Hikikomori: A Phenomenon That Makes Japanese Youths Isolating Themselves At Home

Ilustrasi Hikikomori (Ike Louie Natividad / Pexels)

JAKARTA - Basically, humans are social creatures who cannot live alone. Humans need other people and always have reciprocal relationships with other humans. The relationship can be anything, children to parents, love relationships, friendship, also work.

Although you may have experienced situations that were so bad that you want to be alone, most of these conditions don't last long because again, there is always a reason to connect with other people. Whether it's telling stories to friends, having fun with friends, asking health professionals for help, and so on.

However, there are also groups of people who are withdrawing from social life. This phenomenon is especially true among teenagers and young adults in Japan. This condition is often referred to as Hikikomori.

Hikikomori refers to people who firmly refuse to leave the house and choose to isolate themselves from outside life with other humans. One period of isolation can last more than six months. Can you imagine how you just stay at home, but not the recommendation for a lockdown or stay-at-home campaign?

A person who can be "diagnosed" as a Hikikomori spends most of the time in the house almost every day, avoids social situations, does not experience mental disorders, and avoids routine activities, even if they do not go to school, work, and do social activities for at least six months. Even if it is severe, some last for years.

This phenomenon clearly cannot be taken lightly. Because according to NHK research, the Hikikomori population in Japan in 2005 reached more than 1.6 million people. When counted with semi-hikikomori (people who rarely leave the house), the number even reaches 3 million people.

The people included in this Hikikomori are mostly in their 20s, the ratio of males is six times higher, and has nothing to do with well-off or economically insufficient families. In fact, most of them come from families with highly educated parents.

Why can people do things like this? Actually, the research results are less clear. As if there is no special reason. Some people withdraw because they don't know what to do with their life. Some others feel that they cannot handle pressure from those around them. Others are angry, confused, and embarrassed by the situation.