An Overview on Social Withdrawal-Hikikomori in Japan and Support in the Context of COVID-19 Pandemic
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Abstract
The spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has affected every aspect of human life and lead many families to experience the pandemic as stressful. Due to Coronavirus lockdown, many people lost their livelihood and felt helpless, bored, or even depressed. The long lockdown might have led to social isolation and mental health problems, especially Hikikomori – a phenomenon of social withdrawal in Japan. Over 1 million Japanese who live as “Hikikomori” who had totally withdrawn from society, now face a dire situation, left alone and unable to cope. The government has supported them in many ways to bring them back to society. This support has played an important role in helping Hikikomori whose life is totally supported by their parents and relatives, to overcome the impacts of the crisis. However, factors contributing to Hikikomori’s reduced health and well-being should be investigated to find appropriate measures for the current situation.
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