Why is the hikikomori phenomenon in Japan being treated like a national crisis? Are there legitimate health concerns involved or is it more related to culture?

Question

Why is the hikikomori phenomenon in Japan being treated like a national crisis? Are there legitimate health concerns involved or is it more related to culture?

In: 8

Answer 1

I think that most of what other people have said is on the right track.

I’d also add that Japan has an aging population combined with declining birth rates. Add in increasingly larger numbers of “non-productive” members of society and you’re going to have problems in the future.