hikikimori

Hikikomori is a Japanese term for individuals who withdraw from social life, spending most of their time at home and avoiding work, school, or other regular activities for an extended period. The term, derived from hikikomoru meaning to pull away or withdraw, was popularized in the 1990s and has since been the subject of sociological and psychiatric study. While the phenomenon is most closely associated with Japan, similar patterns of extreme social withdrawal have been reported in other countries, though the term and its cultural framing remain Japanese.

Typically, hikikomori refers to a duration of six months or longer, with individuals limiting contact to immediate family and relying on the home as their primary space. They may use the Internet or media for social interaction and identity, and often do not attend school or hold employment. The presentation can vary widely in severity and accompanying behaviors.

Experts distinguish primary hikikomori, withdrawal without a coexisting condition, from secondary hikikomori, where withdrawal occurs alongside mental health issues such as depression, social anxiety disorder, autism spectrum traits, or trauma.

Causes are multifactorial, involving personal vulnerability, family dynamics, school culture, and broader societal pressures. Prevalence estimates vary; researchers have suggested hundreds of thousands to over a million people in Japan may fit the definition, with uncertain numbers in other countries.

Treatment emphasizes voluntary engagement, family support, and multi-disciplinary approaches. Options include psychotherapy (often cognitive-behavioral therapy or family therapy), social skills training, educational or vocational reintegration programs, and gradual exposure. Government and non-profit organizations in Japan have developed support centers and resources for hikikomori.

The concept has sparked debate about pathologizing adolescence and the influence of societal expectations. Critics call for culturally sensitive definitions and more robust data to distinguish prolonged development from illness and other forms of withdrawal.