In search of lost time: Long‐term prognosis of hikikomori called 8050 crisis

Abstract

The term "hikikomori", often associated with geek culture, originated in Japan. 1 It is defined as a complete withdrawal from society for 6 months or longer. According to the Cabinet Office of Japan, 2 the incidence of hikikomori among those aged 40-64 years is 1.45%, and the estimated number of people with hikikomori syndrome is 613,000. It was thought to be unique to Japanese culture, but case studies show that psychiatrists in many countries are encountering hikikomori syndrome. 3 Japan has the world's most aged society;

Social isolation and well‐being among families of middle‐aged and older hikikomori people

“…The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request. Sachiko Yamazaki , 1 Chiaki Ura, 2 Hiroki Inagaki, 2 Mika Sugiyama, 2 Fumiko Miyamae, 2 Ayako Edahiro, 2 Kae Ito, 3 Masanori Iwasaki, 2,4 Hiroyuki Sasai, 2 Tsuyoshi Okamura , 2 Hirohiko Hirano 2 and Shuichi Awata…”

“…1 Recently in Japan, parents in their 80s taking care of their children in their 50s who are withdrawn, called the '8050 crisis', is becoming more common. 2 The national estimate of hikikomori is 2.05% for young adults (15-39 years old) and 2.97% for middle-aged and older adults (40-69 years old); this high proportion of middle-aged and older adults compared with young adults is becoming an urgent issue. 3 However, it is difficult to detect middle-aged hikikomori before their problems become severe.…”

Contemporary Hermits: A Developmental Psychopathology Account of Extreme Social Withdrawal (Hikikomori) in Young People

“…Yoshi and Aaron were fully dependent on the support and financial resources of their families and so it will be difficult for them to continue with their secluded life once this sustenance ceases. An extreme example of this is the ‘8050 crisis’ in Japan, which refers to the phenomenon that parents entering their 80s, because of physical, cognitive, and financial restrictions, can no longer take care of their hikikomori offspring (who have been living in seclusion for many years and are already in their 50s; Yamazaki et al, 2021 ). Chris did not rely on support of others; he survived his self-chosen exile by committing multiple crimes, as a result of which he was ultimately prosecuted in the legal justice system (see also Chan, 2019 ).…”

Time regained: awareness of not young anymore is a trigger for the ageing Hikikomori person to return to society

“…2,3 In Japan, the Hikikomori population, and their parents, are ageing, and the establishment of support methods for middle-aged Hikikomori people is an important issue. 4 Unlike young Hikikomori people, middle-aged Hikikomori people have a wide range of reasons for their social withdrawal. Therefore, it is essential to establish support methods that match the actual situation of middle-aged Hikikomori people, rather than applying support for young Hikikomori.…”

“…Hikikomori is defined as a complete withdrawal from society for 6 months or longer, 1 and this problem has been discussed in various countries 2,3 . In Japan, the Hikikomori population, and their parents, are ageing, and the establishment of support methods for middle‐aged Hikikomori people is an important issue 4 . Unlike young Hikikomori people, middle‐aged Hikikomori people have a wide range of reasons for their social withdrawal.…”