They were once called "the missing million". The 'hikikomori' phenomenon emerged in the early 1990's in Japan when there were reports of young people that began staying at home for months or even years at a time.
Authorities suggested that there were over a million people suffering from 'hikikomori' syndrome, but some researchers believe the actual number may be higher.
In April 2010, one 'hikikomori' man, 30 years old, killed and wounded his family members and set fire to his house. He had withdrawn from society for 14 years.
His parents had entrusted management of family finances to him but he gradually became addicted to Internet shopping and auctions and racked up about 3 million yen in debt. (macaudailytimes)
They were once called "the missing million". The 'hikikomori' phenomenon emerged in the early 1990's in Japan when there were reports of young people that began staying at home for months or even years at a time.
Authorities suggested that there were over a million people suffering from 'hikikomori' syndrome, but some researchers believe the actual number may be higher.
In April 2010, one 'hikikomori' man, 30 years old, killed and wounded his family members and set fire to his house. He had withdrawn from society for 14 years.
His parents had entrusted management of family finances to him but he gradually became addicted to Internet shopping and auctions and racked up about 3 million yen in debt. (macaudailytimes)