An estimated 20,000 people between 40 and 64 in Yokohama, who have no illness or disability, have mostly stopped going out for at least six months, according to a survey by the city government.
In the survey, nearly 40% of those residents who are in a state of “hikikomori,” or social reclusion, said their condition began when they started avoiding leaving home amid the coronavirus pandemic.
In the survey, nearly 40% of those residents who are in a state of “hikikomori,” or social reclusion, said their condition began when they started avoiding leaving home amid the coronavirus pandemic.
A recent survey conducted in Tokyo’s Edogawa Ward has shown that as many as one-third of hikikomori, or social recluses, living there have no desire for the government to help them reintegrate into society.
Japan’s Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry is considering providing financial aid from fiscal 2022 to municipalities that open offices for consultations for people isolating themselves from society.
” “I can’t go outside for fear of public eyes,” one such individual was quoted as saying. Consultations from parents also increased, the Tokyo-based nonprofit support group ‘Rakunokai Lila’ said.”
Barrier Free Japan