""He's 32 but his room looks like it belong to a teenager" Imagine someone coming into your home and basically insulting you. And they wonder why these people crawl into holes and never come out

Watching a report from Japan in french program in english language. Globalization man

It doesn't just affect Japan. Or Asian countries. I deeply feel a connection with these people and what they said .

The comment section is interesting, either people are empathetic towards the plight of these individuals or people are calling them useless etc, personally I feel these people deserve compassion.

This is not a Japanese problem...it's a human problem...

"He's 32 but his room looks like it belong to a teenager" That's an ignorant comment, and probably the kind of comment that make people like him feel like they have to hide from the world. The belief that somehow being interested in things like manga, anime, video games etc. are things that adults shouldn't find entertaining is ridiculous. I have a huge line of interests ranging from American football, motorcycles, HEMA, reading 90's manga and watching 90's anime, video games, shopping, building PC's, shooting firearms, collecting candles, working on my vehicle... and that's just the tip of the iceberg, and I do all those things while maintaining a loving relationship with my family and providing a decent home for them. You shouldn't have to fit into societal norms in order to be accepted, but that's the world. At the least, you guys shouldn't contribute to the problem.

This was me for years. Through a series of traumatic events in my life, I became clinically depressed and withdrew completely from public life. I quit my job, cut off all contact with friends, and sunk into a deep depression that lasted for years. Honestly i was just a husk, barely present in my own body. It was prison and i wanted to end it many times. Somehow i managed to claw my way back to some semblance of a normal life with the help of my long suffering dad. I owe so much to him because he basically pulled me through. Mental health is a life or death matter. Just know not to give up even if it seems so dark and hopeless.

As a former hikikomori and still suffering from social anxiety disorder, this documentary totally hits home... 💔

Saying that his room looks like it belongs to a 17 year old just because he loves manga and anime is a bit insulting

Let's not fool ourselves thinking this is only a Japanese phenomenon. Sure Japanese culture may make the problem more pronounced, but there are plenty of people all over the world who do not fit into society. Society can be harsh, especially if you cannot conform to what is considered normal.

"Care about what other people think and you always be their prisoner." That quote should hit him hard like it hits me hard everytime..

“He’s 32 and his room looks like a teenager’s” I'm 34 Y old, my room looks like a teenager's. And so?

“He’s 32 and his room looks like a teenager’s” yes that judgement will probably help him not isolate himself from society

"He's 32 and his room looks like a teenager's" I am 26 and you should see my hello kitty collection.

As someone who lived 3 years of hikikomori (not even in Japan), I feel for these people. I will always look at my past experiences in a positive light. And I think that all hikikomori have been let down by society in one way or another. The hikikomori lifestyle is rooted in a great disillusionment with society.

I'm American, but I've been a hikikomori. When I was 21 I became bipolar and everywhere I went people would antagonize me for looking scared due to my anxiety and panick attacks. I retreated to my room where I would just play videogames and watch tv for years. I would try to work and then be abused by people so I would retreat for another 6 months on and off in this time. Not until I found a good medication and found an okay job did I stop being a recluse. I am still a loner with few social connections, but I am in school and hope to meet people after Covid.

There is a breaking point when society gets too cold and competitive. My brother jumped off the bridge to his death and I consider it multiple times a week. I don't want to compete with everyone I want to be friends with everyone. There's no time for friendship or fun.

I’m 31 and my room looks like that of a 13 year old. I’ll always be a kid at heart. Don’t let people get you down. Most of the time they are depressed by their own existence and take it out on others. Do what makes you happy

im a 43 year old male in Canada dealing with this..No friends no car no job..just smoking weed,trolling on reddit and playing PC games online.

"he's not interested in anything" *what's the collection of manga then*

Depression is hard to understand if you’ve never experienced it. It’s not laziness, whenever I’m not in a depressive state I try to stay in the gym as much as I can. And it’s not being spoiled either since many people who suffer from depression commit suicide. You become numb, nihilistic, mentally and physically tired. If you’ve suffered from Depression you know this all too well. My heart goes out To everyone suffering from mental illness and I hope we all find a way to ease the pain and suffering.

They had enough of modern society and I completely get it.

I will pass away alone just like the man in the apartment. I hope he at least enjoyed his life. R.I.P.

Being an extreme introvert is practically a disability in society. If you cannot network, you're going to have a very hard time. I'm a recluse myself.

Modern society: being lonely in a city of 30 million people

The older you get, the harder it is to make newer connections with people

I have been a hikkikomori for 30 years.I have lost my ability to talk and make coherent sentences.I am 50 years old,never had a job,no high school degree(thats when I dropped out),never had a relationship,never had a friend,there was nothing for me in this world NOTHING!!!please don't end up like me cause its brutal.I am gonna die as a kudokushi.

Think about all the people who watch/relate to this and dont even comment or anything.. this is a serious underlying issue who knows if its individual or sociological. I wish there was something we could do as a people to change this. I definitely had periods where I withdrew in a severe way, the best I do now is find ways to cope. People need opportunities and support

The worst part from this is that you constantly feel like you're waisting ur time

I get the impression that the culture does not want to recognize depression or social anxiety. They just want to criticize.

This is not only a Japanese problem. There are people like this world wide. There needs to be more awareness about mental health.

dude is tearing up, that pulled my heart strings a bit. never seen a man describe his daily life with tears and pain in their eyes.

This isn't a uniquely Japanese problem, the Japanese were just the first to notice. I know lots of people in American and Europe like this.

Society doesn’t teach/incentivize you to pursue something you love or is fulfilling to you. Some people are just not wired to blindly follow the standards set by others.

the sad thing is they want to do something but its either: -- no money -- no recourses -- no help -- nowhere to start

Why is no one talking about the fact that he was bullied by a professor?? Bullying is horrible and can leave permanent scars. I hope they got reprimanded for their actions.

"He's not interested in anything..." NO. He's just not interested in anything people ever wanted him to be interested in, and he was never connected to a community interested in the things that he actually naturally is (or at least WAS) interested in. Imagine that your whole life nobody cared about what you wanted and everybody only cared about what they wanted for you. You'd stop giving a shit about both too.

To be honest, his room is so clean for a hikikomori. To be honest, I might become a hikikomori cause I understand this guy

"Make friends" is easier said than done. Most people are not friends merely acquaintances or complete strangers that are indifferent.

Depression and social phobia can truly be debilitating, it's horrible.

these people are pretty brave to come out and do these interviews.

I don’t know why Japan is singled out for this when this is a clear and present problem in the US as well.

This isn't just a phenomenon in Japan, this must be a worldwide thing bc I live in the US and I too feel like I identify with this, and I know a ton of ppl here in the states who are going thru the same thing... my biggest fear is that I will die all alone in my home when I grow older but I will accept it if it come it that point. Most of us don't choose to live a life like this, but due to trauma or various fears, we feel like it is the only plausible way to live

Hikikomori, or as it’s called everywhere else; depression.

2:27 This dude has the complete collection of JoJo's bizarre adventure and people dare to wonder why he isn't leaving his house.

I'm not japanese but I feel I am slowly turning into a hermit. The reason is due to trauma and just unable to cope with the pain.

Hikikomori is not a mental illness, but it`s a sort of instinct of self-defense in order to protect oneself from strong pressure to fit in the social mold. Once they drop out of society, Hikikomori people will not be given a second chance. Unless the Japanese society changes its high-pressure cooker environment, there would be no solution to save Hikikomori people.

This isn't a new phenomenon, it's depression and anxiety from the strict society norms. Every first world country has this problem at in an increasing rate.

"Even a phone call or a email stress me out".. My heart sinks as i realize I am watching this instead of checking my work emails.

This makes me wonder if people who develop agoraphobia are more sensitive/have less tolerance for the stupidity/cruelty of the rest of society...and that’s why they/we choose to stay isolated.

I’ve been living like this for 6 years. Doing things myself. Only 1 friend. I live in Canada.

And you know what? There is nothing wrong with these people. They have not committed a crime. Life is hard.

This is sad, but it is because of depression and anxiety. They need help, not criticism. They need love not judgement. Sadly I would be considered a hikikomori.

The first man's eyes look like they're asking for help and they're scared. He was hurt by someone and is still probably struggling with memories of it.

Beats being a wage slave for people who hate you.

Society sucks I can’t blame these people for not wanting to be a part of it.

The people who help hikkomoris with their job seminar thingys are straight up angels! They are helping so many who just needed a little push in the right direction, I hope the best for every hikkomori. No one deserves to feel alone or unwanted 😢

Just because a country has a huge economy and lots of technology doesn't mean its citizens are automatically doing great.

though i’m American, i am unfortunately a hikikomori. i wish i could disappear from the planet and live in isolation. i find being by myself very comforting. it’s hard to get through life when you have severe social anxiety and depression. i try to have no human contact at all, i’m too scared to be on social media, and me doing basic interaction skills such as phone calls or ordering food at a drive through overwhelms me. only if i had the money/resource to live comfortably in isolation, i hope to win the lottery.

"it's as if the lights had been turned off, i have no willpower, no desire to do anything... there is nothing inside anymore" wow, story of my life

people are just tired of all the bullshiet

Its not just a Japanese phenomenon. Japan is the first country to recognize this situation and name it. America just groups these people into words of lazy or depression.

When I was 20 years old I was exactly like him. Because at that time I was skinny and didn’t have self confidence. I’m just staying inside the house for weeks and months doing nothing just looking at the ceiling. Sometimes playing videogames and watching anime. Then, one day my friend invited me to go to a gym, I said no to him. But a full night of thinking I said to myself “if he asks me again, I’ll definitely go to the gym” then the next day he invited me again, then i went with him. Starting that day, I consistently went to the gym. Gained muscles and confidence at the same time. Now, I still like anime and video games, but I also like doing physical activities like cycling, lifting weights and sports. It starts within you. I know if I can get out of this, you can as well!

"Even a phone call or an email, stressed me out" Same dude same

Everyone is a hikikomori worldwide now.

As an Indian, I assure you that this is not just a Japanese phenomenon. I'm a shut-in myself, but thankfully I work from home now to make a living.

This gives me tears in my eyes. I know exactly how they feel

Everyone: panic's over a quarantine situation that forces people to stay at home. Hikikomori's: First time?

And he pronounced hikikomori with a French accent.

These people don't kill anyone, I guess. Move on to hate on politicians who steal your money.

I love how hermits used to be seen as wise and worldly in their solitude and being lost in their thoughts all day but now it's viewed as the opposite.

it's not exactly difficult to understand, because most people are pretty horrible. if I didn't have to go to work, I wouldn't be leaving my house either.

What kind of university professor bullies their student, crazy

They’re not missing much. People are forced to work until they drop, living paycheck to paycheck. Most people my age will never own a house. Why even try?

It's very understandable and foreseeable. The world is getting more and more complex and stressful. And human interactions too.

I am 34 and i have severe depression, anxiety, and PTSD. I have totally withdrawn myself from the society for 4 years. Now i wanna live off the grid, but sometimes i just wanna exit from this cruel world.

Imagine a hikikomori who just finished up those social classes just to stay home due to COVID-19.

These program hosts are so insensitive. Being shocked and "disturbed". Those reactions are part of the problem. They should try to be a bit compassionate and understanding instead.

This hikos are way cooler and more compassionate then lots of "normal" people

I'm 29 guatemalan american still living at home with my mother because of cost of living in california is to high after the pandemic, my sister is 33 lives with us due to another boyfriend cheating on her for the second time, the youngest is my little brother who is only 16 and he's in high school but has started his summer vacation for now before he returns back to school. It's very unmotivating and depressing, since my mother and sister doesn't realize what I'm mentally going through and acts extremely clueless like it's no big deal due to culture since my family came from a narcissistic country. I often cry silently many times each week, 😞 I'm like the only one in the family that feels this way except for my little brother since he's a teenager, and I worry about his future. My other brother who is 27 lives with his girlfriend independently for few years now. He often comes here to visit, and is aware on what's going on with me but doesn't seem to care at all and just pats me in the back telling me to chill n relax. My other sister who is 25 lives with her boyfriend independently for few years rarely visits us every 2 months. I get shamed when telling my mother I want to save money to move out far away to live a private social life but ends up shaming me, thinking that I hate her or something, that I should go to georgia to live with my dad instead, I constantly had to explain to her multiple times to her that I,m not going to see her forever, I would rather visit her often if I ever do eventually move out and become independent, which I don't think I'll happen, 😒 because of to many personal life things going on here with family n neighbors, I don't have a driver's license, don't even know how to drive 😮‍💨. I have 2 other latin neighbors in the same apartment that still live at home with there parents, that I've known them for since elementary school for the same reasons. I hate the latin culture, mexico and Italy do this all the time as well. I guess this is where I'm heading, like these people. But at least I'm not alone in this rough society.

That look in Alice's eyes is haunting, the pain is almost overwhelming.

"his room looks like the room of a child" Bruh... my mans got the entire jojo collection... why you gotta do him like that? lol. Aint no kid got that many manga...

The same thing is occurring in the United States, it’s not just in Japan. I honestly experience this when I'm around a lot of people and in huge crowds too and it's not a great feeling.

Depression is an odd creature, and it can certainly be differentiated from "sadness." From my experience, I would describe it as an "ugly emptiness" that constantly gnaws at your mind 24/7. Even if it is sunny and 75 degrees outside, the environment will feel bleak and be accompanied with an impending sense of dread. It literally makes you not want to do anything except remain in your room and rest your head up against your hands. Like in the video at 1:59 - I know that look. Too real. Hits very close to home for me.

This is what severe depression and/or social anxiety looks like. Also the fact that people seem to not realize that adult bullying is a thing and it's just as traumatic as childhood bullying.

I love how they try to find a explanation. It’s simple , there are no community, there is a serious lack of love in the world . These are the soft hearted people , they will feel the effects first and suffer fist . This is a precursor to things to come .

I live in USA and feel a lot like that. I avoid social interaction any chance I get. It’s a feeling that doesn’t leave.

i find it interesting how powerful your mental health can change your life

It's easy to judge but I felt so bad when I heard the first guy say he was afraid of the world. I broke my back and couldn't work for 6 months. About 4 months into that I also lost my license for a year. I spent nearly 18 months in my room, literally only leaving it to get food from the kitchen or use the bathroom. When I was able to get my license back and go back to work, I was terrified of leaving the house and was more depressed than I thought was possible before then. it took months and constant proding/encouragement from my parents before I could leave the house and go to work and feel comfortable doing so. I feel guilty because I would have never had sympathy for people going through something like this until I went through it myself. I hope these people find themselves and find their way back into the world.

Sometimes the loneliest place in the world is a room full of people.

Since I have social anxiety, I feel exactly like this guy

This is becoming a thing rapidly in America too. When you're forced to spend every waking hour working and still end up homeless and starving, what's even the point of working?

"He's 32 but his room looks like it belongs to a teenager." ***looks around at room.***

People don't realize their words have weight. Bullying is just rotten man...

People grow tired of being expected to work for a society that doesn't care about them. They're just another number. Also expecting people to place themselves in certain boxes(i.e. getting into a career field you don't care about because of pressure from society and people around you to contribute) can be draining to the spirit. Especially when what the individual actually wants to do to contribute to society is shamed and ridiculed or just doesn't provide enough financial incentive to pursue seriously.

Hey I'm from india....and i think I'm hikikomori... I've not taken part in society for last 2 years.... I feel the pain of this people 😭

He doesn’t need life he had the whole jojo collection

So that"s what I'm called in japan.

In 2020 after loosing my job i decided to become a hikikomori for over 3 years

"He's 32 but his room looks like it belong to a teenager" SOmething bad is gonna happen if he comes to my house, looks at my Lego structures and says that line