Hikikomori

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In a late-maturing era, refusal to learn and hikikomori symbolize this time. Dr. Tamaki Saito, a prominent figure in Japan studying social withdrawal, recognized the hikikomori phenomenon as a serious social issue long before it became widespread. He views it not just as an epidemic or mental illness, but as a condition with structural social causes that necessitate family therapy. Dr. Saito defines "social withdrawal" as young people under thirty who remain homebound and disconnected from society for over six months, primarily not due to other mental illnesses. He introduces the "social withdrawal system" theory, suggesting this phenomenon stems from a lack of connections among individuals, families, and society, leading to isolation. To address this, he emphasizes the need for parental involvement in treatment. Drawing from clinical experience, he outlines a process that includes breaking parent-child co-dependency and facilitating reintegration into society. He identifies Japan's endurance culture, rigid gender roles, and educational shortcomings as contributing social factors, advocating for collective efforts to treat and prevent hikikomori. The concerns regarding young people's late maturation and refusal to learn resonate with contemporary Taiwanese society. While hikikomori can be viewed as an extreme state of freedom, it often results in struggles and pain. If this era is termed the "era of adolescence," then "soci