In Japan, about a fifth of cases of social isolation are attributed to the Covid-19 pandemic, according to government research. The survey also pointed out that almost 1.5 million people of working age live in social isolation in the country.
The cabinet (executive body of the government of Japan) reported that relationship problems and job loss are factors that lead to many hikikomori to withdraw from society. About 20.6% said the pandemic was the cause of their situation.
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Hikikomori is a Japanese term used to describe people who withdraw from society and spend most of their time time isolated at home, without significant social contact or involvement in school, professional or social.
According to a Japanese government survey conducted late last year, more than 20% of respondents aged between 15 and 39 were socially isolated for up to six months. More than 20% of respondents cited interpersonal relationship problems and just over 18% cited the pandemic.
In Japan, quitting a job was cited as the top reason for socially secluded behavior among people ages 40 to 64, according to research. Then, 20.6% cited the pandemic.
Although Japan has not imposed lockdowns, measures to contain the spread of the virus included encouraging telecommuting and remote teaching.
Turnout on streets that are usually full of people has dropped sharply due to early closure orders for restaurants, bars and other sectors of the nighttime economy, under penalty of fines.
Some local authorities have taken measures to help people living in social isolation, such as the Edogawa ward in Tokyo, which will be hosting virtual socializing events starting in June, allowing hikikomori to meet people through their avatars.
