In Japan, nearly a million young men have locked themselves in their bedrooms, and refuse
to go outside.
This phenomenon of isolation has been attributed as a side effect to Japan’s highly competitive
economy and culture.
So, how is Japan’s economy destroying their youth?
Japanese culture generally places a significant amount of emphasis on education and employment.
But in recent years, Japan has seen a significant downturn in their economic growth.
However, Japan’s recession isn’t the same as in most other countries.
Stores don’t go out of business, luxury spending continues, the fabric of society
still seems comfortable.
But the lack of available new jobs does have a massive impact on younger generations.
With fewer jobs to go around, many Japanese men give up hope and withdraw from society.
Furthermore, the longer one is unemployed, the harder it is to find a job, since companies
tend to hire fresh out of high school and college.
Young adults and adolescents who confine themselves for long periods of time are called “hikikomori”
. They are among the generation of youths called “grass eaters”, which are mostly
men who shy away from sexual relationships and general social contact.
They tend to live at home with their parents, some well into their 40s.
Additionally, most Japanese youths are expected to provide for their families, putting tremendous
stress and pressure on them to succeed.
The weak economy also puts a strain on relationships, as many Japanese women refuse to date unemployed
men, considering them weak and effeminate.
Japan’s government has warned that more than one and a half million are on the verge
of becoming hikikomori.
An estimated 700,000 hikikomori have already locked themselves away.
The influx of socially anxious men has created big changes for Japan, including a massive
drop in birth rates to record lows, and a shift in consumer habits away from a more
“masculine-driven” culture.
Studies have shown that as much as 75% of men in their 20s and 30s consider themselves
“grass eaters”.
Considering the depth of culture associating success and hard work with self identity in
Japan, it will take significant social effort and a better economy to improve this epidemic.
To learn more about Japan’s doomed youth, and the emerging “hermit” culture, check
out this Seeker Daily video!
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