Supporting Japanese people affected by severe social isolation: A case study

This article presents the results from one of three case studies conducted for the project Supporting opportunities: insights from communities supported by the Robert Bosch Stiftung. As part of the activities of the Observatory on Social Mobility and Equal Opportunity, the project aims to complement the OECD’s long-standing quantitative work on inequality and social mobility with qualitative evidence and insights from the ground. In collaboration with civil society organisations (CSOs) that work on the ground to reduce inequality, the OECD has gathered the perspectives of disadvantaged communities in Mexico, Germany and Japan on perceived barriers to social mobility and shared solutions to build a fairer society greater opportunities for all. The results, shared through a series of articles, aim to amplify the voices of CSO experts and of those affected by inequality, make previous quantitative research more tangible, stimulate public debate and raise awareness. The project also contributes to the WISE Centre’s efforts to better understand people’s perceptions, views and concerns regarding the distribution of resources and opportunities in society.

Humans are social beings. The time spent with others, the shared activities, and the quality and variety of relationships significantly shape happiness and overall well-being. Social connections are a core domain of the OECD Well-Being Framework, which highlights how strong interpersonal relationships can boost job satisfaction, improve health, and promote social mobility. In contrast, social isolation and feelings of loneliness have profound negative effects, not only on physical and mental health but also on education and labour market participation, as documented in the OECD Working Paper on Measuring Social Connectedness in OECD Countries. In recent years, loneliness has been increasing in most OECD countries, particularly among young people and men, with approximately 6% of people in OECD countries with available data reporting feeling lonely most or all the time in 2023, according to the OECD’s How’s Life? 2024 report. The economic cost is also significant, with estimates suggesting that loneliness and isolation costs the U.S. economy around USD 400 billion annually and accounts for 1.2% of GDP in Spain.

While several OECD countries have only recently started implementing policies to tackle loneliness and strengthen social connectedness, in Japan social isolation has been a growing concern over the past 20 years, especially among young and retired men. In Japanese culture, the term hikikomori refers to individuals who withdraw from society, staying at home for more than six months without attending school or work. In 2016, about 514 000 Japanese people aged 15 to 39 were identified as hikikomori, and by 2022 national estimates suggested that 1.46 million people of all ages – about 2% of Japan’s population – were affected. In response, the government appointed a Minister for Social Isolation and Loneliness in 2021 and passed a law in April 2024 recognising loneliness and isolation as national issues, requiring local governments to take action. Measures introduced included public awareness campaigns, hikikomori support centres, and an online platform (hikikomori voice station).

While comparable official statistics on severely socially isolated people are scarce beyond Japan, other indicators suggest that the issue is growing across OECD countries. For example, recent OECD research reveals increasing rates of student absenteeism and dropouts, which – as discussed below – are often early signs of social withdrawal. Additionally, organisations studying or providing support to socially isolated people have recently emerged in Italy, Belgium, and France, further underscoring the need for a global response to this issue.

To gain new insights into severe social isolation in Japan, the OECD Centre on Well-Being, Inclusion, Sustainability, and Equal Opportunity (WISE) has partnered up with Sodateage Net, a Tokyo-based civil society organisation (CSO) dedicated to supporting young people who are hikikomori or NEET (Not in Employment, Education, or Training) in their reintegration into society. The organisation provides a range of services, including educational support, vocational training, virtual and physical spaces for interaction, leisure activities and psychological counselling for both hikikomori youth and their parents. Various data collection activities were conducted in May 2024, including direct observations of Sodateage Net’s activities and semi-structured interviews with staff, current and former beneficiaries, and their parents. This interactive format allowed for flexibility in exploring topics beyond pre-defined questions, while ensuring that hikikomori individuals were not exposed to the social anxiety that traditional focus groups might trigger.

While each participant’s experience was unique, common patterns emerged. Many spent most of their time confined to their room, avoiding interactions with both friends and family, whether online or in person. As their isolation deepened and social interactions became too overwhelming, their friendships gradually faded. Although many turned to gaming, watching TV shows, or reading, a few participants shared that these were merely ways to pass the time rather than activities they genuinely enjoyed. Additionally, feelings of mental exhaustion, anxiety, and frustration were frequently reported by participants, along with difficulty maintaining a regular daily routine, often resulting in a reversed sleep cycle. While some remained socially isolated for a couple of years, others lived this way for as long as eight, or even fifteen years. 

Sodateage Net’s staff members emphasised that there is no single socio-economic or demographic profile predicting the risk of becoming socially isolated, even though young men appear to be more frequently affected. Some beneficiaries come from affluent backgrounds with highly educated parents, while others face economic hardship. However, staff members also cautioned that the number of hikikomori people from disadvantaged backgrounds might be underestimated, as financial barriers can prevent them from seeking support. Nevertheless, they have observed a growing number of cases among lower-income groups.

More similarities emerge in terms of family dynamics, mental health, and social and emotional development. Many beneficiaries reported strained relationships with their parents, discomfort at home, and difficulties in communication. In extreme cases, some experienced neglect or violence from their parents. Many also struggled adapting to change, building interpersonal relationships, planning for the future, and maintaining self-esteem. Some have faced mental challenges, developmental disorders, suicidal thoughts, or addictive behaviour (e.g. excessive gaming and alcohol abuse). While these factors may contribute to hikikomori tendencies, it remains difficult to ascertain whether they are causes or consequences of social isolation, as they likely reinforce one another in complex ways.

Participants found it difficult to identify a tipping point. Instead, they often described a series of small negative experiences that gradually led them to avoid social situations, eventually escalating into complete and prolonged withdrawal. Many struggled with major life transitions (e.g. deciding whether to pursue higher education or search for a job) and finding a sense of belonging – whether within their families, in school, at work, or in society more broadly. 

For many, social isolation began at school. They reported gradually increasing absences until they stopped attending altogether. As reasons, they cited poor relationships with classmates and academic failure. Some participants linked their absenteeism to specific turning points, such as changing schools, receiving a low grade on a university entrance exam, or struggling to adjust to university life.

Others became hikikomori after entering the workforce or while searching for employment. Staff members explained that many beneficiaries developed a fear of working due to past negative experiences, such as being scolded and yelled at, being unable to handle high-pressure situations, or lacking good work relationships. Some interviewees also noted that stories of negative workplace experiences shared on social media might discourage those without prior work experience from even searching for a job.

Beyond individual circumstances, staff members also pointed to structural societal factors that may contribute to the growing prevalence of hikikomori youth, including Japan’s declining population and ongoing economic challenges. They also highlighted an increasing number of children missing out on valuable experiences that help build strong social connections and may shape life outcomes (a phenomenon they referred to as “the experience gap”). Examples of such missed opportunities include family vacations, social gatherings, shared meals, school trips and extra-curricular activities (e.g. team sports). According to participants, these opportunities became even more limited during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The most frequently cited societal factor, however, was Japan’s cultural and institutional norms. Participants described a strong societal emphasis on success and stability, traditionally achieved by following a linear life path: excelling in school, earning a degree from a renowned university, starting a family, and securing lifelong employment. Staff members noted that, while this lifestyle is becoming increasingly unattainable, young people still look up to role models who represent these traditional ideas of success. Some interviewees shared that the (internalised) pressure to meet their families’ expectations became overwhelming and led to withdrawal. As children struggle to reach the expected milestones and start to show signs of social isolation, parents feel ashamed and tend to hide their situation from others. Staff members explained that in Japan, child-rearing is seen as the sole responsibility of parents, particularly mothers. These cultural norms, along with the rise of nuclear families and a reluctance to seek professional help, mean that support is often only sought when the problem has become severe. 

Supporting individuals facing severe social isolation requires a gradual and flexible approach, as emphasised by both staff members and former hikikomori beneficiaries. Rather than immediately joining in-person activities, beneficiaries of Sodeatage Net start with online employment support programmes (e.g. digital skill courses), where they can interact in small groups or one-on-one. Once they feel more comfortable, they transition to in-person interactions, such as job training activities or visits to youth centres. Many carry this step-by-step approach into their professional lives, setting realistic expectations and pursuing achievable goals like internships and part-time or remote work.

Beneficiaries and staff members highlighted that creating safe, judgment-free spaces is key, whether online or in person. In such environments, hikikomori individuals can approach staff members casually and without pressure, fostering a sense of comfort and openness.

Staff members explained that reintegration activities at Sodateage Net focus on building both technical and interpersonal skills, often through tasks or games that encourage teamwork and communication. Although these activities help isolated individuals regain their independence, staff members stressed the importance of teaching when to seek support. 

Both socially isolated people and their parents often benefit from psychological counselling. Staff members noted that supporting parents not only enhance their well-being, but can also improve their child’s situation, especially when a systemic approach is used – one that one considers an individual’s challenges within the broader context of their family, school, or socio-economic environment. As such, staff members emphasised that psychological support for parents should focus on helping them find personal fulfilment and meaning in their own lives, regardless of their child’s circumstances. Additionally, parents should receive advice on how to adjust their communication style to better support their child’s reintegration.

Staff members highlighted the challenge of identifying hikikomori cases. Former beneficiaries shared that they struggled to talk about their problems with parents or teachers and were unsure where to seek help. Some even underestimated the severity of their situation. As a result, parents often played a key role in introducing them to Sodateage Net’s activities. However, staff members noted that this approach often leaves many children behind, as it relies on parents recognising the issue, overcoming stigma, and having both the willingness and financial means to seek help. To address this, all participants advocated for more low-barrier safe spaces, such as community centres or independent school counsellors, where entry requirements are minimal and there is little pressure to engage in any particular way.

Given the challenges in identifying hikikomori cases and the difficulties socially isolated individuals and their parents face in accessing appropriate care, staff stressed the need for strong networks among well-trained front-line workers in public organisations (e.g. welfare services or child consultation centres), healthcare providers, civil society organisations and high schools. However, they also pointed out key barriers: the requirement for hikikomori individuals to be physically present to receive support and the feeling of being 'passed around' from one organisation to another often discourage them from seeking help. 

Since reintegration can take time and early detection is often challenging, staff members emphasised the importance of prevention. As many children show the first signs of social isolation at school, Sodateage Net offers support to those struggling with grades, attendance, or behavioural issues. The approach goes beyond academic assistance and also aims to improve interpersonal skills, bridge the ‘experience gap’ through social events, and build cultural capital (e.g. visiting universities or having vocational experiences). To offer diverse role models and broaden perspectives, the volunteers who interact with pupils come from diverse backgrounds, differing in age, career, and socio-economic situations. 

While some of the drivers of severe social withdrawal are unique to Japan, many others are relevant across the OECD. By examining Japan’s efforts to combat loneliness and reintegrate socially isolated individuals, other countries can adapt and implement effective strategies to support vulnerable populations and prevent long-term isolation.