Japan: A new government survey has found that almost 1.5 million people of working age in Japan are living as social recluses, with one fifth of cases attributed to the pressures unleashed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Large numbers of hikikomori, or people who withdraw from society, spending all or almost all of their time isolated at home, stated that they had begun retreating from mainstream society due to relationship issues and after losing or leaving their jobs. A significant proportion commented that their predicament had been triggered by changes in lifestyle imposed during the pandemic.

The survey found that hikikomori account for 2 percent of people aged 15–62.

The cabinet office surveyed 30,000 people between the ages of 10 and 69 across Japan in November 2022. The poll found that just over one fifth of respondents aged 15–39 had been socially isolated for six months to less than a year. More than 20 percent reported that they had experienced problems with interpersonal relationships, while just over 18 percent cited the pandemic.

Among people in the 40-64 age range, 44.5 percent stated that their behaviour had been affected by leaving their jobs, followed by 20.6 percent who cited the pandemic.

Japan has not enforced UK-style lockdowns to help contain the spread of the virus, but people were asked to avoid unnecessary outings for long periods, and some employers and universities encouraged teleworking and remote learning.

The rise in the number of people living as recluses has prompted some local authorities to take action. Edogawa, a ward in Tokyo, will hold metaverse socialising events in June to give hikikomori the opportunity to meet people via their avatars.

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