'Hikikomori' bedroom hermits should be regarded as national crisis
There are approximately 230,000 people who almost constantly shut themselves in their rooms except to go to nearby convenience stores, according to a survey conducted by the Cabinet Office. The number increases to about 700,000 if those who only go out to do something hobby-related are included.
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Hikikomori are defined as those who shut themselves in their homes for at least six months but are not involved in child care or housework even though they are not sick.--
Even though some people think the shut-ins merely lack self-reliance and independence, there are deep-rooted and grave problems behind the phenomenon -- such as child abuse, insufficient child care as a result of poverty, schoolyard bullying, corporal punishment and insecure employment as a result of an increase in the number of temporary and part-time workers.
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The central government had launched a three-month camp aimed at vocational and lifestyle training to help reintegrate hikikomori back into society, but the program was abolished after the government's cost-cutting panel judged that it was no effective enough for the cost.
