Hikikomori often feel trapped between fear and frustration, largely due to their assumptions about how others see them and their worries about outcomes. They tend to expect the worst, whether it’s about tasks they need to complete or interactions with others. Sometimes, their view of the world becomes rigid, sticking firmly to their own sense of fairness. For example, if they’re told they can’t eat chocolate, they might think no one else should be allowed to eat it either. This kind of strict idea of fairness can be better understood within the broader cultural context of Japan, where fairness often plays a significant role in maintaining harmony.
One clear example of this can be seen in schools. Teachers may feel they have to act in ways that meet their students’ ideas of fairness. For instance, a teacher might feel they must eat vegetables in front of students so the kids don’t feel unfairly treated. If a teacher behaves differently from what’s expected, it could negatively affect the students’ attitudes or behavior. This shows that in Japan, authority figures like teachers often face societal pressure to follow strict norms of fairness, which limits their ability to make independent choices.
Notes:
- Hikikomori are individuals who isolate themselves from society, often due to psychological and social pressures.
- In Japanese culture, fairness is closely connected to the idea of harmony, where personal actions are judged based on how they affect the group.
- Teachers and other authority figures in Japan often feel obligated to meet societal expectations of fairness, even at the cost of their own freedom to act differently.
The following is a set of multiple-choice questions designed to encourage reflection and gather opinions on fairness and harmony from different perspectives. We kindly ask you to answer according to the category that applies to you. Thank you for your cooperation!
General Questions (Applicable to All)
- What do you think fairness means in Japanese culture?
- A) Treating everyone equally
- B) Ensuring actions align with group expectations
- C) Following personal principles
- D) Not sure
- How important is fairness in maintaining harmony in Japan?
- A) Extremely important
- B) Important but not essential
- C) Somewhat important
- D) Not important
- What do you think causes Hikikomori to develop rigid views on fairness?
- A) Personal experiences of unfair treatment
- B) Pressure to conform to societal expectations
- C) Lack of exposure to diverse viewpoints
- D) All of the above
- How does fairness affect interpersonal relationships in Japan?
- A) It strengthens trust and understanding
- B) It creates unnecessary pressure to conform
- C) It depends on the individual’s perspective
- D) Not sure
- In your opinion, how does a teacher’s behavior influence students’ understanding of fairness?
- A) Teachers set an example of fairness for students
- B) Students mostly learn fairness from parents
- C) Students develop their own understanding independently
- D) Not sure
For Teachers
- Do you feel pressure to act in ways that meet students’ expectations of fairness?
- A) Yes, frequently
- B) Sometimes
- C) Rarely
- D) No, not at all
- Have you ever altered your behavior to avoid disrupting students’ sense of fairness?
- A) Yes, regularly
- B) Occasionally
- C) Rarely
- D) Never
- How do you balance personal autonomy and societal expectations in your role as a teacher?
- A) I prioritize societal expectations over personal preferences
- B) I try to find a balance between the two
- C) I prioritize personal autonomy
- D) Not sure
- Do you think modeling fairness in the classroom contributes to better student behavior?
- A) Yes, absolutely
- B) Yes, to some extent
- C) No, not significantly
- D) Not sure
- How important is it for teachers to address students’ rigid views of fairness?
- A) Very important
- B) Somewhat important
- C) Not very important
- D) Not important at all
For Parents
- Do you believe parents play a role in shaping their children’s understanding of fairness?
- A) Yes, a significant role
- B) Yes, a minor role
- C) No, it’s mainly shaped by society
- D) Not sure
- How do you handle situations where your child perceives unfair treatment?
- A) Explain why the situation might seem unfair
- B) Support their feelings and validate their experience
- C) Encourage them to adapt to the situation
- D) Not sure
- Do you discuss fairness and harmony with your child regularly?
- A) Yes, often
- B) Occasionally
- C) Rarely
- D) Never
- Should fairness always mean treating everyone equally?
- A) Yes, that’s the definition of fairness
- B) No, fairness depends on individual circumstances
- C) It’s context-dependent
- D) Not sure
- How do you teach your child about balancing fairness with personal needs?
- A) Through daily conversations and examples
- B) By exposing them to real-world situations
- C) I don’t focus on teaching this
- D) Not sure