Hikikomori facts for kids
Hikikomori is a Japanese word. It describes people who choose to stay home and avoid social life for a long time. This often happens slowly.
What is Hikikomori?
The word "Hikikomori" was first used by Tamaki Saitō. He wrote a book about it in 1998. The book's English name is Hikikomori: Adolescence without End.
The Japanese government defines hikikomori as people who stay inside their homes for more than six months. They do not go to school or work. In 2010, there were about 700,000 hikikomori in Japan. The average age was 31 years old. Some experts believe there might be over 1 million hikikomori. This is about 1% of Japan's population.
English words that are similar include recluse. A recluse is someone who lives alone and avoids other people. Another similar idea is agoraphobia. This is a fear of places or situations that might cause panic or embarrassment.
Hikikomori in Popular Culture
Many books, movies, and songs have featured hikikomori characters.
- The 2002 novel Welcome to the N.H.K. by Tatsuhiko Takimoto is about a hikikomori.
- The main character in the 2002 manga Rozen Maiden is a hikikomori.
- A part of the 2008 film Tokyo! shows a hikikomori.
- The American singer-songwriter Zola Jesus has a song called "Hikikomori". It is on her 2011 album Conatus.
- The main character of the anime Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day is also a hikikomori.
See also
In Spanish: Hikikomori para niños
