Dying Out of Sight: Hikikomori in an Aging Japan.

[expat500]

It's estimated over a million Japanese live as "hikikomori," recluses totally withdrawn from society. Some hikikomori may even go for decades without leaving their house. While in the past the phenomenon was most commonly associated with young men, recent data has revealed a much wider demographic of people whose confidence in themselves, and in society, has been shattered. As the parents or relatives hikikomori so often depend on entirely become too old to care for them, many now face a dire situation, left alone and unable to cope.

Dying Out of Sight: Hikikomori in an Aging Japan - NHK Documentary | NHK WORLD-JAPAN

It's estimated over a million Japanese live as "hikikomori," recluses totally withdrawn from society. Some hikikomori may even go for decades without leaving their house. While in the past the phenomenon was most commonly associated with young men, recent data has revealed a much wider...

www3.nhk.or.jp

 

[shockedcanadian]

This is what I fear too, especially now that I am single at my age. Growing old alone is sad and inhumane

 

[Unkotare]

This is what I fear too, especially now that I am single at my age. Growing old alone is sad and inhumane

Well, sitting alone at your computer crying about it ought to fix things right up!

 

[Mac-7]

Japan has a very strange society

They have a lot of mental health problems to deal with

 

[expat500]

Japan has a very strange society

They have a lot of mental health problems to deal with

Many alcoholics.

 

[Unkotare]

...

They have a lot of mental health problems to deal with

So does every country.

 

[Mac-7]

Many alcoholics.

But not a drug problem on the scale we have in America

 

[Mac-7]

So does every country.

Have you seen the closet homes in Japan?

They are just cubicles with only enough room to lay down and a desk big enough to hold a laptop computer

These are permanent residences for many people

 

[Unkotare]

Have you seen the closet homes in Japan?

They are just cubicles with only enough room to lay down and a desk big enough to hold a laptop computer

These are permanent residences for many people

No they're not. Those are usually hotels people use when they miss the last train home.

 

[Unkotare]

Have you seen the closet homes in Japan?
...

In any case, what does that have to do with mental health problems?

 

[ThirdTerm]

They are not necessarily mentally ill. But if a Japanese male is unemployed for only few years after working for many years, he is branded as "socially withdrawn" by Japanese society. There is a presumption that able-bodied males are supposed to work until they die.

 

[Unkotare]

They are not necessarily mentally ill. But if a Japanese male is unemployed for only few years after working for many years, he is branded as "socially withdrawn" by Japanese society. There is a presumption that able-bodied males are supposed to work until they die.

Don't exaggerate.

 

[Mac-7]

No they're not. Those are usually hotels people use when they miss the last train home.

Wrong. For many these are permanent places to live

 

[Mac-7]

In any case, what does that have to do with mental health problems?

Nothing if you are Japanese and accept it all as normal

 

[Unkotare]

Wrong. For many these are permanent places to live

Nope. There are lots of small apartments in Tokyo, but you are thinking about capsule hotels.

 

[Mac-7]

Nope. There are lots of small apartments in Tokyo, but you are thinking about capsule hotels.

Not everyone lives in a cubicle but enough to draw attention to them

 

[Unkotare]

Nothing if you are Japanese and accept it all as normal

Accept all what as normal?

 

[ThirdTerm]

They are affordable youth hostels in Tokyo and American tourists often stay there because everything is so expensive in Tokyo. It costs only $20-$30 per night.

A guide to capsule hotels in Japan

The capsule hotel represents an image that many people have of Japan: dense use of space, technical ingenuity, and a futuristic vibe. But a capsule hotel is ultimately a convenient way to get a good night’s sleep at an affordable price. Capsule hotels can now be found around the world, from the...

www.gotokyo.org

 

[Unkotare]

Not everyone lives in a cubicle but enough to draw attention to them

Not really. And you realize you are just talking about small parts of a very big city, not the whole country, right?

Capsule Hotels | Guide | Travel Japan - Japan National Tourism Organization (Official Site)

These minimalist, bed-sized spaces are cheap, clean and convenient, and a must-try when you visit Japan. What to expect and how to enjoy your stay.

www.japan.travel

"Hotel"

 

[Unkotare]

They are affordable youth hostels in Tokyo and American tourists often stay there because everything is so expensive in Tokyo. It costs only $20-$30 per night.

A guide to capsule hotels in Japan

The capsule hotel represents an image that many people have of Japan: dense use of space, technical ingenuity, and a futuristic vibe. But a capsule hotel is ultimately a convenient way to get a good night’s sleep at an affordable price. Capsule hotels can now be found around the world, from the...

www.gotokyo.org

If you live simply, it's not that bad. If you live like a tourist, what do you expect anywhere?