Since 2012, I have been fully devoted to working with hikikomori (social withdrawal), NEETs (Not in Education, Employment, or Training), dropouts, and their parents. The individuals I work with range in age from as young as 8 to as old as 64. Over the years, I’ve noticed that many of them lack the basic information and resources they need to deal with their emotions, improve their cognitive abilities, or communicate their thoughts effectively. They often struggle to respond appropriately to others and lack the skills or knowledge to reintegrate into their communities.
Many of them have considered or attempted suicide. Despite carrying overwhelming emotional burdens, they are often kind and thoughtful individuals. Many have endured years of severe hardships, leaving emotional scars that affect how they perceive others and interpret communication.
For example, even in their pain, they often try to help others who are suffering. But as they grow older, especially past 18, the challenges they and their parents face become much heavier. In Japan, parents may manage to support their children during adolescence with food, games, snacks, and allowances. However, when these children enter their 20s, 30s, 40s, or even 50s, the financial and emotional burden on parents becomes nearly unbearable. Some of these children, frustrated and hopeless, lash out at their parents or express feelings of wanting to end their lives.
Most of the people I work with do not have stable jobs and are financially dependent on their parents. Government subsidies are hard to access because they often avoid medical attention and lack a disability certificate. Without work experience or vocational training, they remain dependent, placing incredible financial strain on their parents. This leads to minimal communication within the family, further isolating everyone involved. It’s a vicious cycle, with no easy way out.
Tragically, I’ve lost four young people to suicide—an outcome that neither their parents, teachers, nor I ever anticipated.
There are successes—cases where individuals overcome these challenges—but they often require years of persistent effort. This raises critical questions:
- What if schools or local governments could identify hikikomori, NEETs, or potential dropouts early, using school systems or tax records?
- What if parents sought professional guidance earlier?
- What if students felt safe enough to share their struggles with trusted adults?
It’s crucial to let young people and their families know that help is available. They need to hear that their pain is acknowledged, their feelings are valid, and their privacy will be respected. But the challenge is how to spread this message effectively. Should it be through television, newspapers, or other media?
The journey is long, but I believe that with the right communication and support, many of these lives can change for the better.
Here are 15 multiple-choice questions aim to gather insights from readers, parents, educators, and professionals about their understanding of the challenges faced by hikikomori, NEETs, dropouts, and their families. We kindly ask you to answer according to the category that applies to you. Thank you for your cooperation!
Understanding the Challenges of Hikikomori
- What is the typical age range of individuals experiencing hikikomori mentioned in the article?
- A) 5 to 15 years
- B) 8 to 64 years
- C) 12 to 30 years
- D) 18 to 50 years
- What are common emotional struggles faced by hikikomori?
- A) Fear of judgment and social rejection
- B) Overwhelming kindness towards others
- C) Lack of awareness about their emotions
- D) All of the above
- Why do many hikikomori struggle to reintegrate into society?
- A) Lack of resources and support
- B) Difficulty communicating effectively
- C) Emotional scars from past hardships
- D) All of the above
- What is one significant challenge faced by parents of hikikomori?
- A) Finding suitable schools
- B) Supporting their children financially and emotionally into adulthood
- C) Managing strict societal expectations
- D) Teaching their children vocational skills
- What emotional toll do parents often face as their children age into adulthood?
- A) Financial strain and feelings of helplessness
- B) Frustration from their child’s independence
- C) Pressure from community criticism
- D) None of the above
Support Systems and Government Role
- Why do many hikikomori struggle to access government subsidies?
- A) They refuse to seek medical attention
- B) They lack a disability certificate
- C) They do not meet the eligibility requirements
- D) Both A and B
- What could schools or local governments do to identify potential hikikomori or dropouts earlier?
- A) Monitor school attendance records
- B) Use tax records to identify families in financial distress
- C) Collaborate with community support services
- D) All of the above
- How might parents benefit from seeking professional guidance?
- A) Improve their parenting skills
- B) Develop personal goals and priorities
- C) Foster better communication within the family
- D) All of the above
- Which of the following is a key challenge in spreading awareness about available support for hikikomori and their families?
- A) Lack of funding for outreach programs
- B) Choosing the right media channels
- C) Ensuring privacy and trust for families
- D) All of the above
- What media platforms could be most effective in disseminating information about support for hikikomori?
- A) Television and newspapers
- B) Social media platforms
- C) Local community centers and schools
- D) All of the above
Emotional and Family Dynamics
- What emotional dynamic is often observed in families with hikikomori?
- A) Minimal or nonexistent communication
- B) Open and frequent discussions
- C) A focus on collective goals
- D) Strong emotional support
- What are some outcomes of unresolved family tension for hikikomori?
- A) Increased financial dependency
- B) Feelings of frustration and hopelessness
- C) Potential violence or self-harm
- D) All of the above
- How can children benefit from early communication with trusted adults?
- A) By feeling acknowledged and understood
- B) By learning to articulate their feelings
- C) By gaining confidence to face challenges
- D) All of the above
Awareness and Prevention
- What can help prevent cases of hikikomori from worsening?
- A) Early identification by schools or local governments
- B) Parents seeking professional help sooner
- C) Open communication within the family
- D) All of the above
- How do success stories of overcoming hikikomori typically unfold?
- A) Through years of consistent effort and support
- B) By isolating the individual from family influences
- C) With quick and easy solutions
- D) By avoiding external intervention