Humans: build stressful depressing and hyper competitive societies of consumption Also humans: hmm why don’t people want to participate?

They act like this is happening only to Japan or Asian countries. This is basically a global phenomenon now tbh.

You know you are one of them when you barely noticed any change in your life when Corona came.

I am a female japanese, I live in Japan, and I was a Hikikomori when I was about 28. I studied in England when I was a teenager away from my parents, I think I was very desciplined. I went through a lot of depressions and self denial which is still my issue. I think I'm still Hikikomori a little bit because I've always felt scared to go job hunting, I don't know what made me think that I'm a worthless person in this world. But I've finally realized that thinking in such negative way isn't doing any good to my life and even to society, so I've decided to at least make possitive thinkings, like when I wake up in the morning and go pray at the Shinto Shrine. Before, I did not know how to think possitive, but I do get a lot of help (not a rental sisiter though^_^) and possitive thinking of my future is actually working get out of depressions!!

I can't believe that they are seriously labelling this as a "unknown" problem. It's obvious that these poor men are strugging with severe depression in a society that doesn't take mental health seriously 💔💔

We need a “Friendship” version of Tinder! It’s really hard to make friends in metropolitan cities 🤷🏻‍♂️

If you write Hikikomori in Chinese the word would be "繭居族", which means "person who living in a cocoon".

I'm an American hikikomori for about 10 years. It starts, probably with an inclination towards depression, but ultimately with a failure you can't let go of. Anytime you head back out in the world, all you can think is everyone knows your failure. It makes it easy to repeat that failure, and tell yourself no matter what it will always end in failure. It closes you off, and if you don't immediately spring back, it's so easy to fall in deeper than you imagined it could go. I can't even communicate with people directly over text anymore. Some people in the world want things this way. Unfortunately, i don't imagine my story is going to end as happily as some of these comments, but it does provide some comfort knowing people can get out of it. I don't want to die, but living is just way too much work.

I think I’m a hikikomori. Here in America they call us losers though.....

That stuff also happens in europe. After my brother failed his university, he just stayed at parentshome and played videogames all day. Barley saw his few friends or left the house, had no job and no education. He now is in his mid 20s...I reached out to him, got him a small job and now a few months later he moves with me in my apartment. He even started doing sport :) still a long way but those people just need a reaching hand.

These Rental sisters should given honourary degrees in psychology, and publish their memors into science papers as one of the strategies for the Japanese social policymakers to deal with the aggregate stressors that are allosterically causing Hikikimoris break downs.

2020: the year where everyone's a hikikomori.

To that blonde dude that was bullied because he chilled a lot with girls. the others were obviously just jealous.

"Our society is very tough on the weak." -- oh, that's such a good quote.

Everyday I learn something new. The rent-a-sister idea is a great one. It gives people who are natural givers and kind-hearted an opportunity to use their talent to help those who need it the most. 😊

That was pretty much my life as a teenager girl. I know how it feels so I'd like to volunteer to help those that are going through the same thing. We do have to take mental illness more seriously and we should see the hikikomori as they are, simply people trying to survive in a society that can be very cruel. It's not shameful or ugly and they deserve help and not judgment.

Hikkimoris are the backbone of Top Rankers in League of Legend

2:21 "I don't pretend. I just try to connect with them on their level." that's social work!

I recently quit Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. I found the relationships to be two-second interactions and they made me feel lonely. I only stay on UKposts because I learn something new every day. But now I get my socialization needs met by a very small group of people -- in person and for more than two-seconds. In these days of social media and Covid-19 isolation, I am surprised that we aren't all massively depressed. I feel for these Japanese who live in a culture that largely ignores their very real problems.

The reality is that he'll always need you now that you've deeply bonded with him.

At the end, they only need a friend who cares and accepting them, even for money... That's deep...

So basically it's people with depression hiring councillors

Damn, I loved that last story about former hikikomori getting married. So touching

They're doing a great service. I could see how someone would fall into their situation, and it deserves note.

My sister is like that in the US. She was bullied and suffers from anxiety and depression. She stays up all night playing video games and then sleeps all day. She has one friend who comes over every couple of weeks, but just has so much social anxiety that she doesn't want to make other friends. I think technology, with all its amazing advances, has enabled people to have this escapism 24/7 if they want it.

I remember when I was little growing up in Japan, my cousin committed suicide. It was so devastating. I only found out years later that he was hikikomori. It started because he failed his entrance exams into the college he wanted to go to. I wish they had this ministry back then. He might have recovered. But the family kept it hush hush. 😭

wow, i have to say i can relate to these men so much. Every day, i am having to completely go against my nature just by functioning "normally". I despise having to go to work, i despise having to even leave the house sometimes, but i do it. I harbour resentments against people who are so effortlessly outgoing and don't even think about such things.

I had a rough childhood, and when I switched households (parents separated, never married) I ended up in a program where a social worker would take me out on day trips a couple times month. If I didn't have that experience, I think I would be a lot worse off in terms of social development. Just a little bit of positive human interaction can be life changing for some people. There's "invisible" people all around. Listen, and uplift.

They are deeply depressed, this isn’t a new illness, it is just ignored in Japanese society and I don’t think assigning them a “name” helps.

How Hikikkomori became a thing: Society: Be yourself! Also society: Ehm, no, not like that

I hope the people who are going through such tough times, find their happiness soon 🌼🌼

Seeing their relationship gives me so much hope. I needed this

They’re just depressed man. If society wasn’t so harsh then everyone would be happier

This just sounds like chronic serious depression and withdrawal. The young man said that life is very unforgiving for the less mentally stong members... i think this can be seen in any society. It's very sad, but good if this approach can help! I think this is actually a very good idea.

My dream is to become financially stable enough to be a hikikomori for the rest of my life.

Dogs would also be great therapy for them. They have such a great way to lift your spirits and get you outside and enjoy nature.

THIS IS DEPRESSION!! 😭

Hikkomori is something that is going to get worst more we dismiss mental health. Not just in Japan but everywhere, especially now.

What these men really need is love and support from family and friends and also a therapist.

I am an older gentleman, but I can identify with this, and having a caring sister and/or brother can make a Hugh difference in one life !!

I think many experience this kind of reclusive behavior especially when experiencing depression among other things, not just Japanese men. I remember when I would just never leave the house for 2 years straight unless to go to church or to get a smoothie by my house due to postpartum depression. It's interesting how different countries deal with coping societally

"i asked her to please smile forever next to me" that's such a lovely way of phrasing it.

Very good video. Compassion and understanding is so evident.

If you are not in the financial market space right now, you are making a huge mistake. I understand that it could be due to ignorance, but if you want to build generational wealth and cultivate financial knowledge, you must be in the market......

Japan: rent a sister. Alabama: it's free real estate...

Kenta looks like he's ready to cry... I want to hug him... This hurts my heart.

That is very sweet ❤ To be a rental sister Hikikomori need support

Thank you for helping them

Severe manic depression turned into extreme social anxiety. A society over stressed with success has created a generation of terrified men.

Renting someone to be friends. It sounds so weird When they say .” I am going to visit the hikikamori.” Like its some kind of creature .

I had this condition between 18-22. I even lied about graduating and dropped out of school. I even went so far as to forge my bachelor diploma (but later went back to school to get my real diploma at 25). When I think about those days, it wasn’t depression that started it but it sure turned into depression that lasted for over a decade. It started with a lot of anger at myself. Angry that I stayed up all night playing video games again or binging tv series. Angry I procrastinate like 80% of my time away. Angry I can’t hold down a job. Angry at myself for getting up late again, angry for failing to meet my own standards, angry I don’t have more friends, angry at blah blah blah. It’s not like I was lazy either. I “helped out” 7 days a week at my parents restaurant from 8 years old till 15, and finally worked legally from 15-18. I STILL can’t pinpoint what made me withdraw from 18-22, but I swear, when I binge TV past midnight or play video games for more than a few hours at a time, and my day gets wasted away, I feel that traumatic “lost” and angry feeling again. I have to remind myself to stay away from that stuff and go out for a walk. It actually helps that I now have 2 large dogs that depend on me too. I can’t stay in all day or forget to feed them twice a day. I can’t even sleep in lol. Having stuff like this that forces me to get up and get out is good for someone like me. Left by myself, I would fall back into withdrawal.

- It's not only men - It's not only young - It's not only a few "hundred thousand" - It's not only "a condition" This is the result of a highly authoritarian society with strict social roles for everybody that overexploits people and doesn't take mental illnesses seriously.

All they need is a real friend! Be extra nice to someone who needs it. Sometimes people just need some kindness and understanding.

4:58 "What people misunderstand is that our society is very tough on the weak." Insightful comment - felt very genuine. Of course, we don't interact with "society," only individuals, but perception is reality. I wonder how individuals (and society) could show greater compassion on the weak.

This was incredibly well done. Amelia was fantastic.

Sometimes people just need a good hug and someone to chat to. So just keep an eye out for your family, friends (old, present), neighbors, you could be the difference between life and death for them.

The reason Hikikomori is a thing in Japan is because parents let it happen. because they're afraid of the social stigma, they hide the kid, continue to feed him, pay for all their expenses, and so the behavior continues and takes on ridiculous proportions. it's not a "condition" or a special disease, it's depression, often caused by bullying. But whereas in other parts of the world, it would get treated earlier on, in Japan it's just left to fester. that said, I think it's really good people are finally trying to do something about it. those rent-a-sister people are a good thing. and those halfway houses even better. I hope that the phenomenon grows to have more than just that one company doing it. Still, they are trying to fix a problem way too far down the road. What needs to change is parents' attitudes (and Japan's attitude towards mental health) and focus on getting their children help right away. Not after they've locked themselves in a room for 10 years. PS: the voiceovers are awful. just use subs, please.

These type dudes are all over the world, especially in North America and in Europe, especially the UK. Their souls were shattered by bullying when they were growing up.

I remember reading somewhere that a lot of this is caused by Japan's job hiring culture. Japanese companies hire on mass during the time of college graduations once a year and essentially if you miss out on getting into a company during then it's incredibly difficult for you to get back into the job market because companies want fresh new graduates for lifetime employment. Apparently in the early 2000s there was a hiring freeze and a lot of people from that generation didn't get a chance to be hired and they've kind of become the lost and forgotten generation and that's where a lot of these men come from. I might be getting this completely wrong as I read it a long time ago, so anyone with more knowledge feel free to correct me.

Kenta's so cute 😭

I was not expecting the love story at the end! They're super cute together!!

Sigh. Imagine being a friend who helps someone build themselves and be happy and be paid!!!! THAT IS MY DREAM JOB!

If this is a recent thing, I think it's depression following life stressors, and then computer addiction kicks in as well. New Start seems to be doing a really great job, particularly with the live in centre and the strict rules to prevent isolating.

The same happens all over the world. Avoidance/agoraphobia related to anxiety/trauma/neurodiversity. The rental sisters essentially act as support workers to assist them in engaging in exposure exercises (ie going outside) and facilitating social connection which helps to reduce the severity of symptoms and increase individuals functioning.

I’m not surprised at all really...I can totally empathise. These days, most people are rude, ignorant and selfish!... it’s much easier and less stressful to just avoid people all together!

"Living your life more slowly and thoughtfully"....a solution to help the anxiety generation.

I'm so thrilled for Ikuo!!

We all just need someone to hold our hand most of the time... For the past year, my depression and anxiety has made me want to stop school and stay inside of my room because I learnt that I wouldn't be able to take up my dream course in college and my step-dad passing away. I felt like I lost sight of my future that I've been preparing for the last couple of years now. Even just looking at my emails and texts makes me really scared. Luckily, one of my friends pushed through the wall I made and lifted up my spirits. I still feel really bad for not getting my dream course and ignoring my studies but I've met someone that made me realize a lot in my life that are more valuable. I hope other hikkikomori find people that can hold their hands as well.

She married him. That was a twist! I'm happy for them!

So a rental sister is like a female counselor who comes to you instead of going to their office?

One of my childhood friends is a hikikomori here in Sweden, he has not left out small town for over 15 years, and only comes out of his apartment to buy food and then never talk to anyone. I have tried to reach out to him but to no avail. Very sad, as I know he is funny and kind.

The ladies do contribute to families (and parents) with hikikomori, in a way to open the hearts for young lives who fail to experience love, concern and respect.

i dont know why western medias repeatedly report about hikikomori things, it happens all over the world, not only in Japan.

"future wife... Ayako, the rental sister." me: whaaaaaat!

Those two women are providing a truly humane service. Hope more of those women can help.

It's cause of bad mental health lack of opportunities and pretty much the lack of help most hikikomoris where bullied most of them are just very unlucky in life.

Bully can seriously damage your mental health

Good stuff. I'm kind of in the same situation, only I'm disabled. Not crippled or anything like that. Just been self isolated for so long. I do get out of the house, and am able to drive, I just don't have anywhere to go. Imma try to change for the better in 2019. Not just for myself, but for my family.

i am so So SO grateful to have More than 1 Siblings

Ayako and Ikuo, what a lovely story.

This is exactly how my nephew was, until I gave him a job with my company, got him out of the house at least 9 hours a day . Working and being around other people has completely changed him...the solution was easier for my nephew than a lot of unfortunate people I see here.

This issue isn't only in Japan. You could say that I am a recovering female hikikomori. I study part time at a quiet university where there is more support for students. Each week, I see a psychologist & work one whole day. The rest of my free time is spent in my room. Honestly, being around people makes me feel suicidal. From 6 -10 years of age, I was bullied & isolated by my classmates. The isolation happened again from 13 to 15 years of age. The environment that I was raised in was unstable too. My parents also had very high expectations for me. I learned from a young age that it is better to be alone than to be disappointed or heartbroken. I don't want anyones pity but i want people to understand that there are reasons why people turn out this way.

The comments here are just... bruh.. You're not a hikkikomori, stop using that word. Not being around people 24/7 isn't a mental illness, it's called life. Struggling to meet new people is normal too. Stop calling yourself things that you are not.

Wholesome ending

It's happening because economic conditions are forcing young adults to face enormous challenges. You have to be creative, good in IT, have the ability to network, basically wear many hats in order to be somewhat competitive. This condition is present in US in very rural areas where young males recluse themselves from society out of depression because they cannot find work or make a meaningful living. Gone are the days of graduating High School and just working in a factory earning a modest income. Inflation wage stagnation, cost of living, and global economy is decimating many countries in differing ways, but the end result is the same, Depressed young adults who see no way out. Its really sad. It's also easy to discount them if you have made it and become successful because you may not have experience the level of failure they have. We can't all be talented, skillful, and lucky, but a rising population of depressed adults is not sustainable for society either.

I go to the local shop once a week. I see my sister-in-law, eight hours a week. I’m very happy and I feel mentally healthier than I was before, I was depressed and suicidal, now I have hope.

This video help us rethink what is good society and how to shape them

Hmmm, looks like depressed dude to me. I would love to give my fellow bro a huge hug, keep fighting everyday ! I am recovering after a brake up, I was with this person for over 3.5 year and in the end It turned out she was just using me and my family, while I was focused on working, learning and curing my depression that I had from a young age.

Toddlers in Japan compete to get into the best kindergartens. And then primary-schoolers compete to get into the best intermediate schools, and this goes on to college. Some kids don't want to compete with others. A lot of people in Japan come to realize that cost of _trying_ in such a toxic environment isn't worth the benefit of having done so, and carries with it too much hazardous risk. If the culture is determined to hurt you just for existing, why try to engage it? Hence we have _futōkō_ or school-avoidant children who don't want to engage if doing so risks being bullied, hurt or shamed. We also have _hikikomori,_ or socially-avoidant adolescents and adults. We also have _sōshoku danshi,_ men who are disinterested in engaging with women if doing so means adhering to the highly competitive traditional Japanese custom, again it's just not worth it, and the society has long since decided these people should be disregarded in order to preserve a cruel culture. _Hikikomori_ does not correlate with known mental disorders only because those who've studied it have not bothered to look. In fact, a cross examination across many cases have demonstrated indications of PTSD or autism spectrum or major depression, often they _fulfilled criteria for multiple psychiatric conditions._ Only one in five were _primary hikikomori,_ that is, isolated from society without any indications of other mental disorders. The thing is, these are all based on tiny samplings of less than one-hundred cases. No-one's gathered data across thousands, and it's hindered since families feel compelled to hide _Hikikomori_ to avoid familial shame. So this is a societal problem, one of several phenomena that emerge from a culture that favors competition over cooperation, elitism over inclusion and preservation of institutionalized tradition over regard for the individual.

I prefer subtitle rather than a dub..

Kenta seems really kind. His voice is actually very pleasant and easy on the ears. He should look into voice work. 😊

I think lonely people just need someone to be their friend and be there to support them. Nobody deserves to be a Hikikomori.

Incidentally the amount of female hikikomori are about the same as men. But it's viewed as positive in Japan for women to want to stay home, and not really a problem....

Kenta has a good voice for voice acting.

I am becoming like that. I lived in 2 countries thai weren't democracies. People in democracies have no empathy nor basic respect. Narcissism is everywhere.

I see these kind of people everywhere in this part of the world. I wont lie. I dont feel like going out either. There is nothing out there for me but evil and misery. I go out when i need to to get food and get some things done but other than that i stay at home. The world is not a nice place to live.

Coronavirus has made us all hikikomoris

Great stuff but the iPhone borders in some shots are just horrid.

I'm 24. I feel like completely failure person. In India it's hard to live like that. Wish I could have normal life like everybody else. This loneliness is killing me.

They are doing an amazing job