As Japan struggles to cope with COVID-19, staying home to curb the spread of the virus has become common sense. However, the psychological effects of self-isolation, which include irritation, depression and loneliness, have led to an increase in domestic violence cases, while internet usage has gone up as a way to move beyond the physical limitations of one¡¯s home.
In times of uncertainty, a navigational tool is always sought after; in Japan, hikikomori, or social recluses, are now regarded as uniquely positioned to offer insight to those struggling with self-isolation. While the term hikikomori was used colloquially prior to the pandemic, juxtaposing an understudied mental health issue with a global crisis is problematic because it risks overshadowing long-term hikikomori in need of help, and can create a false sense of understanding among the majority.
Before COVID-19 was considered a serious problem in Japan, staying home and ¡°social distancing¡± were seen as undesirable traits to be frowned upon. In Japanese office culture, for example, face-to-face interactions are seen as a way to foster a sense of solidarity among employees; that explains Japan¡¯s slow transition to telework. But now the call to ¡°stay home and save lives¡± can be heard globally, and the Japanese government has asked its citizens to practice jishuku (a form of self-restraint founded on a sense of self-responsibility) regarding nonessential outings.
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