Hikikomori: The Silent Social Withdrawal Epidemic

Hikikomori is a condition of extreme social withdrawal, often involving prolonged isolation from society. Once considered Japanese, Hikikomori is now a global problem, affecting more than 3% of the world’s population. Even in a developed country like Japan, 1.5 million individuals are suffering from this issue, which shows the depth of the problem.

New technologies like the Metaverse worsens the issue. Rising housing costs in Japan, fueled by academic pressure, drive 'cyber homelessness' in cafes. These challenges highlight the need to address mental health and develop support systems. In a rapidly evolving digital world, these issues cannot be ignored.