of social withdrawal, distinct from other mental illnesses, although he later acknowledged that psychiatric treatment might be necessary. The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) in its 2003 guideline (updated in 2010) described hikikomori as a "psycho-sociological phenomenon" rather than a single disease entity, characterized by withdrawal from social participation (school, work, interactions outside home) and staying at home for more than six months, typically affecting individuals under 30. The MHLW guidelines also noted that while hikikomori is principally a non-psychotic phenomenon, it may co-occur with conditions like schizophrenia. A more recent consensus among psychiatrists, as summarized by Kato, Kanba & Teo (2020), defines hikikomori as:
a form of pathological social withdrawal or social isolation whose essential feature is physical isolation in one's home. The person must meet the following criteria: a) marked social isolation in one's home; b) duration of continuous social isolation of at least 6 months; c) significant functional impairment or distress associated with the social isolation. This definition explicitly recognizes that hikikomori can co-occur with other mental disorders, differing from Saitō's earlier emphasis on it as a primary condition. The term is used to describe both the phenomenon and the individuals affected by it.
Characteristics The primary characteristic of hikikomori is a state of severe social withdrawal where individuals confine themselves to their homes, often to a single room, for extended periods, typically six months or longer. This isolation involves a marked avoidance of social participation, such as attending school or work, and a reluctance to engage in social interactions even with family members. Common behavioral patterns include a reversal of sleep-wake cycles (sleeping during the day and being active at night), excessive time spent on solitary activities like using the internet, playing video games, or watching television, and sometimes neglecting personal hygiene. While some may occasionally leave home for specific purposes, such as visiting a convenience store, their overall social engagement remains extremely limited. Some hikikomori individuals may also exhibit aggressive or violent behavior within the household, though this is not a universal characteristic. Psychologically, individuals in hikikomori often experience significant distress. This can manifest as feelings of shame, inadequacy, anxiety, depression, and a profound sense of apathy or loss of motivation. Fear of others (anthropophobia) and obsessive-compulsive tendencies can also accompany the withdrawal. Saitō noted that many cases involve individuals who were initially perceived as "good" or introverted children who did not go through a typical rebellious phase. However, he also emphasized that there is not one fixed personality trait that manifests in every case. The experience often involves a loss of connection with the future, as described by Kazuki Ueyama: "The present was everything. I didn't have the ability to think about the future". The phenomenon predominantly affects males, with Saitō reporting that 80% of the cases he dealt with were men. Government surveys also indicate a higher prevalence in males, for example, the 2016 Cabinet Office survey found 63.3% of hikikomori aged 15–39 were men, and the 2019 survey for those aged 40–64 found 76.6% were men. While often associated with adolescents and young adults, with onset typically occurring in the mid-teens to late twenties, hikikomori can persist for many years, leading to an aging population of individuals in withdrawal, sometimes referred to as the "80-50 problem" (parents in their 80s caring for hikikomori children in their 50s).
… excerpt ends here. Continue reading the full article.
